14 best facial sunscreens for different skin types

by Lisa Harrison

If you’re planning a sizzling summer in the sun, make sure your beauty regime includes an SPF moisturiser that will protect your skin from harmful rays every day.

In fact Dr Ross Perry, skin cancer expert and medical director of CosmedicsUK, advises: “I would recommend you wear a facial sunscreen 365 days a year, not just in summer. Bare skin should always be protected.”

“If you’re outdoors at all, sunscreen really is an absolute must. The job of sunscreen is to filter out harmful UVA/UVB rays, which are the main cause of skin cancer, as well as premature ageing. Even in winter, the sun can still penetrate. So although the sun is further away than in summer, get into the habit of wearing a high SPF sunscreen all year round – even on dull days.”

UV rays: UVA and UVB – what’s the difference?

The sun emits UV rays and overexposure can damage the DNA in skin. There are two types that reach the earth’s surface, UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB and are responsible for premature ageing, causing lines and wrinkles.

UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and play a greater role in causing skin cancer, although UVA rays do also play a part.

What is SPF?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how long a sun cream will protect you from UVB rays. No sun cream can block out all UVB rays but different SPF factors allow you to be in the sun for a certain length of time without burning, compared to if you weren’t using any sun cream at all.

For example, SPF 15 means that you can be out in the sun 15 times longer than it would normally take for your skin to burn. For example, if you can sit in the sun for 20 minutes before your skin starts to go red, then applying SPF 15 would mean you could stay out in the sun for 5 hours without burning. So for SPF 25, it’s 25 times longer; SPF 30, 30 times longer and so on.

In summer, you should use a facial sun cream with a minimum SPF of 30 and in winter this can be reduced to SPF 15. Whichever cream you decide to use, you should always make sure that it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays (look for a broad spectrum sunscreen) and always re-apply regularly.

Dr Perry suggests using a non-greasy formulation, which feels nice and sits well under makeup. Take a look at our tried-and-tested picks below to find the best one for you.

Sunscreens listed in price order

Nivea Sun UV Face Suncream

£8, BootsBest for: A holiday

Key specs – Volume 75ml; SPF: 50; How to use: Apply generously before sun exposure (enough to give a visible layer before rubbing in), let it dry then re-apply to ensure adequate coverage

This has the classic Nivea scent, which is somewhat reassuring, especially in a sunscreen product. The mousse comes in a can and we overestimated the initial amount to use - one big squirt was enough for two faces, so this could be quite an economical product.

It rubs in easily and although there were no white marks, there was a bit of an oily sheen left on the skin, leaving it feeling a little greasy. It would be a good product for a holiday rather than everyday use.

Buy it here

Bioderma Photoderm MAX Cream

£9.86, EscentualBest for: Fair skin with freckles

Key specs – Volume 40ml; SPF: 50+; How to use: Apply evenly and generously before exposure to the sun

This unfragranced cream is thin and runny, meaning a little goes a long way. And considering its high SPF, it absorbs into skin easily without leaving any white film or greasy residue.

We found it was super easy to apply too, and left a beautiful matt finish that left skin feeling smooth and soft. It’s also waterproof (although we would still recommend reapplying after being in water), so it would be a good option for those who like to spend time in the sea or swimming pool.

Buy it here

Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser

£12.99 (price correct at time of publishing), AmazonBest for: Sensitive skin

Key specs – Volume 50g; SPF: 50; How to use: Apply daily to cleansed skin on face and neck

This unperfumed cream smells like an everyday lotion but it’s quite thick and heavy with a mousse-like texture. It does absorb quickly though, without feeling overly greasy and there was no sticky residue after application.