By now, we all should know the importance of incorporating a facial sunscreen into our skincare routine whatever the weather. For Consultant Dermatologist Professor Niki Ralph “Sunscreen is the number one anti-ageing product you can use”. By spending just a minute every day applying sun protection, you could scientifically future-proof your skin for years to come. Thankfully, sunscreen formulations have come a long way from the thick, heavy, irritating greasy creams of old. Now we have sheer, light, expertly-crafted formulations that can ward off those damaging UV rays along with offering many other skincare benefits.
When it comes to choosing a facial sunscreen, it’s important to remember that not all sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen is labelled Broad-Spectrum, which means it contains a combination of ingredients to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
Here are a few recommendations you might like to try….
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Age Correct SPF50
This is a new sunscreen launch and formulated to feel like a luxury day cream with skin beneficial ingredients to match. Formulated for sensitive skin, this revolutionary new face cream protects the skin whilst correcting signs of ageing in just four weeks. Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection combined with fragmented hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, PHE-Resorcinol, which is an enzyme inhibitor to reduce pigmentation and niacinamide to refine pores and brighten. And it goes without saying, La Roche Posay’s iconic Thermal Spring Water with its antioxidant properties is in there too, €26 available in selected pharmacies and online.
Clarins UV Plus SPF50
When it comes to protecting your skin against UV rays and pollution, Clarins has always been decades ahead of the curve with UV Plus Multi-Protection, a botanically powered solution, first developed in 1991, and perfected ever since. Today, new UV Plus, their most advanced Broad-Spectrum protection yet, offers a high tech, invisible screen that helps to lock out skin damaging UVA/UVB rays and five types of pollutants. Oil Free, it has a lightweight and moisturising gel cream formulation that quickly sinks into the skin. It comes in two finishes, translucent and rosy, which makes for a brilliant makeup primer, delivering a fresh, rosy glow, €39 available in selected pharmacies nationwide and online clarins.ie.
Avène Intense Protect 50+
For the last 20 years, expert scientists in the R&D departments of Pierre Fabre Laboratories have worked tirelessly to bring us the creation of their first sun filter. TriAsorB is the first organic sun filter on the market with the unique ability to absorb and reflect the harmful part of the solar spectrum, which includes UVB rays, short UVA rays, long UVA rays, and also high-energy visible blue light. Water resistant and biodegradable, the formula cloaks the complexion with Broad-Spectrum protection, leaving the skin soft and supple, with a velvety texture. Thanks to a lightweight consistency, the formula is effortlessly absorbed by the skin without leaving a sticky, white or oily residue. Enriched with a potent blend of antioxidants, the formula also shields the skin against harmful environmental aggressors. Suitable for everyone including babies from six months of age, €22.50 available in selected pharmacies nationwide and online.
Heliocare 360°
Colour Cushion Compact SPF50+
A great option for continued protection throughout the day, is the new Heliocare 360° Colour Cushion Compact SPF50+. This combines Broad-Spectrum UV protection and light, dewy coverage in one innovative product. The non-comedogenic formula contains Heliocares exclusive Fernblock FC technology alongside powerful antioxidants, to shield the skin’s surface from damage and also defend the skin from within. Available in two shades beige or bronze, the buildable foundation coverage contains sheer makeup pigments to minimise the appearance of imperfections and can be easily topped up whenever needed, thanks to the handy mirror included in the compact, €36 available from Heliocare stockists nationwide and online from millies.ie.
Skingredients Skin Shield SPF50
The Skin Nerd’s Broad-Spectrum SPF and primer has a mineral formulation, which can be more easily tolerated by oily or spot-prone skin. Featuring niacinamide (vitamin B3) and vitamin E for antioxidant protection, it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t sit in your pores and block them. With a lovely peachy universal tint, to even out your skin tome, it dries to leave a dewy finish and doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy. It also protects against HEV/blue light, €42 available in selected pharmacies nationwide and online from theskinnerd.com
NeoStrata Defend Sheer Physical Protection SPF50
A lightweight, translucent fluid, offering physical (mineral) Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB protection along with anti-ageing benefits. A PHA/Bionic complex preserves collagen and protects and strengthens skin while antioxidants by way of vitamin E and green tea extract combat the effects of free radical damage. Sheer and mattifying, this has a universal tint to even out discolouration and redness while providing a smooth base for make-up. Ideal for everyone, but especially those prone to redness, congestion, and sensitivity, €37 available online from neostrata.ie and in selected pharmacies nationwide.
AlumierMD Moisture Matte SPF40
Moisture Matte is a powerful Broad-Spectrum SPF40 which gives protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays using a combination of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Added antioxidants such as caffeine, silybin and knotgrass protect the skin against free radicals. This formula lightly moisturises to smooth and hydrate while absorbing excess oil to create a matte finish. An ideal option for those days when you when you want to skip your makeup regime, the encapsulated pigment beads blend on the skin creating a sheer tint and healthy glow. Available in three different tints, Ivory, Sand and Amber, €48 available from AlumierMD stockists nationwide.
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