The best SPFs to wear everyday, according to a beauty editor
It’s official – sun protection is IN! And, if you’re somebody who only wears sun protection when you’re jet-setting away to sunnier climes, you might need to rethink your approach to SPF.
Sun cream should be a staple in your beauty routine all year round, for a whole range of reasons. If you need a nudge in the right direction to get you started, our beauty editor is here to reveal the must-have SPFs you should be using for all-year, broad-spectrum protection, PLUS exactly why you should be applying it every day in the first place…
Why do I need to wear SPF?
As told by dermatologists and beauty experts alike, SPF helps to protect our skin from harmful UV rays – including UVA (longer wavelengths that go beneath the skin’s surface, and are believed to accelerate ageing), and UVB (shorter waves known to cause skin to burn, and therefore increase the risk of skin cancer).
Investing in a reliable SPF can help to prevent premature ageing while warding off harmful rays that may cause a whole host damage, including dark spots and hyperpigmentation, sun burn, skin cancer, and more. It’s truly a no-brainer in the beautysphere!
Do I only need to wear SPF when it’s sunny?
What if we told you that UV rays aren’t only damaging when the sun shines warm and bright? In fact, UVA and UVB are prevalent all year round – and yes, we mean even in the midst of the Baltic British winter.
What’s more? Don’t get too complacent on your next skiing holiday – snow can actually reflect UV rays back up at your skin, causing under-the-surface damage you might not be able to see. With this in mind, SPF should be worn every day, come rain or shine, but especially in summer when UV is at its peak.
Which SPFs should I buy for the best protection?
So, it turns out sun damage is a lot more complex than we first thought. But it’s not all doom and gloom – as shielding skin from sun damage is much easier than it sounds!
Kickstart your sun-safe journey and look for a broad-spectrum SPF30 or SPF50 to ensure enough protection for your complexion. Ideally, it’s best to find a formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays – you’ll need to look for the PA+ sign on your SPF bottle to make sure you’re covered for UVA protection!
Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours too – or even sooner if you’re going swimming or prone to sweating! Anything lower than SPF30 likely won’t give your skin the protection it deserves, so bear this in mind when you’re browsing for your new favourite sun block.
Our beauty editor’s favourite SPFs:
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50
It’s best to choose an SPF that does it all – and we recommend Kiehl’s SPF50 for exactly that. Equipped with broad-spectrum PA++++ and pollution protection, the non-comedogenic formula wards off harmful sunrays, environmental aggressors, and early signs of ageing while providing all-day hydration. There are two different formulas too - oily skin types, opt for the Aqua Gel type instead!
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad-Spectrum SPF30
A vitamin C-powered SPF30 to brighten up your everyday protection? Sign us up! The skin-shielding, PA+++ formula defends against environmental aggressors and sun damage, plus delivers instant revitalising and hydration benefits on top.
Lancôme UV Expert Supra Screen SPF50
Fast-absorbing, barely detectable and invisible on all skin tones, this serum-textured SPF combines an optimised level of hydrophilic filters to provide very high protection against UVA/UVB rays and pollution. What’s more? It’s topped with 3% niacinamide, 1% vitamin E, and 3% green tech dandelion to help protect against signs of photo-ageing – and is suitable for all skin types (including oily and sensitive!).
Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF50
Maintain youthful-looking skin for longer with Prevage City Smart SPF50. This one’s great for those who are no stranger to the hustle and bustle of urban lifestyles, working to offset the negative effects of pollution in the skin, thanks to an invisible skin shield, DNA Enzyme complex, and a blend of antioxidants. The sun cream also protects against 98% of harmful UVB rays.
Lancaster Sun Beauty Face Cream SPF30
Targeting 100% of the sun spectrum, Lancaster is the SPF powerhouse brand that knows a thing or two about defending skin against sun damage. This SPF30 for face is perfect for everyday use, featuring a vegan, ocean-friendly formula that’s ultra-lightweight on the skin while working to repair skin compromised by sun-induced damage. Apply everyday for best results!