9 of the best face sunscreens to wear this summer
There was a time when finding the best SPFs was akin to a game of Russian roulette; would it be greasy and thick? Would it be uncomfortable to wear? Would it deposit an unsightly white cast, leaving you looking like an extra from a B-movie horror film set?
Yes was often the answer to all of the above. But thankfully, that isn’t the case anymore. There really are excellent suit-all options available. So, what should we know before we buy? Firstly, decide what kind of SPF you want. Mineral or physical sunscreens act as a literal sunblock, using zinc or titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays before they penetrate the skin. Some with sensitive skin might prefer them. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens tend to be more lightweight and work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into non-damaging heat.
Every product in this edit of the best facial sunscreens is formulated with broad-spectrum protection to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. They’re all SPF 30 (which guards against 97 per cent of UVB rays) or SPF 50 (which protects around 98 per cent.) When the SPF drops below this, there is a definite decrease in protection – SPF 15 is around 93 per cent, for example, which is why most dermatologists recommend you always opt for 30 and above. You’ll need to reapply your sunscreen every few hours to keep the efficacy at this level – and a small reminder, unprotected sun exposure can result in sun spots and accelerated ageing, sure. But at the more dangerous end. there can be an increased risk of skin cancer.
If you’re yet to find the SPF of your dreams, just keep reading…