Protect your skin as if your life depended on it… because in many ways it does. So get your SPF on – and not just in your sun cream. You need to protect your WHOLE body. So we set out to round up some of the best SPF products for every inch of you.

Although embracing the sunny weather – especially on those rare sunny days in the UK – is always a must, it’s essential to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Staying in the sun for long periods can result in sunburn. And prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage your skin cells, potentially even leading to skin cancer. To help you prevent serious skin damage, we’ve rounded up a selection of top products for those searching for skin protection or wanting to add SPF to your skincare routine.

Ready to discover some of the best SPF skincare products? Let’s dive in.

Under makeup and face

Skin protector SPF 30 primer 30ml – £38.00

If you’re looking for a UV-protective primer, look no further. This SPF 30 primer, from ARK Skincare, not only moisturises skin but hydrates it too. Enriched with vitamin E and shea butter, it will leave your skin with a luminous glow, while keeping your makeup in place.

Multi-Défense Ceramides Protecting Veil Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 – £74.00

Want plump, moisturised skin? Try this SPF 50 multi-defence cream. Infused with white tea extract, this formula will protect you from UVA and UVB rays and prevent cell damage while soothing your complexion.

ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 – £50.00

This SPF 50 brightening cream can be used over moisturiser or under makeup. Packed with powerful antioxidants, this daily cream will protect your skin against UV and blue light, leaving your skin dewy and radiant.

Makeup

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant & Lip Stick SPF 15 Set – £39.00

Overexposure to the sun can cause skin damage to all parts of the body. And that includes lips. Due to your lips having a thinner skin layer, it causes them to dry out more easily, making them feel uncomfortable and resulting in burnt lips. This handy SPF 15 lipstick will give you eight hours of protection from UV rays, restoring your chapped lips to a lushly smooth state.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup 30ml (Various Shades) – £39.50

With SPF 10 protection, this medium-to-full coverage foundation will not only protect your skin from UV rays but will give you a matte-looking finish, leaving your skin flawless for up to 24 hours of wear. Available in a range of shades.

Dr.Jart+ premium BB beauty balm SPF 50 40 ml (various shades) – £37.00

Not a fan of layering products on your face? That’s okay. This multi-purpose BB cream may be for you. With SPF 50, this formula combines the benefits of makeup, sun protection, hydration, and light coverage that balance your skin complexion.

Body Sunscreen

Riemann P20 Original SPF50+ Spray 200ml – £24.00

This SPF 50 spray offers up to 10 hours of UVA and UVB protection, perfect for those idle sunbathing days or active outdoor activities. Using a lightweight formula, the sunscreen absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling silky without the greasiness, ideal for those with super sensitive skin.

After sun

NIVEA SUN after sun moisturising soothing spay lotion 200ml – £9.79

After a long day of sunshine activities, there’s nothing better than giving your skin some extra love by nourishing it with after sun. Enriched with soothing aloe vera, NIVEA’s after-sun is the ideal formula for hydrating your skin, leaving you with an enchanting fragrance.

Elena Harris

Elena is one of Silver’s interns. She has a love for illustrating, reading, and all things media-related. She is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur who spends her free time in coffee shops sketching and journalling.

The post Summer’s here – the best SPF products for your whole body appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Not only that, but many of us choose to head to sunny climes for winter breaks. With global air travel opening up increasingly, and winter sun a real possibility for many of us, how can we protect skin from sun damage?

A bronzed glow to our skin might make us *look* healthy, but it’s easy to forget about the repercussions of staying out in the sun for too long. How many of us have thought ‘yeah okay, I got burnt today, but it’ll turn into a tan tomorrow’?

Sun can be damaging all year

Many people assume sun damage only occurs in the warmer months, but it’s just as vital to be protective in the winter months. As long as the sun is in the sky, there’s potential for skin damage. So how can we protect our skin from the sun?

We’re not telling you to stay indoors all the time – after all, feeling the warm sun on our skin is a blessing we can all appreciate. Vitamin D provides a multitude of benefits, and it’s important to reap these when you can.

How to boost the feelgood chemicals in your brain!

What are the mental health benefits of the sun?

The levels of sunlight and darkness you are surrounded by trigger certain hormones to be released in your body.

Serotonin is associated with stabilizing our moods and feelings regarding our overall wellbeing and happiness. Lower levels of serotonin due to a lack of exposure to sunlight can lead to a higher risk of depression, which could explain why our mood and energy levels seem to be typically lower in the wintertime.

With the right balance of sunlight, it can also help improve your sleep. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for controlling our sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is typically released as it begins to get darker and is what causes you to feel sleepy in the evening.

Read more: Should I take vitamin D supplements?

What are the physical effects of sunlight?

Exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays causes a person’s skin to generate Vitamin D, which is essential when it comes to keeping our bones healthy, as our bodies can better regulate levels of calcium and phosphate.

