The weather is heating up once more, so what better time to discuss the the best face SPFs. Do you wear a face SPF30 or above every single day? If yes, please accept a virtual pat on the back for investing in the future of your complexion. The best face SPFs protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays that can contribute up to 80% of signs of visible premature ageing (think: fine lines and sagging skin).
Not solely reserved for the summer months, face SPFs should be worn all year round - not least because research shows that wearing a daily SPF reduces the risk of skin cancer by 50%. If you've been put off in the past by chalky textures and formulas that clog pores, it’s time to get acquainted with the latest and greatest sunscreens on the block. From fading pigmentation to hydrating and mattifying, these new-gen face SPFs do so much more than protecting skin.
To hone your skills in the art of protecting from harmful UV rays and sun damage, read on for Dr Adam Friedmann's, Consultant Dermatologist at Stratum Dermatology Clinics, best application tips and discover team Grazia’s curated edit of the best face SPFs for all skin types below.
What To Look Out For Before You Buy
Should I use a chemical SPF or a mineral SPF?
Chemical sunscreens are quick and easy to apply, and the clear filter they create gives invisible protection. However, chemical sunscreens aren't a good idea for particularly sensitive skin, and can irritate rosacea and melasma, so be sure to check for the coverage and formulation that will work for you.
Mineral formula sunscreens often contain contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and work by creating a protective barrier on the skin's surface. They are ideal for the face as they can be layered over your other skincare or make-up products, but have historically had a bad rap for leaving a white cast on darker skin tones.
What's the difference between UVA And UVB rays?
Here's a speedy lesson: UVA and UVB refer to the 'invisible' and 'visible' rays from the sun. The former is what ages the skin over time (think A for ageing); the latter being what causes you to burn (think B for burning). Some sunscreens only offer UVB protection, meaning you won't burn, but you're not completely protected either.
Look for something 'broad spectrum' or marked with a PA+ rating, which indicates its UVA protection. Then, there's photostability. This is what stops the product breaking down when it comes into contact with sunlight, so for maximum protection, check that your chosen product is photostable.
How often should we reapply SPF?
Once the sun is out, you need to think about relying on more than the SPF that's mixed in with your foundation. Apply a blob of sunscreen slightly larger than a 10p piece to your fingertips, rub together and dab over your make-up. Or, opt for an SPF powder (it'll also soak up any signs of oiliness). If you’re outside all day long, be sure to re-apply every 2-3 hours.
Dr Friedmann says, ‘the efficacy of any SPF is strictly two hours, and after that it must be reapplied. The SPF number represents the degree of sun protection a cream provides to the skin compared with bare skin. For instance, after SPF60 application, the skin gets the equivalent to one minute of sun exposure for every 60 minutes spent in the sun.’
Is SPF still essential if you're staying indoors?
‘UVA rays can penetrate glass, so if you’re sitting indoors all day by a sunny window or driving then you need some protection. Although UVA rays don’t cause burning, they do contribute to the risk of developing skin cancer,’ explains Dr Friedmann.
‘If you’re heading outside to enjoy the midday sun, then sun damage will start immediately. The fairer you are the more at risk you are of photo ageing and burning, and this can begin to happen in as little as a couple of minutes.’
READ MORE: The Glow-Giving Products That Will Make You Feel Like You’ve Been On Holiday
Is the UK sun strong enough to warrant SPF?
‘The theory that the sun isn't as strong in the UK is a common misconception,’ says Dr Friedmann. ‘A lesser percentage of UV penetrates cloud, but often this is still enough to cause sun damage and burning, especially in the peak summer months.’
‘The UK has the same number of cases of skin cancer cases as Australia, but people tend not to realise this. Our population is much larger than Australia’s, thus the prevalence of skin cancer in the UK is actually lower than that in Australia (prevalence is the rate per 100,000 people).’
Shop: The Best Face SPFs For Summer 2023
Best Face SPF 2023 - Grazia
1 of 13Murad Correct and Protect SPF45
Forget everything you think you know about mineral SPFs: this one will change the game. Milky, fast absorbing and serum-like, applying such a high SPF has never felt more enjoyable.
2 of 13Caudalie Vinosun Ocean Protect Very High Protection Lightweight Cream SPF 50
Fans of Caudalie's hydrating grape based formulas will love their SPF. The invisible, non-greasy lotion is enriched with Vitamin E, and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Milky and lightweight, it melts into the skin with real ease.
3 of 13Malin + Goetz SPF30 High Protection Sunscreen
This reformulated, mineral sunscreen with a lightweight gel texture is easily absorbed into skin (and doesn't leave a white cast on deep skin tones). Looking for the next generation of skincare meets SPF? You found it. It also contains niacinamide to brighten and smooth skin, and works just as well under make-up as it does on a fresh face.
4 of 13Glow Hub Defend Yourself SPF 30
This SPF has a barely-there finish that leaves skin looking that little bit more 'so.' The perfect addition to your skincare routine, apply after moisturiser for effective daily protection. It's so lightweight you'll forget you're even wearing it.
5 of 13Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Face Cream SPF50+
The innovative idea behind Shiseido's sunscreen is UV protection that strengthens after application and when it's exposed to heat, sweat or water. Lightweight and water resistant, expect the same vitamin enriched, effective skincare as Shiseido's mainline moisturisers.
6 of 13Hello Sunday The One That's Got It All Sun Primer SPF50
Catch this sell out sunscreen-meets-primer while you can (it has already sold out once on Cult Beauty). Aiming to make sunscreen an everyday part of your skin care routine, this make-up base not only protects against UVA and B, but also behaves well under foundation.
7 of 13Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising and Priming SPF50
With a subtle peachy tint, this SPF delicately evens out tone and lends glow (in buckets). It's SPF50, refillable, and a more hydrating option for those with dryer skin.
8 of 13Supergoop! Supersize Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30
Supergoop! have fast established themselves as an SPF authority. You can count on their textures to be light as air, while melting into skin with real ease. They also offer brilliant top-up options, too.
9 of 13La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 UV Serum SPF 30
It's ok if you're hooked on La Roche-Posay's Anthelios (we are too). Oily skin types, though, will love this gel texture. It's packed full of hydrators to keep skin happy, but doesn't overwhelm oily skin with richness, so it still feels balanced.
10 of 13Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50
A multi-tasking gem, this lightweight matifying mist protects skin from harmful UV rays and sets make-up – a must-have summer staple.
11 of 13Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-Dryness Protection Cream SPF50+
One of the most sophisticated SPF formulas on the high street. The gel-cream texture is best suited for normal to dry skin - it really quenches dry patches. Hurrah for brilliantly priced, excellent SPFs!
12 of 13Coco & Eve Daily Water Gel SPF50
If you're looking for the antidote to traditional, thick SPFs, then this is it. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, it soothes skin in seconds and leaves behind a subtle glow.
13 of 13Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+
Functioning as a moisturiser, SPF and primer, consider this your all-in-one. With high-factor SPF, it includes vitamin C and peptides to keep skin looking bouncy, hydrated and protected. You'll adore its lightweight and blendable finish.