My Favourite Sunscreens for Face and Body This Summer

Disclaimers: I have in no way been influenced or paid to endorse these products. All recommendations and opinions are my own.

Warning: Always apply a test patch before using.

It’s finally summer time, my absolute favourite season. But sadly my facial skin is prone to hyperpigmentation (discolouration caused by exposure to sun). Previously, I underwent a very painful TCA chemical peel and really don’t want to have to do it again, so I do everything in my power to keep the sun from causing further discolouration. Please note that if you use any skin care products that contain Retinol, it makes your skin even more sensitive and prone to burning. And for those of you that think you are safe sitting in the shade, then think again. Research¹ has found that sitting under an umbrella is not as effective as wearing sunscreen, so you still need to slather on a good sunscreen.

A really good sunscreen is an absolute must, as is wearing a wide brimmed hat and a large pair of sunglasses to protect your sight and that delicate skin around the eyes. When choosing your sunglasses, shop in a reputable store (knock-off’s are not to be trusted to provide UV protection) and look for those that provide 100% UV protection, or UV 400 protection. That means that the glasses protect your eyes from both UVA and UVB radiation. Check the laws for your country, for example, in Australia and New Zealand all sunglasses sold must be tested and clearly labelled according to the Australian/New Zealand Standard for Sunglasses and Fashion Spectacles AS/NZS 1067.

When choosing your sunscreen, it’s essential that it is broad spectrum and protects against both UVA and UVB. UVA is the long wave rays that penetrate deep into the skin layers and causes ageing and wrinkling. UVB is the short wave rays that causes your skin to burn and damages the superficial epidermal layers. Most people don’t realise that sunscreen does not provide 100% protection. All sunscreen lets in a varying amount of UV rays depending on its Sun Protection Factor (SPF). This is a multiplier that tells you how much longer you can remain in the sun without a burn when wearing sunscreen. For example, if you are wearing a strong sunscreen, then only a small amount of UV should get through. This might not be a big deal over a few hours, but if you are outside all day in strong sun, then you can still get burnt, so you should also be covering up with clothing and a sunhat and trying to limit your time in the sun. In addition, most people don’t realise how important it is to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun. In addition, you need to regularly reapply it every two hours throughout the day because the protective barrier breaks down due to swimming, sweat, and general rubbing off.

Most people tend to avoid using sunscreens because they don’t like how they feel. My husband is one of them, so we’ve tried many different sunscreens over the years. Below, I’ve put together a collection of my favourite sunscreens for the summer.

Facial Moisturisers With SPF 30+

During the week, as an office worker, I am generally indoors and wearing make-up (that also contains sunscreen of course). I like to wear a light, daily moisturiser that contains an SPF 30+ sunscreen and that my foundation glides on and sits nicely. These are generally more expensive and come in small containers, so are not very economical for using all over your body. During the weekend when I’m out and about, I prefer to wear a stronger, heavy duty SPF 50+ sunscreen. So see further down for my general face and body sunscreen recommendations.

Olay Complete Daily Defense All Day Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF30 Sensitive Skin

I fell in love with this Olay Complete SPF 30+ sunscreen years ago whilst living in Australia. As the sun is really harsh there, I had to wear a good quality, high SPF everyday. This is just about the only sunscreen that my husband will willingly wear on his face as it’s lightweight and non-greasy. Make sure you get the ‘sensitive’ one as it contains zinc which gives really high protection. It also contains vitamin E, B3, pro-vitamin B5, and aloe. Sadly, I’ve not been able to get the SPF 30+ version since living in the UK, as they only sell it as an SPF 15. But I’ve found a good replacement below.

LOreal Revitalift Day SPF 30 Anti Wrinkle + Firming

This LOreal Revitalift Day SPF 30 Anti Wrinkle + Firming face cream is my new favourite, I grabbed one by chance during a 50% off sale. I’m so glad I did because this is a really lovely moisturising cream, but at the same time is very light considering it contains an SPF 30+ sunscreen. I really love how soft and smooth it makes my skin and my foundation sits really nicely on it. This cream contains Elastin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and helps improve the skin’s elasticity, making it feel firmer. It’s also enriched with Pro-Retinol A, (a form of vitamin A) which reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

Face and Body Sunscreens

During the weekend when I’m out and about, I prefer to wear a stronger, heavy-duty sunscreen. I also don’t want to be carrying around two bottles of sunscreen, one for face and one for body, so I like to use one product that works well on both my face and body.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 30 to 55

This Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch is a really good basic sunscreen for both face and body. Its available in a range of strengths from 30+. I love that it dries matte and doesn’t leave a white cast. This one is great for those with oily skin.

Banana Boat Sunscreen Sport Performance Broad Spectrum Sun Care Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

I like this Banana Boat Sport Performance Broad Sunscreen if I’m planning on being active because it won’t run into your eyes. My husband also likes it because when he goes swimming it doesn’t get in his eyes like other sunscreens. Even though this is a heavy duty sunscreen, it’s not oily or messy, and I like that it doesn’t have a strong fragrance. It is also water resistant and provides broad spectrum protection. If you prefer, it also comes in a spray bottle. I love this spray version for beach holidays, as it makes covering large areas, such as your back and legs, so much easier.

Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellent Gentle Breeze SPF 30 Sunscreen

If you live in, or plan to holiday in, a mosquito prone area, then try Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellent SPF 30 Sunscreen. I used this during my trip to Scotland where we encountered the dreaded midge. What are midges you ask? Well, Highland Midges or ‘wee bastards’ as the locals call them, are small flying insects with a massive bite. I love that it combines both an effective repellent and an SPF 30+ sunscreen. No need to carry two separate products anymore.

Lip Balm with Sunscreen

Banana Boat Spf 50 Sport Lip Balm

Don’t forget your lips! When it comes to sun protection, most people forget about their lovely lips. I like this Banana Boat chapstick because it provides moisture as well as good broad spectrum sun coverage and is water resistant. It’s small size means it sits comfortably in my pocket for easy access throughout the day.

After Sun Care

Organic Aloe Vera Gel

OK, so you thought that you did everything right, but you still ended up getting a bit burnt because you missed a spot, or didn’t reapply! The best advice I can give is to have a cool bath or shower and then smother your skin in cooling, healing, Aloe Vera Gel. My best tip is to keep it in the fridge so it’s lovely and cold when applied.

References

¹Hao Ou-Yang et al. Sun protection by beach umbrella vs sunscreen with a high sun protection factor. JAMA Dermatology. Published online January 18, 2017. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.4922.