According to WHO, “Getting anywhere from five to 15 minutes of sunlight on your arms, hands, and face two to three times a week is enough to enjoy the vitamin D-boosting benefits of the sun.”

However, repeated exposure to UV rays can cause wrinkles, age spots, broken blood vessels etc… While these are considered to be a normal result of aging, these skin changes can appear a lot earlier in life if you have some sun damage.

Also, during the winter months, the Vitamin D benefits are minimal from the sun – it is far weaker. But skin damage can still occur.

How do the experts suggest to keep safe in the sun?

Sreedhar Krishna, a Consultant Dermatologist at Skindoc, explains that dermatologists can easily identify reckless sun lovers just by looking at your skin samples under the microscope.

“Elastic tissue acts as scaffolding which keeps your skin taut and upright. Therefore, people who have overindulged in sun end up with saggy and leathery skin as they mature – the ultimate cost of the beautiful glowing tan that you might have enjoyed in previous years.“

Diane Ackers, a skincare expert from cosmeceutical brand, Doctors Formula, explains that we should think of UVA rays as the ageing rays, and UVB rays as the burning rays. Both contribute to skin damage and speeding up the effects of ageing, but it’s UVB rays that are mostly linked to skin damage and skin cancers.

…when your skin goes red or pink, it is a sign that you are already burnt

Both Sreedhar and Diane said that when your skin goes red or pink, it is a sign that you are already burnt. Your skin’s DNA is becoming damaged, and it is your body’s way of telling you to get out of the sun.

A study in Science Mag  shows that when sunlight hits your arm, it can make the kind of DNA damage that causes melanoma mutations in just a second. In addition to that, the DNA damage can continue for hours afterwards, even if you’ve gone home.

Long term skin damage will push through to the surface and show themselves as hyperpigmentation marks and brown patches as we age.

What should I look for when I’m buying sunscreen?

Diane suggests that you consider your skin type, condition, and lifestyle. If you know that you are prone to being burnt, the higher the factor the better. Take into consideration whether you are going through any facial treatments. Treatments such as laser, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, peels etc. will cause your new skin to be extra sensitive to the sun.

Consider your skin type, condition, and lifestyle when buying sunscreen

Your lifestyle is also an important factor to consider. If you love sports, particularly water sports, choose a waterproof formula. And be aware you can sweat sunscreen off too.

If you’re a make-up wearer, look out for foundations, tinted moisturisers, or BB creams with SPF built in. As a general rule of thumb, you don’t want to drop below SPF30.

Claire’s skin story

After being diagnosed with skin cancer in 2020, Claire Nield set out on a journey to create her own company, and wants to warn others about the dangers of sun damage.

“I received my melanoma skin cancer diagnosis on the first day of lockdown, so to say my life was shaken upside down is quite an understatement.

“Two surgeries and a big scar later, things are currently looking ok. Thankfully, the cancer was caught early, and I am now so much more aware of looking after my skin. I decided to set up The Flower Power Company. A year was spent researching flowers and natural oils used around the globe, and having discussions with my dermatologist.

I received my melanoma skin cancer diagnosis on the first day of lockdown

“Before my melanoma skin cancer diagnosis, I was aware I had sensitive skin and that I burnt easily, but I didn’t think too much about it. I was fortunate to be able to travel widely to hot continents in my twenties, wearing strapless tops and short skirts. I rarely wore a hat and often got sunburn, but I was too busy enjoying myself to think about covering up. I even used sunbeds; I now look back in horror at my younger self and the damage I must have done to my skin.

“I have had three moles removed so far: two on my back that turned out to be ok and the last on my upper thigh which was diagnosed as a melanoma. During the year of 2020, I had a full body skin check every 12 weeks following the surgery. Now it has been reduced to every 12 months but I know monitoring my skin is now part of my life and I won’t think twice about going to the doctor if I spot anything unusual.

I even used sunbeds; I now look back in horror at my younger self and the damage I must have done to my skin

“I still love being outdoors in the garden but now big floppy hats, long sleeve tops and cool trousers have replaced my old wardrobe.

“Be kind to your skin. Your skin is your largest organ and treating it with love is so important. It is not just about wrinkles and blemishes; treating it with respect can be life-saving too when it comes to sun protection.”

Top tips for sunny skincare

• Routinely apply your sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 all year round. Yes, even on the cloudy days. Clouds actually mean that UV rays are more scattered, and can still attack your skin.
• Apply sunscreen half an hour before going out, reapply every few hours, and reapply after being in water.
• Try to schedule outdoors activities if possible. Keep in mind that peak sun hours are usually 10am to 4pm, and this is when you should be most vigilant.
• Prepare accordingly with sunhats, sunglasses and umbrellas, and seek shade where you can.
• Stay hydrated when you’re in the sun to reduce the chance of heatstroke.

Silver Lifestyle – time to get your silver on with our retreats and products

Genevieve Ng

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