If there’s one secret to good skin, it’s probably wearing sunscreen. Finding the best SPF for your face helps to protect the skin from sun damage and increased risk of skin cancer, making it a crucial part of your daily routine.
That being said, finding the best SPF for your face isn’t always easy. Poorly formulated sun creams often clog your pores leading to breakouts or leaving a chalky residue that’s the opposite of a summer glow!
You won’t find any of that here. At allbeauty, we only stock the best SPF for faces to keep your skin clear, healthy and glowing without sacrificing UV protection. Keep reading to find out more…
What is SPF?
SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and it’s your shield against harmful UV rays.
The SPF rating you see on sunscreen products is your guide to how much UVB protection you're getting. For instance, SPF 15 means you can stay in the sun 15 times longer without burning. So, if your skin typically burns in 10 minutes, SPF 15 extends that to 2.5 hours.
SPF isn’t foolproof; factors like skin tone, genetics, location, and weather play a role in sunburn risk too and the SPF rating of a product only refers to its protection against UVB rays too, not UVA.
Because of this, we’d always recommend looking for sunscreens that are labelled as “broad spectrum” or “full-spectrum”, as these products include ingredients designed to deflect UVA rays as well as UVB.
Is SPF 30 or 50 better for your face?
SPF50 will give you the best protection, but choosing the right factor suncream depends on various factors like age, climate and lifestyle.
For sun-drenched summer getaways in hot countries, opt for SPF50, but in cooler climates, you might decide SPF30 will suffice. Fair or mole-speckled will typically benefit from SPF50 and as you get older your skin becomes more delicate, so it might require stronger protection. Consider all of these factors when picking the best SPF for your face.
Sun care tips
According to the NHS, suncream should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, ears and head if you have no or thinning hair (or opt for a hat).
SPF for faces should be applied liberally and reapplied frequently, particularly after water or sweating. It is also recommended to reapply sun cream every two hours, as the sun can dry it off your skin.
Best sunscreen for acne-prone skin
It can be easy to worry that suncream will trigger a breakout flare up, but the best face SPF will be lightweight and shouldn’t clog your pores. Dermalogica’s Active Clearing Oil Free Matte SPF30 is a great option for acne-prone or oily skin. This lightweight, ultra-sheer broad spectrum suncream prevents shine, regulates oil production and soothes inflammation using a unique blend of Zinc Gluconate, Caffeine, Niacinamide, Biotin and Yeast Extract.
Best sunscreen for daily use
The best face sun cream should be easy to add into your daily skincare routine. Caudalie's Invisible SPF50 Sun Stick comes in an easy-application, deodorant-size bottle and is perfect for targeting all those hard to reach areas, such as lips, eyelids, beauty marks and scalp. Not to mention this suncream is handbag size, ideal for on-the-go reapplication.
Another great option for the best SPF for your face is Dermalogica’s Daily Skin Health Prisma Protect SPF30, which doubles as a moisturiser. This suncream is formulated with broad Spectrum Defence SPF30 to provide protection from UV damage, a bio ferment from sage to maintain an even skin tone and advanced moisture magnets to deliver all-day hydration. Apply twice daily, after cleansing and toning, and your skin will thank you all summer long.
Best sunscreen for dry skin
Ultrasun’s Face Anti-Age SPF30 is the best SPF for your face if you suffer from dry skin or are looking for an SPF to add to your anti-aging skincare routine. This product delivers full solar protection with the addition of Ectoin, a natural molecule that helps shield cell membranes from oxidative stress, inflammation and damage while also strengthening the skin barrier, contributing to a reduction in sun induced skin ageing and dryness. An all-in-one primer, moisturiser and SPF, this suncream is a summer essential product.
Best sunscreen for sensitive skin
Finding a suncream for sensitive skin can be tricky, but this Ultrasun Sun Protection Extreme Very High Sun Protection for Sensitive Skin SPF50+ ticks all our boxes. Providing broad spectrum solar protection, this face SPF contains antioxidants, vitamin E and Pro Vitamin B5 for ultimate moisturisation and hydration. The lightweight, non-greasy formula will protect the most sensitive skin on your next beach holiday. Plus, it's reef-safe and ocean friendly.
Our top sunscreen for your bod
Now you’ve found the best SPF for your face, it’s time to think about your body. If you’re looking for UV protection but still want that sun-kissed glow, look no further than Lancaster’s Sun Beauty Velvet Milk Sublime Tan for Body SPF30. Not only does this suncream utilise technology that goes beyond UVB and UVA filters to protect your skin from infrared rays, it also contains Tan Activator Complex (TAC), to leave your skin with a safe summer glow.
More beauty this way
Holiday ready? Don’t forget to check out the full Sun & Tan section on our website to keep your skin UV protected this summer. Plus, you can find more inspiration, product launches and gift guides on the allbeauty blog.
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