Best Moisturising SPFs For All Year Round
It’s a myth that sunscreen is just for summer… Did you know, a whopping 80% of skin ageing is caused by the sun? Imagine if we never left the house or didn’t sit next to a window (UV rays can penetrate through clouds and glass) it would dramatically reduce skin ageing. That’s why sunscreen is single-handedly the most important product you will ever purchase and use. It’s also why come rain or shine, snow or sleet (snow can dramatically increase the intensity of UVB) you need to be wearing sunscreen! It must be a broad-spectrum SPF as this will protect you from UVA (the ageing ray that penetrates the deepest and can damage the collagen) and UVB (the burning ray).
Should you use a moisturiser with an SPF, or should you use sunscreen with built-in moisturiser? The answer is you can use either, however, there are two things to keep in the front of your mind. Firstly, make sure you use enough product; a quarter of a teaspoon (1.25ml) for the face and half a teaspoon (2.5ml) for the face and neck is needed to give you the level of protection that is stated on the packaging. To put this into perspective, for the face you should be going through 50ml of sunscreen every 6 weeks. Secondly make sure the sunscreen in your moisturiser has a broad spectrum, without this your SPF won’t protect you from the powerful UVA ray. Here are my most recommended moisturising sunscreens that could replace your moisturiser without compromising your skincare routine and won’t leave your skin gasping for moisture.
Best All Round Moisturising Sunscreen
Sarah Chapman Skin Insurance SPF50 Invisible
I love everything about this product, the texture, the formula the thought that has gone into how to fully protect the skin. It’s gorgeously moisturising (if you don’t want to layer too much in the summer you could replace your moisturiser step with this sunscreen). However, it’s the science and the thought that has gone into this innovative formula that impresses me the most. Sarah has included a DNA repair technology; this is where I feel all brands need to raise the bar with their formulas. You are probably thinking ‘why this is so important for the skin?’. UVA and UVB rays have the power to enter the skin and be destructive increasing the risk of skin cancer, damaging the cell walls, and destroying collagen and elastin. This leaves the skin dry and dehydrated and can damage the most important part of the skin, the DNA (also known as the mothership of the skin). We never want to damage this part of the skin as too much sun exposure can cause irreversible damage. The Sarah Chapman Skin Insurance keeps the skin ultra-protected whilst Sarah has also included skin-enhancing optical diffusers so the skin glows and looks gorgeous.
Benefits:
No white cast
Subtle fragranced
DNA protection and repair technology
Best Anti-Ageing Moisturising Sunscreen
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect™ Age-Defying Moisturiser
This product is seriously impressive, the technology and the thought that has gone into this product makes it absolutely deserving of the title ‘Advanced Ultimate Protection’. This amazing product includes modern UV filters, broad-spectrum, DNA repair enzymes, Blue light shield, pollution defense, anti-infrared, and anti-glycation. As you can see it’s all singing all dancing, it’s everything you would want from a facial sunscreen! The subject of blue light is interesting, as there is still so much research being done to see how much blue light is reaching us through our devices. All that the scientists can agree on is where the blue light is reaching which is the same place as the UVA rays, the collagen. Pollution can’t be ignored either as it’s the second most harmful aggression to the skin, attacking the skin barrier and causing destruction and dehydration. Medik8 cleverly have combined carnosine to protect the skin from infrared rays (which make up around half of the sun’s rays) as they are known to damage the collagen causing lines and wrinkles and slackness.
Benefits:
No white cast
Subtle fragrance
DNA protection and repair technology
Level of UVA protection PA++++
Best Moisturising Sunscreen For Dry And Sensitive Skins
SOS SPF50 Sun Cream
This is the sunscreen for you if you have sensitive and dry, thirsty skin. Look no further, this product is beautifully moisturising from the moment you apply this to your skin and envelopes your skin with protection. Your skin will drink up its silky texture, it’s soothing, nurturing, and moisturising and it feels like it’s cocooning your skin. It’s a mineral-based sunscreen that you would think would leave a white cast. If you have sensitive skin, rosacea, dermatitis, and psoriasis you will have heard me say to seek mineral SPFs as they are least likely to irritate the skin. SOS has taken a different stance using plant stem cells which are one of the best ingredients to be used in sunscreen due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits it offers to the skin. There is also some research that shows plant stem cells not only protects the collagen from sun damage but can also assist the skin in producing new collagen. If that wasn’t enough antioxidants there is also vitamin E and low-weight hyaluronic acid, you could absolutely use this as your daily moisturiser and not feel like you are compromising your skin routine. Your skin feels so soft, replenished, and moisturised it’s a joy to use everyday aggressions.
