Protect your skin from the sun at any time of year with a daily SPF & benefit from some built-in skincare benefits, too
This article is sponsored by NIVEA Sun, Bulldog, CeraVe, Piz Buin, La Roche-Posay and e.l.f.
We all reach for our SPF in the height of summer when we’re off on our hols, but how many of us have made sun protection an absolute must when it comes to our daily routines?
While it can be tempting to skip your SPF to save time, it’s important to apply sunscreen every day, even on chilly days. When you stop to think about it, the sun will always have the same effect on our skin… no matter where we are in the world or what time of year it is.
Why should I wear an SPF every day?
By now, you’ve probably heard beauty buffs and dermatologists alike talking about how damaging the sun can be for our skin, and for good reason. Not only can sun exposure increase our risk of skin cancer, it can prematurely age skin and lead to visible signs of damage.
It’s easy to remember to apply SPF during the summer months, but it’s important to also apply it on cloudy, rainy or snowy days, as UV rays can still penetrate through and reach our skin. Regularly applying an SPF and limiting excess sun exposure on a daily basis can help protect skin from this damage, and stop it from adding up over time.
The best way to prevent sun damage? It all starts with finding the right SPF product that fits seamlessly into your daily skincare routine. Luckily, many of the facial sun protection products on the market now come with lightweight, non-sticky formulas and extra skincare benefits, making SPF an enjoyable addition to your regular skincare, all year round.
How to build an SPF product into your routine
So, what’s the key to choosing the right SPF for you? Well, consider what your skin needs. Do you want a product that doubles up as a moisturiser or a primer? Or do you want a standalone SPF that you can simply add onto your current routine?
SPF moisturisers and face creams are a great choice if you want to deeply hydrate your skin while protecting it from the sun. Want to ramp up your skin’s radiance? Try brightening SPFs to get that gorgeous summer glow. Or if your skin is easily irritated, a hypoallergenic option may be best for you.
You can also find products with an invisible finish, soothing properties or non-greasy formulas.
Once you’ve found one that fits the bill, apply it as the final step in your skincare routine, after cleansing, toning and moisturising (that’s if you’re not using sun protection that also doubles up as a moisturiser).
Don’t forget to apply SPF to your neck and ears, and apply a separate SPF for your body to any areas that will be exposed during your day, such as hands, arms and legs.
Choosing a lip balm with SPF is also key for protecting your pout. Don’t forget to pop it in your bag for on-the-go reapplication during your day.
Of course, on especially sunny days, it’s worth taking extra precautions to protect your skin. Try to avoid direct exposure during the sunniest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm, and pop on sunglasses, hats or cover ups to help keep your skin protected.
Ready to find the perfect formula for you? We’re here to walk you through the best SPF products to add to your skincare routine.
For all-in-one protection
Try: Nivea Sun UV Face Specialist Triple Protect Sun Cream Fluid SPF50+
• Size: 40ml
• Suitable for normal, combination and sensitive skin
Ultra-light? Check. Moisturising? Check. Protection against UVA, UVB, blue light and pollution? Check, check and check. This ultra-light facial SPF is formulated with licorice extract, which activates your skin’s own defence mechanisms to help protect against skin damage. Plus, coming in at a handy 40ml, it’s the perfect size to stash in your bag for on-the-go touch ups or to pop in your hand luggage!
For a vitamin C boost
Try: Bulldog Anytime Daily Moisturiser SPF30
• Size: 75ml
• Suitable for all skin tones
Want to fit two skincare steps into one? Hydrate and protect with this multi-tasking SPF moisturiser. It’s formulated with hydrating safflower seed extract, which also acts as a natural UV filter, plus a boost of brightening power from vitamin C.** The light, non-greasy texture makes it easy to re-apply as needed throughout the day.
For a hydrated & healthy skin barrier
Try: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF50
• Size: 52ml
• Suitable for normal to dry skin
After a daily moisturiser that doubles up as an SPF? CeraVe have you covered. Specially developed for facial skin, this lightweight formula is clinically proven to hydrate and shield from harmful UVA and UVB rays with SPF50 while protecting the skin's natural barrier. With three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, skin is left feeling hydrated and looking healthy.
For sensitive skin
Try: Piz Buin Allergy Sun Sensitive Lotion SPF30
• Size: 200ml
• For sun sensitive skin
if your skin is sensitive to the sun or if your skin is sun sensitive, finding the right SPF can be a challenge. This moisturising SPF lotion from Piz Buin is specially developed with dermatologists to protect sun-sensitive skin and help prevent peeling, all while delivering advanced protection against UVA and UVB rays. It’s also formulated with CALMANELLE™, a unique shield complex proven to help strengthen skins reliance to the sun.*
For an invisible finish
Try: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
• Size: 50ml
Want effective, yet weightless, sun protection with a truly invisible finish? You can’t beat this cult favourite sunscreen from La Roche-Posay, the no.1 dermatologist recommended brand for sun protection in the UK.^ It’s been created using their exclusive filter technology, Mexoryl 400, designed to be the most efficient filter against the most penetrative UV rays.^^ The formula truly ticks every box on our SPF wishlist, with a lightweight, non-sticky texture and no white cast.
For a natural glow
Try: e.l.f Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF30
• Size: 50ml
SPF that doubles up as a primer? Yes please. This skin-protecting saviour bridges the gap between skincare and make-up, making it super easy to fit into your routine. Simply apply as the last step in your skincare routine and let the lightweight, non-greasy formula work its magic to prep skin and help make-up last longer. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and squalene, helping to soothe, hydrate and give skin a gorgeous glow.
