Admid packing for your summer holiday it is wise to take some time to prepare your beauty essentials. Kudos to you for stocking up on moisturising hair masks and waterproof mascaras, but if there’s one integral product you should definitely be making space for in your suitcase and it's the ever-humble SPF moisturiser. We, of course, have had it drummed into us throughout our youth from our mum, aunts and friends:
The first rule of looking after your skin is ‘always wear Sunscreen’.
The second rule of looking after your skin is ‘ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN’.
What is a SPF moisturiser?
SPF, as we all know, translates to Skin Protection Factor. The number that follows after is the amount of times you are protected from the sun Vs sans sun protection. I.e SPF 15, means your 15 times more protected than going bare skinned. SPF 50, means 50 times more protected. Easy peasy?
You would be forgiven for thinking of sunscreen as white, thick sludge that doesn't seem to ever rub in (note: Casper the Friendly Ghost). But luckily there are some great products that offer high SPF from the sun, without the compromise.
How much SPF moisteriser do I need to apply?
Around one table spoon for your face and neck and enough to fill a shot glass for your body. They need to be reapplied throughout the day, the same as you would regular sun cream.
What should I look for when buying a sun cream?
It’s worth reading the small print on packaging to see what you’re being protected from. By law SPF figures have to cover UVB protection (the rays that primarily cause burning), but UVA rays are harmful, too, and more likely to cause premature ageing. So getting a broad-spectrum cream will be beneficial to you and your skin. Furthermore, sun creams containing anti-oxidants will protect your skin from infrared damage, another sun-related skin issue.
Abi Cleeve, Ultrasun UK MD explains things for us: “The single biggest factor in the ageing of skin is exposure to UVA and UVB rays. They penetrate and attack the skin, causing damage to collagen and elastin, which are the very building blocks of our skin’s structure. UVA penetrates far more deeply. Potency may be higher in warmer months but UVA is a year round issue and Ultrasun products have a UVA filter of over 90%. UVA causes damage to the deepest skin layers even reaching the subcutaneous level.”
What SPF moisturiser should I buy?
The good news is that there are plenty of new, non-greasy SPF options on the market now that offer stellar SPF protection without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy slick on your skin. Click through our gallery and check out our top 8…
spf body moisturiser - Grazia
1 of 8SPF
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 £26. The oil-free lotion offers stellar protection, whilst keeping it hydrated for up to 8 hours.
2 of 8SPF
Institut Esthederm - Adaptasun Body Lotion Moderate Sun £42.50. This brand offers an original approach to protecting skin. Instead of using the SPF rating system, it requires you to select the product by your skin type and the strength of sun from which you wish to protect yourself from.
3 of 8Spf
Clinique Sun Protection Body Cream SPF 30 This helps protect against aging skin and burning. It is water and sweat-resistant.
4 of 8spf
Kiehls Ultra Light Daily UV Defense £35. This moisturizing oil-free lotion helps protect against the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles. It's great for sensitive skin.
5 of 8SPF
La Mer The SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid 50ml - £70. Suitable for daily use and helps to prevent the appearance of future discolorations.
6 of 8SPF
Guerlain Terracotta Sun Protect SPF 15 £30. This sunscreen is suitable for face and body and is enriched with Tan Booster Complex, which helps prolong a tan.
7 of 8SPF
Benefit Dream Screen. Dream Screen SPF 45 £25 This silky matte sunscreen is ultra lightweight and truly invisible on the skin.
8 of 8SPF
Lancaster Sun Sport Invisible Mist Wet Skin Application Sublime Tan Body SPF30 £23 This promises no white streaks and it can even be applied to wet skin - the perfect must-have for beach-goers.
More from Grazia on SPF protection:
7 Of The Best Facial SPFs For Protecting Your Skin Against The Summer Sun
A round up of the best facial SPF moisturisersthat are suitable for daily use.
10 Hot Lip Balms With SPF
Often negelected from the suncare routine, here are the best SPF lip products you can buy right now.