Why you need FIVE different sun creams this summer

2023-07-23

Why you need FIVE different sun creams this summer

UK writer Claire Coleman puts different formulas to the test for this summer
READ MORE: Ultimate guide to sun creams including one major brand that FAILED safety tests

With a heatwave engulfing most of Southern Europe, sun protection is a holiday essential, even if you’re just popping out for lunch in a shady taverna.

Gone are the days when one bottle did it all. Now there’s a product specifically for every bit of the body — from your eyes and scalp, to your hands. But do we need multiple different forms of sun protection?

‘Generally speaking, sunscreen is sunscreen,’ says Dr Cristina Psomadakis (@dr.somaskin on Instagram), an NHS consultant dermatologist based in London. ‘But some body sunscreens may contain tanning accelerators or bronzers, while face products may have targeted anti-ageing ingredients.’

We put some different formulas to the test . . .

Gone are the days when one bottle did it all. Now there’s a product specifically for every bit of the body — from your eyes and scalp, to your hands. Stock image used

FACING FACTS

‘Facial sunscreens usually have a more elegant texture than body creams and will often include additional ingredients that give them anti-ageing or hydrating qualities,’ says Dr Psomadakis.

Now there are brands dedicated to creating facial SPFs that look and act like skincare.

Ultra Violette is a pricey brand, but its Supreme Screen SPF50+ Hydrating Skinscreen (£34, ultraviolette.co.uk) is dreamy. There are matte and tinted versions, too.

For oilier skin types, check out Skin & Me’s Daily Defence Oil-free SPF 50 Sunscreen (£19.99, skinandme.com). And for those on a budget, Altruist Face Fluid (£10.95, altruistsun.com) has a much more expensive texture than the price would suggest.

Now there are brands dedicated to creating facial SPFs that look and act like skincare

THE EYES HAVE IT

‘A lot of people tend to find that sun protection can make their eyes water,’ says Dr Psomadakis. ‘That’s because chemical sunscreens, particularly an ingredient called avobenzone, can be an irritant.’

Skinceuticals Mineral Eye UV Defense SPF 30 (£26.99, facethefuture.co.uk) is mineral-only, but it’s expensive for just 10 ml and while the tint might act as concealer for some, it could show up on darker skin.

I liked Ultrasun’s SPF30 Eye Protection (£20, ultrasun.co.uk) but other testers found it left a white film on their skin.

Finally, SPF brand Coola has come up with a clever combo — a Day SPF 30 + Night Eyecream Duo (£45, spacenk.com). It’s expensive, but you’re getting two products in one.

LIP SERVICE

‘The lips don’t have oil glands so can get dry very easily,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite (dralexisgranite.com). ‘Any product you put on your lips is likely to come off more quickly as you lick your lips and eat, so that’s why you might want a dedicated product designed to stay put.’

If you suffer from cold sores, you should definitely be wearing sun protection on your lips as UV is a trigger for them.

At the budget end, there is Blistex Ultra SPF 50+ (£4.24, amazon.co.uk) which mostly uses mineral oils to moisturise and has a subtle vanilla scent.

Paula’s Choice Lip Balm SPF 50 (£11.05, paulaschoice.co.uk) is fragrance-free. And, if you do want a bit of colour, try Ultra Violette Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF50 (£16, ultraviolette.co.uk), a non-sticky lip gloss in six shades.

HANDS UP!

As hands tend to betray our age — they’re subject to a lot of wear and tear — it makes sense to look for a hand cream with SPF.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula is a brilliant range and the Visibly Renew Hand Cream SPF 20 (£3.87, boots.com) combines some reliable moisturising ingredients with SPF 20.

Hello Sunday Hand Cream SPF 30 (£9, hellosundayspf.com) has a subtle, powdery smell and absorbs well — but at 30ml, the tube is a bit small.

Finally, if you don’t like creams, you might like Margaret Dabbs SPF30 Sun Defence for Hands (£22, margaretdabbs.co.uk), a non-greasy clear spray.

Finally, if you don’t like creams, you might like Margaret Dabbs SPF30 Sun Defence for Hands (£22, margaretdabbs.co.uk), a non-greasy clear spray

PARTING CARE

Many people forget to protect the scalp that’s exposed where your parting sits, resulting in burns. And if you’re looking to protect anywhere that hair is thin, you don’t want something that’s going to make your hair look greasy.

Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50 (£20, ultrasun.co.uk) does a fairly good job of protecting the skin with an invisible, quick-drying formula.

And Coola Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30 (£24.55, sephora.co.uk) with its nozzle spray is probably the best option.