How To Choose The Right SPF For Your Skin Type
The sun has finally got it’s hat on – but before you go outside to play, you have some covering up to do. The sun’s rays can be very harmful to your skin. The twin danger of UVA and UVB rays cause damage to the body which may lead to skin cancer and other serious complications later on. The sun is also known to be a key culprit in the degradation of collagen in the skin, which causes premature ageing.
Fight this by applying SPF protection daily (UV rays can penetrate clouds, so you really should apply it daily!), and making sure that you’re well covered up, hydrated and that you avoid the sun at the hottest part of the day.
Whether you have sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin or skin that needs a little help with fighting ageing, we’ve put together some handy information and some product suggestions to make sure that you enjoy the sun safely…
SPF For Your Skin Type
Sensitive skin
It can be a nightmare trying to find products that will respect the sensitivity of ultra reactive skin. Choosing appropriate SPF protection is particularly difficult, as the formulas can be thick and laden with many different ingredients.
If you have sensitive skin, the Ultrasun Extreme Very High Protection SPF 50 is a fantastic choice for sun protection. This once-a-day mineral filter sunscreen is designed specifically for very fair skin and sun allergies, absorbing 95% of UVA rays and providing robust defence against UVB rays. With its unique lamellar technology, it binds to your skin for up to eight hours, offering a lightweight, non-greasy feel that you'll hardly notice. Plus, it helps reduce the risk of sun allergies and prickly heat, making it perfect for the whole family.
Dry skin
When it comes to selecting appropriate skincare for dry skin, SPF protection is often the last thing on your mind – you’re probably more concerned with the texture and nourishment that your cream is going to offer you. Those with dry skin may need to pay more attention than most to the ageing effects of UV rays, as their skin already has a depleted lipid count, which leads to fine lines. The Avene Hydrance UV Light Hydrating Emulsion SPF30 is perfect for dry skin, providing 24-hour hydration while protecting against UV rays. Its lightweight, non-sticky formula soothes and softens the skin, thanks to the cohederm complex and Avene’s Thermal Spring Water, ensuring a plump and comfortable complexion throughout the day.
If you suffer from dry lips, then you’ll need a formula that won’t just add a layer of shine to your lips, but will actually tackle the source of the dryness for long-lasting protection.
Oily Skin
Formulas with an SPF in them tend to have a slightly greasier consistency, which isn’t ideal for those with oily skin. It’s easier than ever to find sunscreens specifically formulated to combat this, however, with plenty of products now catered to caring for oily skin in the sun.
The Vichy Capital Soleil UV Clear Mattifying Sun Protection SPF 50+ is ideal for oily skin due to its lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that controls shine for 12 hours. It offers high UVA and UVB protection while incorporating skincare ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid, helping to prevent breakouts without leaving a white cast. Its breathable finish ensures comfort throughout the day.
Ageing Skin
Adequate sun protection is a big concern for those looking to preserve the quality of their skin, particularly those who are of an age where wrinkles and fine lines are becoming an issue. Using an SPF is only half of the battle – opt for products that aim to firm, tone and plump the skin, with some added antioxidant protection thrown in for good measure. An excellent option is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50, which offers high sun protection while addressing signs of ageing and providing hydration.
It’s not just the complexion that needs protecting from the sun – the hands are among the first places to show the effects of ageing. Dark spots, wrinkles and sallow skin are big concerns, the effects of which can be stalled with a good quality hand cream like the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Age Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF30. It provides SPF30 to guard against UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent age spots while actively targeting existing damage. With hydrating hyaluronic acid and thiamidol to reduce dark spots, this dermatologically-tested cream offers 24-hour hydration, making your hands look and feel younger and more elastic.
