The Ultimate SPF Guide
Even if the sun fails to make an appearance, sunscreen is a non-negotiable. But which SPF is best? Liberty explains it all...
Read more
The Ultimate SPF Guide
Even if the sun fails to make an appearance, sunscreen is a non-negotiable. But which SPF is best? Liberty explains all...
By: Laura Kennedy
If you're jetting off to hotter climes, or simply staying put in the British drizzle, whatever the weather, we still need to protect our skin. And while knowing which SPF is best is an essential aspect of nailing your skincare routine, it really is a form of healthcare too.
With skin cancer diagnoses on the rise, any dermatologist you talk to will embark on their oft-repeated, warning that sun exposure is the number one cause of skin cancer and premature ageing. Thankfully, technology has advanced drastically in the last few years, meaning that a high protection SPF no longer needs to feel like an occlusive layer of petroleum jelly - these days the best formulas deliver a luxurious experience alongside impressive protection. When it comes to SPF, you really can have your cake and eat it.
Which SPF Is Best?
Sun protection factor can be confusing to navigate, but it’s just a measure of how much UV radiation, or how much of the sun’s energy, it takes to burn skin that is wearing sunscreen as opposed to skin that isn’t. The SPF number measures UVB rays – these are the ones which cause the skin’s surface to burn, but it’s UVA rays that have a longer-term impact on your skin. They penetrate deeper to have a long-term impact on the skin, causing damage responsible for pigmentation and premature ageing, as well as increasing the risk of skin cancer. For maximum protection, we should ideally be opting for a broad-spectrum SPF 50+. This will protect us against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Which SPF Is Best for my Skintone?
We should all be wearing SPF daily, all year round. It is a myth that people with deeper skin tones don’t need to wear SPF. Darker skin which is left unprotected can still experience sunburn, which can cause long-term damage. UV rays also prompt uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, which can lead to patchiness. It is crucial for deeper skin to be protected from the sun to prevent skin cancer and damage. Historically, SPF textures and finishes have not been at all inclusive, often leaving a chalky film that looked greyish on deeper skin tones. Thankfully, the technology has vastly improved, and people of all skin tones are being considered and included, so there is an SPF for everyone.
There’s SPF in my Moisturiser – Why Can’t I Just Use That?
Even if your foundation or day cream contains SPF, you still need a separate SPF for adequate UV protection. Most foundations and moisturisers are not water-resistant, so they won’t last as well on the skin, and won’t generally be applied thickly enough for you to get the benefit of the SPF content. Liberally applying a standalone SPF after your moisturiser will help to ensure that your skin is protected – but don’t forget your neck and ears!
Which SPF Should I Use, Then?
To choose the right SPF for your skin type, consider your needs – your skin type, whether you wear makeup and prefer a matte or glowing finish, and how long you will be in the sun for. Oily skin that’s prone to congestion may get on better with a light, oil-free texture with a matte finish, while those prone to dryness may prefer a richer texture that offers more radiance.
Ultra Violette
Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating SKINSCREEN™ 50ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Dermalogica
Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 50ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
MZ Skin
Expert UV Protector SPF 50 60ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Kiehl's
Ultra Light Daily UV Defence Aqua Gel SPF 50 30ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Davines
SU Protective Sun Cream SPF 30 100ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Paula's Choice
Resist Anti-Aging Moisturiser SPF 50 60ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Ultra Violette
Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist 75ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Dermalogica
Protection 50 Sport SPF50 156ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
SUQQU
Watery Protector SPF 30 30g
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Biologique Recherche
Protection U.V. SPF50 50ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Sisley Paris
Sunleÿa G.E. Age-Minimising Global Sun Care SPF 50+ 50ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
