Saving face Sunscreen safety is in the spotlight, and there’s no doubt we need it to reduce our risk of brown spots, wrinkles and crêpey skin. The best type? The one you’re happy to wear religiously.

Physical sunscreens

Also called mineral sunscreens, they scatter UV using zinc or titanium

dioxide. You need to know:

THEY’RE GENTLE and don’t cause allergic reactions, with strong, long-lasting protection.

THEY’RE DIFFERENT – titanium dioxide (TD) is better at diverting UVB rays which make us burn; zinc is better at reflecting the UVA rays that drive dark spots and wrinkles.

Blends offer the best of both.

THEY’RE SHEER thanks to nano particles. The US Environmental Working Group says these don’t penetrate skin. In one study less than .01 per cent of nano zinc

entered the bloodstream.

Chemical sunscreens

Absorb UV light into the skin, convert it to heat and deactivate it.

Here’s what you need to know:

THEY’RE LIGHT with a “cosmetically elegant” feel and invisible finish for all skin tones.

THEY’RE SAFE according to current research. Common filters have been shown to enter the

bloodstream, “but no direct correlation to any negative effect

has been shown,” says Dr Cook.

THEY’RE BEST when blended with other chemical or mineral filters (as some types break down quickly in the sun) and antioxidants to boost

protection against free radicals.