A Beginner’s Guide to SPF SkincareSun, Skincare and SPF.
A Beginner's Guide to SPF Skincare
What is SPF?
Put simply, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measurement of the level of protection a sunscreen provides your skin against harmful UV rays. Although at times it may be hard to believe, UV rays are always present, even on the gloomiest of days.
Protecting your skin against both UVA and UVB rays is essential as they can cause brown spots, fine lines, ageing and potentially skin cancer.
Incorporating an SPF moisturiser or sunscreen as part of your daily beauty routine will ensure skin will look and stay healthy and our guide explores all the best type of SPF skincare.
From luxury sunscreens and sun creams to dreamy, tinted moisturisers, there’s something for everyone across our all-encompassing SPF skincare collection.
Should I Wear SPF Everyday?
Whilst it’s tempting to reserve your SPF strictly for the summer months, it is essential to protect your skin against UV rays every day of the year. Whether you’re in the tropics or braving the elements on home ground, applying a minimum of SPF 15 or SPF 30 for daily wear is recommended.
A common deterrent for not applying SPF is the revealing white cast it can leave on your skin. Thankfully, there is an incredible selection of creams, tinted moisturisers, lotions and serums, which offer clear coverage, so there’s no excuse for not including an SPF in your skincare regime.
Aside from creams and lotions, SPF super serums and booster drops can also help defend skin from harmful pollutants and UV rays. By adding them to your moisturiser or foundation, you can provide your skin with much-needed sun protection with ease.
We recommend Dr Barbara Sturm’s Sun Drops, an innovative light-textured SPF 50 serum which provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning the handy drops can counteract the impact of both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF Shouldn't Be Reserved for the Summer Months
SPF Moisturisers For All Skin Types
Moisturisers with SPF give your skin the best of both worlds: supplying the hydration and nourishment of a moisturiser and the SPF protection of a sunscreen.
Give yourself peace of mind with a cream that offers 24-hour protection, such as Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF30, which is ideal for normal skin types and leaves skin supple throughout the day.
The enriched formula features marine-derived glacial glycoprotein, so not only will your skin look sun-kissed, but sea-kissed too.
If you’re aiming to even out your complexion, Chanel’s Super Active Complete Correction SPF50 CC Cream is a beauty cream wonder product that ticks box after box. Your skin will glow all day with this beauty goodie that features colour-correcting properties, moisturising benefits and sun protection.
Avoid clogged pores with a non-comedogenic SPF moisturiser like Fenty Skin’s Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF30. A fantastic sunscreen alternative for oily skin that Rihanna can’t live without, and neither can we. With a subtle pink tint, this miracle cream does what is says on the tin and applies invisibly (aka no chalkiness) and brightens your skin whilst protecting it against UV rays, too, of course.
Treat Your Skin to the Best of Both Worlds
Add A Drop of Colour with SPF Tinted Moisturisers
SPF tinted moisturisers: the dream combination of skincare and cosmetics. With the hydrating boost of a moisturising cream, the hint of colour of a foundation, and the added benefit of sun protection, SPF tinted moisturisers are the ultimate choice for a natural, effortless look.
Lighter than a foundation yet still providing coverage, they are ideal for ‘no make-up’ looks and a quick pick-me-up, giving your skin a bright glow.
With all the biggest names in beauty NARS, Laura Mercier and La Mer housing star-studded collections of tinted moisturisers with built-in SPF, there truly is a product for every complexion.
Apply following your regular moisturiser and as an alternative to a foundation to achieve an airbrushed base. A versatile cosmetic product that can be applied using fingertips, with a little going a long way…
The Go-To Choice for a Natural & Effortless Look
How Can I Protect My Skin On Holiday?
Once you’ve packed your passport for your sunny getaway, an effective sun cream or sunscreen should be next on your holiday checklist. When you’ve reached your dream destination, be sure to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply at least every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming.
Using a specific sunscreen for your face, and another for your body means you can cater your sun cream to any existing skincare concerns. Opt for oil-free sun defence creams, such as Dr Dennis Gross’ Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30, expertly designed to blend into all skin tones and prevent ageing and fine lines.
For all-day protection and a fuss-free application, Dr Russo’s Once A Day Sun Protective Moisturizer diffuses seamlessly into your skin, leaving skin with a plump and dewy finish.
Cater Your Sun Cream to Your Skincare Concerns
Apply following your regular moisturiser and as an alternative to a foundation to achieve an airbrushed base. A versatile cosmetic product that can be applied using fingertips, with a little going a long way…
Searching for more skincare tips? Check out our Beauty School: Hyaluronic Acid guide for more inspiration.