Much like remembering to water that one thirsty plant you always forget about, SPF is a part of your routine you’ll forever regret not doing before it’s potentially too late. Whilst SPF should be something you’re using on the regular (and by that, we mean daily people!), the quest to find the perfect skin-protecting companion naturally crops up during the warmer months of the year.
No matter your skin type, there are generally similar concerns when selecting your heatwave or golden hour essential, namely: will it be heavy on the skin? Will it break me out? Will my make-up look patchy on top? And whilst childhood nightmares of being smothered head to toe in any old thick and sticky sun cream have our pores screaming at the memory, there is thankfully a plethora of lightweight, matte, hydrating and invisible sunscreens now on the market to take the stress out of sun care! Go forth and conquer endless sunny soaked activities safe in the knowledge that your skin is thanking you for it.
Oily
If you’re used to powdering mid morning and go through setting spray like there’s no tomorrow, the thought of adding a heavy product to your base can be enough to scare you away from sun screen for good. But it doesn’t have to be this way! There are numerous budget to boujie brands out there now catering for us shiny guys and gals which are perfect to wear alone or under make-up. Look out for ingredients like Seaweed, Zinc, Caffeine, Rice Starch and anything that boasts sebum controlling benefits.
Dry
When you’re dealing with dry or flaky skin, the last thing you want is something coming in the way of you and your bestie (moisturiser), but thankfully an SPF can actually help in quenching your thirsty complexion. Striking the balance between non greasy and hydrating is a fine line, but brands like Elizabeth Arden and CeraVe have it nailed, curating the perfect ingredients to nourish skin whilst protecting it too. Vitamin C, Aloe and Hyaluronic Acid are key components to look out for here.
A formula free of fragrance is also something to consider when seeking to minimise irritation, as alcohol and essential oils can, in fact, make skin drier and redder. Mature complexions can also reap from the benefits of a hydrating sunscreen, making it a failsafe pick for anyone looking to slow the signs of ageing (although we personally adore the stories wrinkles and smile lines tell).
Normal
Those with a ‘normal’ complexion have the pick of the bunch in skincare, but there are still some helpful hints and tips for finding the perfect formula for you. Lightweight and non greasy are still buzz words worth looking out for, as any addition to your routine that claims to not disrupt the rest of your skincare is one to watch.
Without the need to target any specific skin complaints, a normal complexion means you have the pick of the bunch in finding a sunscreen soulmate that fits the bill! That said, UVA/UVB protection is a must, helping to ensure your skin is protected from discolouration, as well as daily aggressors like pollution.
Acne Prone
Adding a new SPF to your routine might feel like it’s not worth the aggro that troublesome skin might give you, but the right formula will only amplify the benefits of your existing skincare routine, not hinder them!
Problem skin-saving brands like Mario Badescu and La Roche-Posay have changed the game in bringing the best of skincare and sun protection together, meaning you don’t need to compromise on one or the other to nail your everyday base. Blemish-busting ingredients such as Niacinamide, Aloe, Rose Water and Vitamins C and E are ones to watch, and anything that claims to be fast-absorbing and texture redefining is great too!
Dark Skin Tones
No matter your ethnicity, SPF is essential for every one of us! With that in mind, selecting a product designed to work best on Black skin tones might just be the key to finding the product for you- especially those which claim to sit invisibly on the skin without the infamous white cast that heavier products can leave behind.
Black Girl Sunscreen by BLK + GRN is the holy grail of POC SPF, enriched with cocoa butter and carrot seed oil to keep skin moisturised and protected with no sticky residue left behind. Sun protection oils are also worth a try, allowing your natural skin colour to shine through and radiate golden hour energy all day long. You glow girl!
For The Body
And finally, protecting the sensitive areas that rarely see the light of day (we’re talking about you shoulders, ankles and stomach) is ultra important too when getting your dose of Vit D in the summer sun. Mists are a great and easy option for all over coverage, removing the fuss from application and also feeling super refreshing amongst the stickiness that comes with 25 degrees and over.
Whether you’re planning on a dip in the pool or simply know you’ll be sweating like a (very cute looking) pig, water-resistant is always a plus! If you’re after that instant hit of holiday fragrance, it’s always safer to pop this on your body and leave the non-perfumed additions for your face- you’ll be smelling like a tropical dream in no time!
