Home or away, protect your skin in the sun
DUE to coronavirus, many of us will have had to abandon our sunshine breaks abroad and opt for a staycation or simply staying home.
But dermatologists are warning 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 London’s Cranley Clinic. The sun’s UV rays do damage even when it’s cloudy, so Dr Veraitch says sunscreen is essential no matter where you are.
Thankfully, the days of sticky sunblock are gone. From SPF waters to skin-saving powders, there has never been a better choice of ways to protect yourself.
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 greasy residue on skin. Try Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water SPF50 (£19, lookfantastic.com), which sinks into skin without a trace.
PERFECT POWDER
These innovative products 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 protection in refillable packaging.
SPOT ON
Finding an SPF if you’re prone to breakouts can be daunting as this skin type can react badly to heavy traditional suncreams. Thankfully, there are now plenty of SPFs for oily skin. Try SVR Sebiaclear Daily Sunscreen SPF50 (£15, lookfantastic.com), which 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 a new generation of SPF oils offer deep hydration and sun protection too. Try Caudalie Beautifying Suncare Oil SPF30 (£21, spacenk.com), which 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 strippeddown ingredients lists, which are just as effective at blocking rays. Try Uriage Roseliane AntiRedness 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 some new formulas protect the skin just as well whether wet or dry. Try Shiseido WetForce Clear UV Protector SPF50 (£28, shiseido.co.uk), the SPF of which becomes even stronger when it comes into contact with water and perspiration.