Summer sun means ultraviolet rays, and though this may be fabulously easy for our wardrobes, it’s less good news for our skin. To protect your largest body organ, here are some of the best sunscreens on the market.
UVA versus UVB: What’s the difference?
UVA and UVB are different types of ultraviolet rays from the sun: UVA penetrates the skin to a deeper level, and is said to play the biggest part in skin ageing, wrinkles and discolouration. UVB affects skin on a more superficial level, and is the key cause of tanning, sunburn and redness. That’s why it’s important to choose a sunscreen that provides full-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Nivea Sun Protect and Refresh with SPF 50
This water-resistant, transparent spray mist is ultra-easy to apply and its high SPF gives optimal protection. As with all sunscreens, make sure you let it settle into the skin for a few minutes before going out into the sun.
Daylong SPF 50 PA++++ Face & Body Gel
This oil-free sunscreen gel – from the dermatological company that makes the Cetaphil skin range – is ideal for both sensitive and oily skins, and boasts medical-grade protection properties against UVA and UVB rays.
Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF 100
This unscented lotion both hydrates and mattifies the skin, and it also contains a patented ingredient to protect cells against UV damage. For those who wear a daily SPF (and let’s face it, we all should) this would work well underneath makeup because of its no-shine finish.
Aesop Protective Body Lotion SPF 50
The first SPF body product from Aesop, this offers the perfect balance of protection – it provides up to four hours of water-resistant protection and is suitable for most skin types, and formula – lightweight and easily absorbed. What’s more, it has a lovely fragrance of spearmint and lemon.
Algovital White Sun Protection Cream SPF 50 PA+++ (Available from Amazon.com)
This sunscreen from Korean beauty brand Algovital is easily absorbed and, despite the “white” in the name, doesn’t leave any pale or greasy residue on the skin. In fact, it provides a great base for makeup, and is paraben-free and non-comedogenic.
Lancaster SPF50 PA+++ Sun Control for Sensitive Skin
This oil-free and ultra-light cream just melts into the skin, while keeping your face hydrated and comfortable. Its clever formula contains active ingredients to help control melanin production, preventing dark spots, while components such as Bisabolol and D Panthenol work to minimise your skin’s reaction to sun exposure.
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