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80% of visible skin ageing is caused by UV – these SPFs will shield your skin during the heatwave

The weather is gorgeous, but sun damage isn’t

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anti ageing spfs heatwave
Tatiana Maksimova/ Getty

We know, we know. The heatwave is here, and you’ve slipped on your sunnies, ready to soak up the sunshine with family and friends. But before we get side-tracked by rosé and giggles in the park, don’t forget your SPF.

Unless you’re using proper sun protection, you’re not just risking a temporarily pink nose, you’re undoing all the good work of your skincare regime.

Alas, more than 80% of visible ageing is down to UV exposure, which is a) huge and b) largely preventable. Wearing SPF is absolutely crucial, and not just for helping to prevent skin cancer. It’s the best thing you can do for your anti-ageing regime.

Fact: SPF is vital for youthful skin

SPF slows down things such as collagen breakdown that in turn, translates to sagging, wrinkles and pigmentation, says skin specialist and oncologist Dr Fiona McCarthy.

‘In my opinion, SPF is the most important step in your skincare regimen,’ Dr McCarthy says. ‘If you’re investing in a regime to reduce signs of ageing or achieve glowing skin but you don’t use SPF daily, you’re reducing the long-term efficacy of all the other skincare products, and likely wasting your money.’

Fact: Some anti-ageing products can harm skin without SPF

It’s not just about making products ineffective. Skipping SPF can actually leave you vulnerable to damage from the very products designed to make your skin look younger.

‘Using retinoids, AHAs and other medical-grade products can do wonders for the skin, but they can make you more prone to sun damage as they increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light,’ says aesthetic surgeon Dr Osman Bashir Tahi. ‘If you don’t protect your skin when using these ingredients, you will be prone to premature ageing.’

Peels and laser treatments can especially backfire without SPF, he adds. ‘Think of it like this, when you have a treatment that removes the outer layers of the skin, fresh skin is revealed. This can be great for rejuvenation, but if you don’t protect it with sunscreen, you are essentially exposing this new, almost baby skin to ultraviolet rays, causing sun damage and premature ageing.’

Fact: SPF is actively anti-ageing

So that’s the bad news, but now for the good stuff. Wearing daily SPF isn’t just about protecting your skin but actively regenerating it.

‘Don’t skip sunscreen thinking the damage has been done,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Mary Sommerlad. ‘Skin has a remarkable ability to repair itself. If you start using daily SPF, you’re giving your skin a break from the cumulative daily sun exposure that accelerates the breakdown of collagen, and you’re giving it a chance to heal itself. With regular use, you’ll get a real benefit.’

In fact, a study found that using daily SPF didn’t just protect skin but ‘actually significantly reversed pre-existing signs of ageing,’ says Dr McCarthy. ‘Skin texture, clarity and pigmentation were all signs of ageing that improved by daily use of SPF.’

Fact: SPF is more enjoyable to use than ever

The latest formulations are a far cry from the old chalky formulas that tormented childhood holidays. Today’s SPFs are featherlight, absorb easily with no white cast, and come in versions to suit all skin types and issues.

These are the formulas that the GH beauty team really rates, for heatwave days and every day.

1

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50

Anthelios Age Correct SPF50
1

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50

Now 20% Off
Credit: noli

You can’t go wrong with La Roche-Posay’s SPFs. While the Anthelios Invisible Fluid may be the brand’s most viral formula, the Age Correct deserves just as much love. Alongside protection, it works to visibly reduce signs of ageing – from dark spots to fine lines and wrinkles. A real hard-worker.

2

Q+A Peptide SPF50 Anti-Ageing Daily Sunscreen

Peptide SPF50 Anti-Ageing Daily Sunscreen
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Q+A Peptide SPF50 Anti-Ageing Daily Sunscreen

Credit: amazon

Q+A is known for its fuss-free skincare, and its sunscreens are no exception. Formulated with mature skin in mind, this anti-ageing SPF is packed with pre-peptides to help boost collagen, alongside adzuki beans to brighten skin and support a youthful glow. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, too.

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3

Beauty Of Joseon Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30 60ml

Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30 60ml
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Beauty Of Joseon Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30 60ml

If, like us, you’re obsessed with Korean beauty, chances are you’ll already be familiar with Beauty Of Joseon. Its SPFs, in particular, have reached viral status – and now there’s a new launch to add to the line-up. The Day Shield Moisture Sun combines Green Tea-HA and ceramides to deliver lasting hydration and nourishment, while SPF protection keeps skin shielded throughout the day.

