Everybody's Talking About Ultrasun Sun Protection
You’ve probably been hearing a bit of buzz around the Swiss sun protection brand Ultrasun of late. But if you’ve caught the tail end of the hype but you’re not quite sure what Ultrasun is or what’s so special about it, settle yourself in; I’m here to tell you why you need to take note of this new generation of sun protection, because it could change the way that you look after your skin this summer.
If you have heard about Ultrasun before, you’ll know that it’s suitable for even the most sensitive of skin; its streamlined formulas are free from emulsifiers, perfume and preservatives, so the risk of allergy is greatly reduced. It can truly be used by everyone, from tots to grandma!
Another big reason people love Ultrasun so much is all down to its most famous claim: you only need to apply it once a day. Intriguing, but how true is that?
Well, according to the brand, it’s all down to unique encapsulation technology that places sun filters into little liposome jackets that don’t just sit on top of skin, they’re actually absorbed into the skin cell itself (but don’t worry, it always stays in the uppermost layers of the skin and won’t be absorbed into the body). This ensures that the protection you receive is photostable, water resistant and long-lasting, and it won’t break down during its 8-10 hour wear time.
After this time, the protection is naturally released from the skin, no scrubbing or rubbing required.
When do I apply?
Apply to clean and dry skin at least 30 minutes before sun exposure – if you apply it in the sun, it may evaporate before it has time to bond with the skin. For the face, apply Ultrasun after cleansing, and then follow with your usual moisturiser and makeup.
How much do I apply?
Apply liberally! You’ll need a minimum of six teaspoons’ worth to cover the entire body – one for the face, one for each arm and each leg, then one for the front of your body, and one for the back.
The Products To Try
#1 The City Girl’s Sun Protection
Ultrasun Brightening, Anti-Spot and Anti-Pollution Face Fluid SPF50+
We all know that we should be using sun protection on a daily basis, but it’s rare to find a formula that you actually want to wear. That’s why the brand new Brightening, Anti-Spot and Anti-Pollution Face Fluid SPF50+ is so good.
The texture of this daily-use protector is a revelation; it feels almost like water and disappears into the skin without a trace. As it’s so lightweight and comfortable, the Face Fluid will fit seamlessly into your routine as a first step before moisturising and makeup, working to keep skin shielded with a UVA filter of 95% (far more than the EU standard of 33%) and a UVB filter of 50+.
And the formula doesn’t just stop at excellent sun protection. As an added benefit for those concerned by photo-pigmentation and the dulling effects of pollution, the Ultrasun Face Fluid also contains Illumiscin®, a stabilised form of vitamin C, and Pollustop®, a second skin veil of protection that prevents damage from environmental aggressors. In other words, it’s your complete solution to the effects of city life on skin!
Texture: Milky/watery fluid
UVA Absorbance: 95%
Good to know: Ideal for all skin types including sensitive. Vegan, water resistant, free from perfume, mineral oils, PEG/PPG, emulsifiers, silicones, preservatives, octocrylene and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
#2 The One for Ultra-Sensitive Skin
Texture: Light cream
UVA Absorbance: 95%
The bestselling sun protection in the Ultrasun collection is Extreme SPF 50+, a brilliantly effective cream that the entire family can use both at home and abroad. Its gentle formula is kind to even the most sensitive of skin and it absorbs rapidly with an invisible finish, making it especially good for babies and children (although they should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible!).
The reason this sun cream is so beloved is because it’s suits-all, fuss-free and so effective in giving vulnerable skin the maximum protection it needs in the sun. You can rely upon Extreme to do the job, even in the most intense climates.
Texture: Light cream
UVA Absorbance: 95%
Good to know: Suitable for babies and those with ultra sensitive skin. Vegan, water resistant, free from perfume, mineral oils, PEG/PPG, emulsifiers, silicones, preservatives, octocrylene and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
#3 Targeted Care for Fragile Areas
Ultrasun Ultra Lip Protection SPF30
It’s all too easy to forget about your lips when you’re in the sun, but this hero of a product makes protection a breeze. The Ultrasun Ultra Lip Protection SPF30 is a pocked-sized gem that shields skin from the sun, the cold and the wind, which makes it especially suited to those with an active lifestyle, although absolutely anyone can use this handy stick. It’s created with a blend of plant oils, which keep everything nice and supple, and it glides onto skin with a truly invisible finish. If only all lip balms could feel this good!
Don’t just reserve this one for your lips; use this to top up the protection on your nose, the top of your ears and anywhere else that’s particularly vulnerable to the sun and needs targeted care.
Texture: Soft and non-sticky balm
Good to know: Free from perfume, emulsifiers, preservatives, octocrylene, avobenzone, artificial colours and aluminium compounds, temperature-stable
#4 The One To Kickstart a Tan
Ultrasun Body Tan Activating High Sun Protection SPF30
Tanning is a tricky business; the sun is no joke, so lowering your SPF to an insufficient level so that you can build your tan is a BIG no-no. But, for many of you, tanning is an essential part of your summer. So what do you do?
In their quest to make sunbathers spend less time baking under the sun, Ultrasun created the Body Tan Activating High Sun Protection, a clever product that maintains a high level of protection against UVA and UVB rays whilst activating the production of melanin with Bronzyl™, a natural tan enhancer. It’s actually the first time that tan activating ingredients have been successfully formulated with a high level of UVA and UVB filters into a broad spectrum formula! This means that your tan reveals itself up to 40% more quickly over the course of 10 days, so you can reduce the time that you spend in the sun.
Nothing will be as safe as shielding your skin completely from the sun, but if you have your heart set on a summer tan, the Body Tan Activator is a brilliant sidekick. It’s also available for the face here.
Texture: Light Cream
UVA Absorbance: 90%
Good to know: Ideal for all skin types including sensitive. Vegan, water resistant, free from perfume, mineral oils, PEG/PPG, emulsifiers, silicones, preservatives, octocrylene and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, aluminium compounds
#5 The Instant Glow
Ultrasun Glimmer Shimmering Sun Protection SPF30
Texture: Light cream
UVA Absorbance: 90%
It can be a little daunting to get your limbs out on the very first day of your holiday, but Ultrasun has a twinkling trick up its sleeve for those who need a little lift. The Ultrasun Glimmer Shimmering Sun Protection is an instant poolside confidence boost, boasting a high level of sun protection infused with a pearlescent sheen that instantly makes limbs look sculpted and glowing (and has the added benefit of deflecting the sun’s rays to offer skin even more protection!).
Also available in SPF 50+, the Glimmer Shimmering Sun Protection will offer the same high level of care that you’ve come to depend on from Ultrasun, but with a touch of a golden glow that looks incredible in the sunshine.
Texture: Light cream
UVA Absorbance: 90%
Good to know: Ideal for all skin types including sensitive. Vegan, water resistant, free from perfume, mineral oils, PEG/PPG, emulsifiers, silicones, preservatives, octocrylene and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, aluminium compounds