Best Sunscreens 2019
The summer may be behind us but its important to protect your skin from UV damage all year long The importance of protecting your skin from the sun is the one thing Doctors, Dermatologists and Beauty experts all agree on.
What does the jargon actually mean?
UVA and UVB comes from the UV radiation of the sun. UVA affects the elastin in the skin which leads to ageing and wrinkles. UVA protection in a sunscreen will help protect the skin against photo ageing and skin cancer.
Did you know?
There are two different types of sunscreen Physical and Chemical Sunscreen.
- Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and then absorbs UV rays, converts the rays into heat, and releases them from the body. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone.
- Physical sunblock sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. The minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the main active ingredients in physical blocks.
Which should you choose;
Physical sunblock tends to be:
- Less irritating and a better fit for sensitive skin.
- More moisturising, which can feel heavy on the skin.
- Difficult to fully blend into the skin. However, newer brands now offer matte and tinted versions that have less of a white cast and can give the skin a smooth, even appearance.
Chemical sunscreen is a better option if you:
- Need a water-resistant formulation.
- Play sports or find that you sweat a lot during the day.
- Want a sunscreen that absorbs quickly into the skin.
The two main objectives to a sunscreen are to provide protection.
- Protecting the skin from burning in the sun.
- Protecting the skin against cancer and age accelerating sunlight.
If you ask a skin specialist about sun bathing they would advise that a tanned skin is a damaged skin. It states on the British Association of Dermatologists website “A tan is actually a sign that the skin has been damaged and is trying to protect itself”.
Theres no doubt we do require Vitamin D and this is where we all get so confused, do we go out in the sun or not? A low level of sun is beneficial, we can of course top up on our Vitamin D intake with diet or supplements.
Some of our favourite products:
Environ RAD SPF 15 is a UVA and UVB broad spectrum medium protection for the face and body and can be worn under make-up. Suitable for all skin types and all ages over 6 months.
- The key ingredient is Titanium Dioxide that reflects the sun’s radiation.
The UVA and UVB absorbent filters – Ethyl Methoxycinnamates and Butyl Dibenzoglmethane are low chemical content with high protection that absorbs part of the sun’s radiation and diffuses the energy.
- Packed full of Vitamins C & E with Betacarotene, antioxidants for enhanced skin protection.
- This three way reflective, antioxidant and defence sun screen is also water resistant.
A perfect all rounder which I apply every morning.
Mesoestetic Moisturising Sun Protection SPF 50+ is a perfect light weight daily moisturiser. The broad spectrum UVA and UVB gives very high sun protection for all skin types including sensitive and post-procedure.
- Tioveil AQN is a powerful, hypoallergenic physical sunscreen, while Parsol MCX is a chemical filter with no systemic absorption.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery is used as a facial moisturiser to help combat the appearance of fine lines and help control the triggers that lead to skin aging. Blends smoothly over the skin for a perfect finish. This medium weight daily moisturiser is an emollient with Broad Spectrum SPF 50. Provides long lasting hydration and critical protection against UV light with the active sunscreen protecting against UVA and UVB rays
This moisturiser is gluten free, vegan, and contains no artificial fragrances and colours, paraben free and cruelty free.
Whichever sunscreen you decide on using always check reviews before purchasing and stay safe, cool and protected in the sun.