4

Fade Out Pure Glow Brightening SPF50+ Sunscreen & Primer

Pure Glow Brightening SPF50+ Sunscreen & Primer
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Fade Out Pure Glow Brightening SPF50+ Sunscreen & Primer

3-in-1 primer, sunscreen and glow? Consider our attention caught. Fade Out’s new Pure Glow SPF50 keeps skin protected while delivering a glistening, dewy finish. Better still, it not only helps prevent sun spots, but also features a skin-loving blend of vitamin C, niacinamide and grapefruit extract to help fade existing pigmentation.

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5

Clinique UV Solutions Hydrating Sunscreen SPF50

UV Solutions Hydrating Sunscreen SPF50
5

Clinique UV Solutions Hydrating Sunscreen SPF50

Clinique’s latest SPF launch features a weightless formula packed with hyaluronic acid for an extra boost of hydration – which is especially welcome during a heatwave. There’s an excellent mattifying version, too.

6

Olay Regenerist Firm & Plump SPF50

Regenerist Firm & Plump SPF50
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Olay Regenerist Firm & Plump SPF50

UV protection with a side of skin regeneration? We’ll take it. Olay’s lightweight SPF fluid not only shields skin from harsh sun rays, but also helps reduce fine lines and boost hydration – thanks to the inclusion of collagen peptides, niacinamide and pro-vitamin B5.

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7

Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen Sunrise SPF30

Glowscreen Sunscreen Sunrise SPF30
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Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen Sunrise SPF30

It’s all in the name: Glowscreen. Supergoop’s SPF leaves skin looking luminous and even – it’s good enough to wear alone, but also works beautifully as a makeup primer.

8

Caudalie Vinosun Spf50

Vinosun Spf50
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Caudalie Vinosun Spf50

One to throw in your handbag, Caudalie’s new SPF stick delivers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection in an ultra-convenient, on-the-go format. It glides effortlessly on to the skin with an invisible finish – making it a GH favourite for quick touch-ups. (Because, yes – you should be topping up your SPF throughout the day!)

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9

Green People Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50

Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50
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Green People Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50

If you have sensitive skin, look no further than Green People’s new SPF launch. Known for its organic innovations, you can trust even the most delicate skin is in good hands. This sunscreen is scent-free and natural, and melts into the skin with ease.

10

Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen - SPF50

Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen - SPF50
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Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen - SPF50

Another K-Beauty SPF to add to your collection. Laneige’s cult-loved Water Bank range now includes a barrier-boosting sunscreen. The lightweight formula ticks all our boxes – protection, hydration and skin barrier support.

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11

CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50

Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50
11

CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50

Any skincare fanatic will already be well acquainted with CeraVe. The brand’s new suncare range features an invisible, hydrating formula that’s designed to be used on both the face and body.

12

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid

Anthelios Oil Control Fluid
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid

Now 25% Off
Credit: noli

The aforementioned viral La Roche Posay SPF is a grail of GH Lifestyle Writer Maddie: ‘This SPF is perfect for those with oily or combination skin, who don’t want the typical greasy residue of suncream to accentuate already-shiny skin. This oil control fluid does the opposite, as it absorbs excess sebum and leaves behind a matte finish instead. It’s also extremely lightweight, so won’t leave behind any white marks, and sits beautifully under additional skincare and makeup.’

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13

Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50

The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
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Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50

For a makeup-meets-SPF hybrid, look no further than Merit’s tinted sunscreen. It delivers a sheer, natural-looking finish – ideal for hot days when you want a touch of coverage without the feel of heavy makeup.

14

Lancaster Sun Perfect Air Daily Invisible Fluid SPF50

Sun Perfect Air Daily Invisible Fluid SPF50
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Lancaster Sun Perfect Air Daily Invisible Fluid SPF50

Now 10% Off

If your skin is feeling tired and dull, and you’re in desperate need of a radiance boost, Lancaster has you covered. This glow-giving formula instantly revives lacklustre skin while protecting against damage, too.

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15

Ultra Violette Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Mist Skinscreen

Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Mist Skinscreen
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Ultra Violette Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Mist Skinscreen

Now 20% Off

We’ll say it again: reapplication is important. That said, we know how tricky topping up SPF can be when you’re wearing makeup. Enter SPF mists. Ultra Violette’s version is perfect for midday touch-ups – and leaves behind a fresh, glowy finish.

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