Benefits:
No white cast
No fragrance
Plant stem cells for repair
5-star broad spectrum
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Best Moisturising And Primer Sunscreen
Supreme Screen SPF50+ Hydrating Skinscreen
This has to be my favourite of all the Ultra Violette sunscreens. If you want to skip the moisturising step and go straight to SPF then you should definitely consider Skinscreen (there is also a gorgeous subtle tint that isn’t too much that you are going to have to worry about matching your skin tone). I really like the thought that has gone into the formula, the texture, and the ingredients included. You have probably guessed by now that I want to see antioxidants in an SPF as this is going to add a second layer of protection for your skin cells. Also, you will get blue light protection, as well as broad spectrum. This product was formulated in Australia which has some of the toughest regulations when it comes to sunscreen, so you can be assured you are getting full protection.
Benefits:
No white cast
Subtle fragrance
Though not mentioned on the packaging the brand confirmed it is broad spectrum
Best Moisturising Sunscreen for Glow
Heliocare 360 Fluid Cream SPF50
Heliocare 360 Fluid Cream SPF50 is a dream of a texture and an incredible formula that will give your skin maximum protection. Heliocare philosophy is built around providing 360 degrees protection from UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared red-A, packed with smart ingredients which are scientifically proven to not just protect the skin but help repair the skin and prevent premature sun damage. This fluid leaves the skin moisturised with a glowy, dewy finish and the slight apricot tint is more for perfecting than coverage. Heliocare is famous for its Fernblock technology, this incredible ingredient defends the skin from harmful UV rays and most importantly protects the DNA which is the ultimate skin protection technology when it comes to protecting the skin from the sun. As well as protecting your skin, Heliocare is committed to repairing your skin with repairing DNA enzymes which is essential as it’s almost impossible to completely block out natural light (unless you are in a room with no windows). You can see why I like this so much as it’s also noncomedogenic and suitable for vegans.
Benefits:
No white cast
Subtle fragrance
DNA protection and repair technology
Level of UVA protection PA++++
Best Moisturising Sunscreen For Living And Working In Towns And Cities
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50 PA++++
This product is a mineral sunscreen with a broad spectrum to protect you against UVA & UVB rays including blue light and pollution. If you have dry skin, I think you would really enjoy this product; my skin loves the moisture it provides and the protection. If you want super hydrating, light and barely there I think you would find this just a touch too moisturising. Packed with antioxidants and a pollution protection matrix to neutralise and block the scavengers that love to adhere and attack your skin. If you are commuting to work or living in a town or city, I would add this as a must for you to consider. Pollution attacks our skin daily and even more so when we are exposed to the sun, free radicals will attack the skin barrier first, causing dehydration and sensitivity. If your skin is exposed to enough free radicals, you will then damage the collagen and elastin cells, and worse case the DNA, which is where we see irreversible skin ageing.
Benefits:
Subtle fragrance
DNA protection and repair technology
Level of UVA protection PA++++
Best Moisturising Sunscreen For Dry Skin and Pigmentation
Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF45 PA+++
Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF45 PA++++ is one for you should you want to tackle pigmentation as well as protect your skin from UV rays. A side note on pigmentation, it’s one of the trickiest skin conditions to treat and takes a full morning and evening routine to tackle all triggers that can stimulate the production of pigmentation. Correct & Protect is a mineral sunscreen serum, not to be confused with the order you should apply this sunscreen (still apply last before makeup) the serum is describing the silky feeling and the way it treats the skin. Tested on Fitzpatrick skin types 1-6, without leaving an ashy white cast, whilst beetroot extract stimulates your vitamin D and boosts the skin hydration levels. I took this on holiday as it was so hydrating and I do struggle with some pigmentation on my cheeks, my aim is to do everything I can do to limit these areas becoming darker whilst away in hot countries.
Benefits:
No white cast
Subtle fragrance
DNA protection and repair technology
Level of UVA protection PA++++
In the winter the focus is applying a good amount in the morning and then using top-up sprays during the day should you need them. If you need any help on spray SPF check out my blog here Best SPF Mists To Apply Over Makeup — Fiona Brackenbury. In the summer and/or when you are in direct sunlight for more than 20mins it’s essential to reapply every 2hrs. Most importantly never forget the level of sunscreen you applied in the morning will not be the same level of SPF by the end of the day unless it’s once-a-day Sunscreen like Ultrasun UK.
Thank You For Reading
I hope you have enjoyed this blog, please let me know if you need any help with your skin.
Stay tuned for more blogs and follow me on social media for latest launches and more skin school.
Bye for now,
Fiona x
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