4 great SPF options for your face (to wear this weekend)

It’s warm and sunny. If you wear nothing else this weekend (granted, that’s not recommended) make sure it’s an SPF

Most of us hate applying any sort of SPF-based product – Irish women are the worst for leaving this crucial step out. I used to begrudgingly apply it only while on the occasional sun holiday but every dermatologist I’ve seen since has said the same thing: wearing a dose of daily SPF is the only thing that will keep your skin in good condition as you age. Yes, even in Ireland, during a defacto lockdown – it must be worn every single day while indoors (UV won’t let a silly thing like a window stop it from hitting you with its rays) and even when it’s cloudy and you’re out in the garden or on your no-more-than 2km-from-home walk (likewise, UV and clouds).

Your skin still needs protection.

It seems like a stretch because they are not that fun to apply, they always used to make you feel like you’d covered your skin in oil and you can’t see results right off the bat. But not even your favourite super, duper anti-age serum will protect you from the long-term damaging effects of UV without an SPF. They are working beneath the skin’s layers to prevent lasting damage. And thankfully, the new formula variations have evolved into textures that are both lightweight and airy, perfect for the delicate skin on the face.

Here are 4 great options to choose from:

SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Uv Defense SPF 50, €41 (approx)

Once applied, let it settle into the skin for a few moments and makeup with glide on smoothly after. As well as protecting the skin, this one also boosts its natural radiance and uses mineral filters to provide high broad-spectrum UV protection.

La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios AC Anti-Shine Matte Fluid, €20

If you suffer from blemishes, you may find that sun protection leaves your skin feeling greasy and prone to breakouts. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios AC Anti-Shine Matte Fluid is specifically designed for people with those concerns, offering a non-comedogenic, featherlight formula with the all-important SPF 30 protection.

Available at pharmacies nationwide

Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50, €39 (approx)

Doubling up as both a moisturiser and an SPF 50 sunscreen, Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Defense is a perfect two-in-one for those with sensitive skin thanks to its oil-free, fragrance-free formula.

Clarins’ Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad-Spectrum SPF 50, €38 (approx)

Clarins’ multi-protection sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 50 as shields skin from harmful UV rays, pollution, and free radicals and protects skin from the appearance of dark spots fine lines. The sheer, ultra-lightweight texture forms an invisible yet powerful film with a matte finish, so this is ideal for under your makeup, especially if you’re heading out into very hot weather.

Main image via Jason Llyod Evans

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