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Sun protection, otherwise known as SPF, is an essential part of your skincare regime – and bodycare routine for that matter.
There is the assumption that SPF should only be worn in the summer and when in direct sunlight, but that’s not the case. In fact, we should wear sun protection all year round.
Speaking about its importance, Skin Expert and Co-Founder of Ella & Jo, Niamh Ryan, told us at Metro HQ: ‘SPF is so important as it helps protect the collagen and elastin you already have. UVA rays can break down the bonds of the building blocks in your skin, which give it its tone and bounce. Using UVA protection essentially helps maintain what you already have and helps stop the accelerated ageing process that UVA causes.’
While the Skin and Wellness expert at Spa Ceylon, Shenuka Fernando, added: ‘SPF helps prevent hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone caused by UV-induced melanin production. It protects the skin’s natural barrier function, preventing moisture loss, dehydration, and potential damage to skin cells.’
In recent times we have seen a rise in sun protection with UVA and UVB protection for specific areas of the body, such as under the eyes, the scalp, hair, and hands, as well as SPF for the face and body. But, do we need a dedicated SPF for all areas? The answer is quite simply, yes.
While you can apply your face SPF close to the under eye, some products we have tried can irritate those with sensitive eyes, or cause your eyes to water and remove the protective barrier.
Laura Porter, Facialist, Skincare Expert and Founder of FAB Skincare & Salons, explains: ‘Each area of the body has unique characteristics that make targeted sun protection important. The skin on the face is generally more delicate and exposed than other areas, and it may also be more prone to breakouts or sensitivity, which means it benefits from SPF formulas that are lightweight, non-comedogenic and designed specifically for facial use.’
There are a few specifics to look out for when shopping the best SPF for every inch of your body. Aside from a broad spectrum protection that protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays, which is typically SPF30, preferably SPF50, Laura suggests using an SPF that is ‘water resistant and has antioxidant protection can be beneficial for all areas, particularly during summer or periods of extended sun exposure.’ She adds: ‘Across all areas, the key is consistent reapplication, typically every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating.’
Without further ado, we have dived deeper into why we need specific sun protection, and recommendations to help you stay safe in the sun all summer long – and beyond.
The Best SPF To Shop Now
The Best SPF For Face
We all know SPF for the face is paramount, and is better for those with sensitive skin than using the same as on the body.
Laura Porter explains: ‘For the face, the best SPF is one that offers broad spectrum protection and is lightweight enough for daily wear, ideally with a non comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores, especially if you have oily or acne prone skin. Gel or fluid textures often work well for most skin types. The face should also be protected with SPF 50 ideally, particularly in the summer or when outdoors for long periods.’
HELIOCARE 360° Water Gel SPF50+
I have used this face SPF for years because it is lightweight, breathable and deeply protective. It doesn’t irritate my skin, but blends into my skin effortlessly without any white case.It offers a high-level and full spectrum protection, while also protecting against infrared rays. With SPF50+, PA++++ and Fernblock, it is a potent antioxidant to protect against free radical damage.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel UV Serum SPF 30
La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast B5 is my go-to moisturiser to hydrate my skin and repair the skin barrier.The Hyalu B5 Aquagel UV Serum SPF30 delivers similar benefits, as it features vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid which are deeply hydrating. It is also enriched with antioxidants to protect and heal the skin, as well as broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and offers SPF30.
Allies of Skin THE ONE SPF 50 Invisible Sunscreen Gel
Described as a ‘multi-hyphenated product’ as this sunscreen gel has been formulated with brightening vitamin C, soothing green tea, as well as broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The Sunscreen Gel offers SPF50, is lightweight, breathable, non-stick and easy to apply without any whitecast.
The Best SPF For Eyes
The under eye is delicate, and can be sensitive, which is why Laura stresses applying a delicate SPF designed specifically for this area is key.
She explains: ‘The under eye area has the thinnest skin on the face and is particularly sensitive, so it requires a gentle sunscreen that won’t cause irritation or migrate into the eyes. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free products that have been formulated specifically for sensitive skin. The under-eye area benefits from the highest level of protection due to the skin’s thinness and vulnerability to damage, so using an SPF 50 is strongly recommended.’
Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes Eye Cream SPF50
Hello Sunday has been championing to cut the VAT on SPF for the last few years, hence why it is a trusted source we turn to for sun protection. It blends biomimetic peptides with hydrolysed proteins, collagen, oatmeal prebiotics with mineral and antioxidant filters to hydrate, nourish and protect the eye area. Suitable for all skin types.
