Stay safe in the sun – home and away!
Whether you’re doing a staycation, heading abroad or just having fun in the park, you still need to protect your skin, says ELIZABETH ARCHER
THIS is the week many of us would usually be heading off on summer holidays, suitcases packed with swimwear and sun cream for a week on the beach.
Unfortunately, coronavirus means that sunshine break may have to wait, with many families opting for a staycation or simply staying home.
But dermatologists are worried this means our sunscreen will be left to gather dust along with flip flops and beach towels, and are warning that it is vital to protect skin even if you’re not going anywhere more exciting than your garden.
“It’s just as important to wear an SPF at home as it is when you’re on holiday,” says Dr Ophelia Veraitch, consultant dermatologist at the Cranley Clinic. “In the past few months, people have been spending more time outdoors than they normally would and are already noticing skin changes.”
Research shows the sun’s UV rays do damage even when it’s cloudy, so Dr Veraitch says wearing sunscreen is essential to prevent skin cancer and other skin damage, no matter where you are.
Thankfully, the days of thick, sticky sunblock are gone. From SPF waters to skin-saving powders, there has never been a better choice of ways to protect yourself in the sun.
WONDER WATER
SPF waters offer high protection in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that is convenient and easy-to-use. These clever
SPFs claim to leave no stains or stickiness on clothing and no greasy residue on skin.
TryVichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water SPF50, £19 (lookfantastic.com), which contains powerful UV filters and sinks into skin without a trace.
PERFECT POWDER
Most facial SPFs are applied directly to the skin before putting on make-up, making it difficult to top up throughout the day. However these innovative products provide sun protection in powder form, which can be dusted over make-up to shield skin from the sun and combat shine.Try Brush On Block SPF30, £34 (brushonblocksunscreen.co.uk) which provides broad spectrum protection in environmentally-friendly, refillable packaging.
SPOT ON
If your skin is oily and prone to breakouts, finding an SPF can be daunting as this skin type can react badly to heavy traditional suncreams.
Not to mention any make-up applied on top will slide away in minutes. Thankfully, there are now plenty of SPFs for oily skin. SVR
Sebiaclear Daily Sunscreen SPF50, £15 (lookfantastic.com) contains two potent ingredients that tackle blemishes while leaving skin shine-free.
OIL IT UP
Gone are the days of dousing ourselves in olive oil and baking in the sun. But while we’ve never been more clued up about the dangers of sunbathing, it doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the nourishing benefits of oil.
The new generation of SPF oils offer deep hydration and sun protection too. Caudalie Beautifying Suncare Oil SPF30, £21 (spacenk.com) contains vitamin E and grapeseed oil and is kind to the environment too.
KEEP CALM
For those with sensitive skin, finding the right SPF can be tricky as traditional sun creams can irritate. Look for sunscreens with stripped down ingredients lists, which are just as effective at blocking the sun’s rays. Many now come in tinted formulas to disguise redness while protecting.Try Uriage Roseliane Anti-Redness Cream SPF30, £12.75 (lookfantastic.com), which contains ginseng and red algae to soothe and strengthen skin.
POOL PARTY
Traditional sunscreens need to be reapplied every few hours as well as after swimming. But there’s good news for pool lovers – some new SPF formulas protect the skin just as well whether wet or dry.
The UV protection in ShiseidoWetForce Clear UV Protector SPF50, £28 (shiseido.co.uk) becomes even stronger when it comes into contact with water and perspiration.