Tried & Tested: The Best Daily Face SPF Creams To Protect & Hydrate
By
5 days ago
Plus, everything you need to know about finding the perfect SPF cream for your face
There’s a reason skincare experts and dermatologists are always going on about sunscreen. Wearing a daily face SPF could be the single most important step in your skincare regime. But which one is best for your skin type? From classic high-protection face creams to SPF-rich foundations and tints, we’ve found some of the best beauty buys on the market.
What Is SPF Cream (& Why Do We Need To Apply It To Our Face)?
Whether you call them sun cream, sunscreen or SPF cream, the goal is the same: to protect the skin from UVB radiation, which causes sunburn. More specifically, SPF refers to a skincare product’s Sun Protection Factor – an indicator that measures how well that product protects against UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the higher the protection.
But why is it so important to apply it to our face as well as our body? Sunscreen is the single most important step in your daily skincare regime, all year round, and not just to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Not only does daily application of a face SPF reduce your risk of sun damage, it can also help slow photoaging – with some studies suggesting that it could also help to reverse or reduce the damage caused to skin.
UVA vs UVB Rays: What’s The Difference?
As you may know, there are two main types of UV rays that we need to be aware of: UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays, which get the worst press, are the ones that can cause burning and increase the risks of skin cancer.
UVA rays, which can also penetrate clouds and windows, make up 95 percent of UV radiation that reaches the earth, and are the ones that contribute to premature skin ageing due to their ability to penetrate deeply into the skin and contribute to DNA damage via the creation of free radicals.
Does SPF Protect Against UVA Rays?
Sadly not, SPF protection only covers UVB rays. To protect against UVA rays, you need to look for high SPF face creams that are also labelled ‘broad spectrum’ or that have a UVA star rating (the higher, the better).
How Well Do Face SPF Creams Really Perform?
Some studies have suggested that almost all sunscreens underperform against their advertised SPF rating, however, the same study showed that layering sunscreen with makeup could compensate for the shortfall. Therefore, wearing sunscreen underneath your makeup as a daily ritual, or even layering two different sunscreens could be a good daily practice.
The Best Face SPF Creams For All Skin Types
Thank You Farmer
Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++, £22
Best For: Sensitive skin
K-beauty fans will already be well-versed in the (seemingly endless) benefits of Korean skincare – and the same reverence applies to the industry’s SPF game. This cream from Thank You Farmer not only protects against UV rays, it also helps to calm and soothe skin through a combination of natural ingredients, including bamboo water and Centella asiatica extract.
e.l.f
Suntouchable Invisi-Stick SPF 50, £14
Best For: On-the-go suncare
While effective, face SPF creams can get a little messy when applied in a hurry while out and about. When you need a quick top-up without risk of a white cast, opt for a sunscreen stick like this one from e.l.f. This glides easily onto the skin and applies clear on all tones, with a hydrating formula comprised of sunflower seed oil and bisabolol ensuring you won’t be left to dry out in the sun. The best bit? e.l.f.’s SPF stick is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or inspire breakouts anytime soon.
Q+A
Niacinamide SPF 50 Balancing Daily Sunscreen, £15
Best For: Lightweight feel
The last thing we want when it comes to our skincare is for it to feel heavy – especially during summer. Q+A’s line of sunscreens promise a lightweight, non-greasy finish while offering strong protection against the sun (broad spectrum SPF 50 and PA++++ UVA protection, to be precise). The addition of niacinamide to this bottle also helps regulate any lingering oiliness, while refining pores and controlling blemishes. This is multi-purpose skincare, made lighter.
PCA Skin
Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, £42
Best For: Broad spectrum SPF
For protection against both UVA and UVB rays, then it’s a broad spectrum cream you’re after. PCA Skin’s Daily Defense SPF cream provides deep hydration as well as great protection, and works fluidly with all skin types – making it an easy addition to your normal skincare routine.
Medik8
Advanced Day Ultimate Protect, £59
Best For: Layering beneath makeup
One of the major downfalls of face SPF cream? The heavy, white cast it occasionally leaves on skin. Thankfully, you won’t find that with Medik8’s premium UV protection, which boasts a lightweight, invisible finish with no white cast – making it the perfect base for makeup.
Grown Alchemist
Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen SPF30, £35
Best For: Mineral sunscreen
Grown Alchemist’s sunscreen is vegan and reef safe, and packed with skin-friendly active ingredients. A natural mineral-based zinc oxide formula provides broad-spectrum protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays, and rosehip oil and parsley seed extract help to protect against free radical damage.
Bamford
Bamford SPF 50 Sunscreen, £35
Best For: A matte finish
Protects against UVA and UVB rays, and uses a complex of skin-friendly antioxidant golden seaweed and calming Swiss pine extracts. And the silky matte finish means no stickiness or shininess.
Oskia
Oskia SPF 30 Vitamin Face Cream, £65
Best For: Skin plumping
This mineral-based reef-safe SPF features hyaluronic acid, glacier water, snow algae, antioxidant astaxanthin and a cocktail of prebiotics, provitamins and vitamins to supplement barrier function and boost skin’s resistance to harmful pollutants.
Neal’s Yard Remedies
Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Moisturising SPF 30, £28
Best For: Organic ingredients
Organic pioneer Neal’s Yard puts planet health at the heart of its business. This mineral SPF features antioxidant-rich, organic wild rosehip seed oil, nourishing shea butter and baobab oil, as well as a blend of organic geranium and patchouli essential oils. The result? Beautifully soft skin that remains protected from UV rays throughout the day.
Supergoop!
Unseen Sunscreen SPF30 50ml, £25.55
Best For: Oily skin
If you have oily or blemish or acne-prone skin it can be tempting to skip your SPF step of your skincare regime for fear that your pores are at risk of being clogged. Opt for a light, oil-free formula like the completely invisible Supergoop! sunscreen and you won’t need to worry about pores being blocked. Just remember to finish each day with a thorough facial cleanse.