Supergoop! Bright-Eyed SPF 40
We’re a fan of Supergoop!’s Glowscreen SPF40 tinted serum, as well as the Bright-Eyed SPF40, which is specifically designed to apply on the under eye area. The non-nano Zinc Oxide eye cream provides SPF 40 to prevent UV damage, hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing.It also protects against sun damage and the impact of blue light on the skin.It is free from parabens, as well as fragrance.
Ultrasun SPF30 Eye Protection
Formulated with GSP-T and Q10, which work to protect from free radical damage, as well as vitamin C and E that aim to brighten and strengthen the skin. Myralys is a key ingredient that works to support and plump the eye contours for a rejuvenated look. But it is also lightweight, provides UV protection as it delivers a factor 50 barrier on the sensitive area.
The Best SPF For Scalp And Hair
There can be confusion over which products are best to protect the scalp and hair from UV protection, and if a dedicated SPF is better than a mere protective spray.
Laura weighed in: ‘The scalp, especially in individuals with thinning or fine hair, is highly vulnerable to sunburn, but difficult to protect using standard cream based sunscreens. On the scalp, lightweight sprays or powders with SPF are easiest to apply and less likely to weigh down the hair or leave a greasy residue. The scalp requires at least SPF 30, and using sprays or powders can make application easier without affecting your hairstyle.’
But the hair protection may vary, as Laura shared: ‘It can benefit from UV protection to prevent damage and colour fading, especially in those with treated or sun sensitive hair. While the hair itself doesn’t burn, it can suffer from sun-induced dryness and colour fading, so using UV-protective sprays or leave-in treatments can help protect strands from sun damage, particularly for coloured or chemically treated hair.’
Sundaze Sea Spray
This multifunctional hair product not only protects the scalp and hair from UV rays, while also hydrating the hair. The Sundaze Sea Spray also functions as a texturising spray, which makes this ideal for beach and pool days on holiday.The inclusion of Pro Vitamin B5, castor oil and sunflower seed extract also help to condition the tresses after being fried in the sun on holiday.
Ultrasun SPF50 UV Face & Scalp Mist
I love this spray as it is easy to use to top up the sun protection on the face, scalp or body. This lightweight spray offers UVA and UVB protection, as well as InfraGuard, which is an antioxidant component to combat signs of ageing, while also protecting against blue light, infrared and harmful UVA and UVB rays. The spray is easy to use, transparent and quick drying, yet doesn’t leave your hair greasy when applied along the hairline.
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer
While it is described as a protective primer to apply before styling your locks, it has other benefits too. The spray helps to detangle any knots, tame any frizz and flyaways, protect against heat damage from styling tools, as well as UV rays. It is easy to use, and pairs nicely when used alongside other SPF hair products.
The Best SPF For Hands
It’s understandable why some wouldn’t think to apply an SPF directly to their hands, and merely rub the remnants from their face or body sun cream on their hands.
However, as the area is often exposed to the sun, and is a telltale sign of anti-ageing, it is essential to protect them as best we can.
Laura shared: ‘The hands are exposed daily and often washed multiple times, so they need a more resilient SPF that provides hydration while withstanding frequent contact with water. For the hands, a rich cream based SPF is ideal, offering both high protection and hydration to counteract dryness caused by frequent washing. Also look for a sunscreen that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, to combat dryness throughout the day. For the hands, SPF 30 to 50 is ideal, with reapplication throughout the day to maintain effectiveness.’
Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40
The eco-conscious shopper will appreciate Supergoop’s Handscreen as it claims to be reef-safe. The formula contains sea buckthorn extract, argan and meadowfoam seed oil, which are deeply hydrating for dry and cracked hands. This factor 40 sun cream delivers UVA and UVB protection without leaving your hands greasy. It is cruelty-free, as well as free from parabens, fragrance and oxybenzone.
Hello Sunday The One For Your Hands Hand Cream SPF30
This affordable and lightweight SPF is perfect for those wanting a vegan SPF that will protect against UV damage right down to your fingertips. It delivers SPF30, but is also hydrating and soothing, which is due to the combination of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and jojoba oil. It promises to be a non-stick formula, which is essential when it comes to hand creams and hand SPF.
Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body & Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+
This two-in-one product is ideal to use all over the body as well as the hands, plus it functions as a beautiful body shimmer. The formula contains aloe vera, which soothes irritated skin after days in the sun, hydrating pentavitin, as well as antioxidant vitamin E to protect against free radicals. The SPF50+ is sheer when applied to the skin, but also water and sweat resistant, so it covers all bases.
Now you’ve got no excuse to get burnt wherever you are (or go) this year!
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