Best SPF for faces UK: SPF50 protection, moisturising sunblock, the perfect SPF primer and lip balm
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UVA, UVB, SPF; sometimes sun protection can feel like an acronym minefield. However, one thing that is clear is that over-exposure to the sun can have long lasting implications on our skin; from accelerating the development of wrinkles to increasing the risk of developing skin cancers.
Thankfully, SPF products have evolved from those that resembled white paint, which were sticky or greasy on the skin, took too long to absorb and left you looking ghostly pale. Now SPF protection is weaved seamlessly into high performance skincare, making it easier than ever to include vital protection into your daily skincare routine.
What does SPF, UVA and UVB mean?
If you are unsure of where to start when it comes to daily SPF protection, here is what you need to consider. You need to be looking for a product which protects against both UVA (sun rays which are always present) and UVB (sun rays which are responsible for burning).
You also need to be taking note of the level of SPF within your product. The number of SPF indicates the amount of time longer you can stay in the sun before burning takes effect. For instance, if you typically burn after 10 minutes in direct sunlight, wearing an SPF15 product will protect you for 15 times longer than that.
Finding the right daily facial SPF product not only depends on your skin type, but it also depends on what else you want the product to achieve.
Whether it’s providing hydration, sensitivity care or even make-up coverage, there is an SPF product for you.
Best for sensitive skin
Protection: SPF50+
If your skin is sensitive, high level SPF protection can be your worst nightmare, causing breakouts, rashes and discomfort. Enter La Roche Posay’s Anthelios Hydrating Cream.
With its high level of SPF, you can feel confident you are fully protected against harmful sun rays, yet this lightweight moisturiser is incredibly gentle to skin.
La Roche Posay uses limited chemicals within its formulas and ensures all products are hypoallergenic, making it mild and kind on application.
We loved that although this cream was super hydrating, leaving our complexion plump and radiant, it was absorbed very quickly and didn’t leave a greasy residue.
Best for moisturisation
Protection: SPF50
If you tend to spend your mornings dashing about, you need an SPF which is combined with an existing part of your skincare routine. The Daily Essential Moisturiser from Alpha H is a premium face moisturiser first, sun damage protector second.
Enriched with moisture-trapping Vitamin E and aloe vera, this moisturiser keeps your skin super hydrated, while providing a matte finish to leave skin perfectly prepped for the day.
We enjoyed the almost whipped texture of this moisturiser, that was light to the touch, but packed a punch when injecting moisture to our skin.
Best for makeup coverage
Protection: SPF30
Another great time saving product, the Complexion Rescue from Bare Minerals seems to have it all.
This hydrating tinted moisturiser includes SPF30, providing subtle coverage to even skin tone and cover blemishes whilst protecting your skin.
With 20 shades, you will be able to find a tone which provides a flawless finish.
We loved the blendability of this product, as well as the fact we could build the coverage if we wished, without the product sitting awkwardly on top of our skin.
Best for city dwellers
Protection: SPF50+
The Kiehl’s Daily Ultra Light Defense offers super high SPF protection as well as fighting the early signs of anti-aging with its antioxidant-rich formula.
However, the super power of this product is that it also protects against pollution, forming an impenetrable barrier against fumes and poor air quality, which can cause breakouts and skin dullness.
We loved the consistency of this formula, which was creamy enough to add deep moisturisation to our complexion, but light enough to absorb quickly into skin and form a solid base for our daily skin routine.
Best for high level protection