Suncare & You: We Answer Your SPF Questions

Whether the sun has come out to play or not, we all know that wearing SPF every day is a must. So, to help you stay protected in the summer sun, and to find the right sunscreen for you, we’ve delved into our Superdrug Community message boards to find and answer the most frequently asked questions about SPF.

1. What’s the best SPF for oily or acne-prone skin?

With oily or acne-prone skin, the last thing you want to do is leave your skin feeling or looking greasy. So, look for a formula that is lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic – which means it has been specifically designed not to clog the pores.

Our Non-Comedogenic SPF Recommendations

Uriage DNR Uriage Bariésun - Cream Spf50 £2.56

2. What’s the best SPF to wear every day?

If there’s one thing you should be putting on your face every day, it’s sunscreen. But you don’t want it feeling sticky, heavy or leaving a chalky cast – so the trick is to find one that works best for your skin and offers the most protection.

First things first, look for one labelled ‘broad spectrum’, this means you’re protected against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning rays) and ideally, look for an SPF rating of 30 or above.

Next, choose a formula that suits your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, look for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. On the other hand, if your skin is oilier, stock up on lightweight textures or opt for a mineral formula.

And remember, just like other beauty products, not all sunscreens are made the same. So, you may want to buy a specific face sunscreen as well as one created to slather all over your body. Facial SPF tends to be less greasy and lighter in texture and absorbs quickly into the skin.

And for those who need a gentle reminder, SPF should be the final step in your morning skincare routine but applied before your makeup.

Our SPF Face Recommendations

Vichy Vichy Capital Soleil Mattifying 3-in-1 Face Cream SPF50 50ml £18.99

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3. Which sunscreens are suitable for breastfeeding mums?

Whether you’re pregnant or you’ve just welcomed your new bundle of joy into the world, it’s still super important to include sunscreen in your daily routine.

When it comes to sunscreens, there are generally two types available: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin to disperse UV rays and contain the active ingredient oxybenzone. While mineral sunscreen, which contains zinc oxide, forms a protective layer on top of the skin and deflects UV rays.

Many expectant or breastfeeding mammas opt for mineral sunscreen to avoid the risk of any chemicals being absorbed into their bodies, but ultimately the decision is all yours.

Whichever avenue of sunscreen you decide on, remember to reapply your SPF regularly, relax in the shade as much as possible, stay hydrated, and ask your doctor or midwife for their advice if you’re unsure of anything.

Our Mineral SPF Recommendations

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4. What is the best SPF for sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll know how difficult it can be to find products that work for you, especially sunscreen. However, luckily for all you sensitive skin types out there, mineral sunscreens may be a good option for you! These formulas use mineral-based sun blockers that sit on top of the skin instead of chemical sun blockers that are absorbed into the skin, which can potentially cause redness and irritation to sensitive skin.

Alternatively, if you know what triggers your sensitive skin outbreaks, such as fragrance or oil, look for a formula without these added ingredients, and you’ll be on to a winner!

Our SPF Recommendations for Sensitive Skin

Avene Avène Intense Protect Suncream Fluid Spf50+ 150ml £21.99

Solait Solait Sensitive Sun Cream SPF30 200ml £5.19

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5.Can you recommend an affordable vegan SPF?

Yes, yes and yes again! At Superdrug, we’re committed to being your go-to shop on the high street for all your vegan beauty needs, and that includes suncare. As a start, check out our Own Brand Solait range. The ever-expanding collection features formulas suitable for all the family in various sprays, lotions and balms at the most affordable prices and is 100% vegan.

Our Vegan SPF Recommendation

Solait Solait Moisturising Sun Cream Spray SPF30 200ml £3.99

Solait Solait Sun Cream SPF50 200ml £3.59

Solait Solait Kids Sun Cream SPF50+ 200ml £3.59

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6. What is a good sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast on darker skin?

No matter what you hear or read, everyone needs to wear SPF – regardless of how melanin-rich your skin is. However, unfortunately, not all sunscreens are yet made with every complexion in mind with some formulas leaving an ashy or chalky cast behind when rubbed into the skin. This is, generally, down to ingredients such as zinc or titanium oxide (as previously mentioned in mineral sunscreens). For a cast-free application, look out for ‘invisible’, super-light textures that melt into the skin, like La Roche Posay’s Ultra-Light Fluid Sun Cream which glides onto the skin like a dream leaving a natural-looking finish.