Stay Safe in The Sun With Our High Factor Sunscreen Picks
Words by: Natasha Henson
With temperatures soaring, there’s never been a better reason to protect your skin from the summer sun. It’s surprising how many times I’ve heard people say they don’t wear suncream because it’s a different type of summer here compared to when you go on holiday!!!
We only have one sun – and no matter where you are in the world, your skin needs plenty of protection to combat the dangers that go along with over-exposure.
Personally, I always prefer to wear a high factor whatever the weather – so if like me you’re looking to protect your skin from the harsh rays and keep that summer glow for longer, check these top high-factor sun cream options for home and holiday sun protection.
Sun protection for your face and neck
Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 50+
If you have sensitive skin, the lightweight Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser is an ideal sun protection option for your face. The cream is easily absorbed providing high SPF protection for daily use. Plus, it provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB photo-protection that helps to defend against the effects of daily exposure to sunlight.
It’s also the perfect size to pop into your bag for an instant protection top up throughout the day.
£12.99 – boots.com
Brush On Block SPF 30
This small but mightly sunblock is another perfect sun protection product to pop in your handbag. Unlike sun creams, this sunscreen has an innovative self-dispensing brush making it easy to apply. Its mineral base is created with natural ingredients such as Chamomile Flower, Green Tea and Honeysuckle Flower extracts, so it’s light on your skin and ideal for wear under or over makeup.
If you’ve ever forgotten to apply sunscreen to your scalp, this is the ideal saviour that doesn’t make your hair greasy.
£28 – brushonblocksunscreen.co.uk
PRIORI Tetra fx251 SPF 45
Wearing makeup in the heat can feel uncomfortable so if you’re looking for something a little lighter, Priori Skincare has the perfect solution. Tetra fx250 mineral sunscreen is the ultimate skin shield which offers a tinted mineral base but is packed with four levels of protection. These elements protect your skin from damaging UVA rays, effects of infrared radiation and helps to repair damaged DNA strands leaving your skin looking beautiful all year round.
£75 – prioriskincare.co.uk
HEVL SPF50 Face Crème SPF 50
We all know that UVA and UVB sun rays damage skin. What’s not so well known is a 3rd type of harmful ray called High Energy Visible Light (HEVL). Although HEVL is a less known ray, it’s an important one as it causes as much damage as UVA and UVB combined together.
Some sunglasses now protect against HEVL but most modern SPF skin products do NOT yet protect against it. However, HEVL SPF50 Face Crème contains a new patented ingredient called Liposhield™ HEV*, which is one of a new generation of SPF ingredients to specifically protect skin against harmful HEVL rays. It also contains prebiotics to help strengthen and maintain the natural skin barrier.
Its light non-greasy face formula also has a skin-coloured tint so you don’t have to worry about extra makeup in the hot sun. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin and is 100% vegan and free from MI, SLS, parabens and perfumes.
£19.95 – skinshop.co.uk
Vitage Skin Defence SPF 30
This lightweight sun protector has been created with advanced skincare technology to shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB damage. When applied, it leaves a matt finish, which is ideal as a base for makeup. Its formula is suitable for very sensitive skin too and is ideal for holidays, outdoor sports and general wear.
I love that the cream quickly absorbs into your skin and doesn’t feel heavy especially in this scorching heat we’re experiencing at the moment!
£26 – vitage.co.uk
Sun protection for your whole body
Mineral Sun Cream and Insect Repellent SPF 30
If like me, you hate putting insect repellent on, this is the ideal alternative!
Incognito’s mini Mineral Suncream and Insect Repellent is a broad-spectrum SPF 30 has a clever tri-action formula with a built-in moisturiser. It was scientifically developed to contain larger octo-sized particles of zinc and titanium dioxide and is free-from nano-size particles and DEET that harm coral and aquatic wildlife. It’s also suitable for use by children from two years and is water repellent for swimming, making it an indispensable family product.
For those that are always a meal for little critters, you might be surprised to hear that many beauty or travel products have aromas that attract biting insects, cancelling out some of the benefits of insect repellents. However, incognito products do just the opposite, working in harmony with each other and nature, strengthening your defence against biting insects.
The suncream also comes packaged in the very latest, innovative renewable source sugarcane plastic, which is 100% recyclable.
£12.99 – lessmosquito.com
Sesderma REPASKIN Sunscreen Gel Cream Body SPF 50
This gel-cream is a clinically proven non-greasy solar sunscreen that has a light texture. Its SHIELD-SYSTEM technology both protects the skin and repairs it with enzy AAZ – a combination of amino acids, zinc and photolyase repair enzymes that are activated by visible sunlight. The enzymes are encapsulated in liposomes using Nanotechnology, that allows them to be transported to deeper levels of the skin whilst offering skin optimal protection from UVA, UVB and IR-A rays.
It’s an ideal size to take on your holiday and provides high factor protection for all skin types.
£28.80 – sesderma.co.uk
KORRES Sunscreen Face-Body Emulsion Yoghurt SPF 50
You can protect your skin from sun damage naturally with KORRES Sunscreen Face-Body Emulsion Yoghurt. The edible yoghurt used in this product provides a natural source of lactose, proteins, minerals and vitamins to increase the water content of the epidermis’ top layers and refresh the skin – helping to keep you feel cool as a cucumber, even in the hottest of climates.
The organic extract of Active Aloe moisturises the skin and helps reduce the visible signs of ageing. Calendula and Chamomile oils present in the sunscreen also help to leave the skin feeling soft and supple. Plus, it smells good enough to eat!
£22 – lookfantastic.com
Editor’s Pick – PAYOT Creme Divine – SPF 50
The smell of sun cream always takes you back to memories of sunny climes and this sunscreen from PAYOT is no exception. Its fragrance is not only divine (pun intended!), it also packs powerful protection to shield your skin from UVA and UVB damage. This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and can be applied all over the body to give you everyday protection whether you’re at home or away.
All of our beauty picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.