July 14th, 2022
With the summer definitely here, sunscreen should be at the top of everyone’s must have skin care product list. However, there are so many on the market that it can be more than a little confusing.
We asked Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, skincare expert, advanced Cosmetic Doctor and Founder of the award-winning Adonia Medical Clinic, for her view on which products give the most protection and how often sunscreen should be applied. Here’s what she said.
Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme
What should we be looking for in a sun cream?
Although any sun cream is undoubtedly better than none, some are better than others. The most important thing to keep an eye out for when shopping for sun protection is for physical and mineral-based chemical sun creams. A physical sun cream will contain zinc and titanium, so be sure to keep an eye out for these ingredients on the back of the bottle.
What level of protection should I be using?
Everyday sun cream for your face should be at least factor 50.
When should I be wearing sun cream?
No matter what day of the year, you should be wearing sun cream on areas of the skin which are exposed – so your face, neck and hands for most people. UVA rays penetrate clouds, mist, fog, rain – you name it – so 365 days of the year sun cream should be in your routine. When it comes to the sunnier months, it’s important to wear sun cream on all areas which aren’t covered by clothes. So when you’re on the beach [finally!] be sure to apply all over.
With that in mind, we round up daily moisturisers that include SPF50, making it much easier to include an effective level of sun protection into your daily routine.
Saltee SPF50 Daily Protection Formula 50ml (£32) is suncare as skincare with UVA, UVB and infrared radiation protection – light enough for daily wear when you’re still dreaming of your next trip and strong enough to protect in the sun. It can also be used as a skin primer with or without make-up for a glowing, summer, scandi- sheen. Formulated with venuceane, a sea based algae which delivers natural photo-adaptive protection, as well as UV and IR protection, avocado oil packed with vitamin E to revitalise and replenish, Nordic pine bark to help combat and prevent hyper-pigmentation and fine lines and neroli oil to help boost the natural regeneratin of skin cells. Available from saltee.
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 50 (£15) is a hydrating, lightweight lotion that provides a new level of broad-spectrum SPF protection, paired with three essential ceramides to help restore and maintain skin barrier integrity against daily damaging UVA and UVB rays. Formulated with niacinamide and vitamin E to soothe the skin, and pollution particle protection to protect against skin damage from city pollutants. Suitable for all skin types and tones, available from boots.
Science of Skin SOS SPF 50 (from £5) is a mineral based suncream that uses an ultra-sheer form of zinc oxide for protection from UVA/UVB and blue light. It also contains antioxidant vitamin E to help fight free-radical skin damage and is a natural anti-inflammatory that soothes and calms the skin. Active ingredients of soy bean stem cell help to reduce wrinkles and increase skin’s firmness, combined with vitamin E to fight free radicals on the skin. Avaialble from sosskin.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | PA++++(£62) as well as protecting from UVA and UVB, Murad’s ultra-light, 100% mineral daily sunscreen protects from blue light too. The formula absorbs quickly helping to colour correct and even tone with no ashy residue, leaving a luminous, pearlised finish on the skin. Safe for sensitive skin, fragrance free, and delivers 100% mineral protection—no chemical sunscreens so ocean and reef safe. Available from murad.
Saltee City Serum SPF50 (£38) An indulgent SPF 50 serum for daily life unlike any other on the market and the lightest ever SPF 50. Perfect as a base under makeup or worn on its own for a sheer fresh-faced radiance, City Serum SPF+ absorbs immediately yet provides SPF 50 UVA and UVB protection. Formulated with black ginger extract to counteract photo-damage and provide pro-ageing benefits, boosting the regeneration of skin cells, venuceane sourced from the depths of the Caribbean Ocean to hydrate the skin and provide natural photo-adaptive protection, Nordic pine bark to combat and prevent hyper-pigmentation caused by sun damage; and Panthenol to aid skin hydration, elasticity and smooth the appearance of fine lines. Available from saltee.
And what about after the sun goes down?
Despite best intentions, there may be times when you find you’ve spent a bit too long in the sun, and end up red and glowing. Ensure you soothe the burn and relieve any pain. A cold shower is ideal, but failing that try a cold wet flannel or ice. Be sure to apply plenty of aftersun, particularly overnight.
Lotions containing aloe vera work the best for pain relief and soothing the skin as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Or alternatively, you can always opt for pure Aloe Vera gel, if preferred. This should help to prevent or soothe any blistering that may occur.
Ensure you keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of cold water, regularly. If your sunburn is painful take over-the-counter pain relief medication. Once you start peeling, make sure you don’t pick it or exfoliate as this can lead to pain or infection. If you go back out in the sun, keep the burnt and peeling areas covered and wear at least factor 50 sunscreen.
Nada Ward
Nada Ward, Founder of BeautyKin says “This is important as your skin is more prone to UV damage from the sun for several weeks after suffering a burn. We all want to get back out in the sun and top up that tan, but we also must consider the potential long-term damage that the sun can do to our skin if we don’t take due care.”
SBC Skincare Aloe Vera Moisturising Gel (from £5.20) can be applied to the body and face to instantly calm irritated skin. Its lightweight formula absorbs instantly into the skin leaving it refreshed and hydrated. Replenishing moisture this gel is infused into this refreshing green gel to help soften and soothe chapped, irritated, moisture-starved skin whilst providing instant cooling relief. Available from sbcskincare.
CosmoSun Aftersun Moisturiser with Soothing Cucumber & Aloe (£14.99) This replenishing formula is ideal after sun exposure or anytime you need extra hydration. Utilising the deeply nourishing natural ingredients sea salt, coconut oil, and cucumber in an aloe vera based crème designed for results you can see and feel. Peppermint extract provides skin soothing and healing properties while fighting skin inflammation and red tones. Perfect as a daily moisturiser. Available from jk-skincare.
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