The Sun Protection Factor...
Sunday 15th June 2008 by Elizabeth Richards
 Protecting your skin from the sun is important whatever the season but at this time of the year – when skin is still adjusting to exposure and strong sunshine can appear unexpectedly – it is a crucial part of your daily beauty regime. Face and body both need protecting with a broad spectrum sun screen (to guard against both ageing UVA rays and burning UVB rays). Tempted to use last year’s stash? Check the use-by date first. Anything beyond its best-before can’t be relied upon: if in doubt, chuck it out and buy new.
Adopt a healthy new approach to sun protection and incorporate it into your morning routine: generally formulas take 15-20 minutes to start working. Many moisturisers and foundations boast SPF15 which is great for cloudy days but may not be enough in bright summer sunshine. The face is, after all, exposed to the sun more than any other part of the body. Team with a specialist product for the more vulnerable areas: lids, lips, eyes and ears.
Waterproof formulas are a great idea if you’re poolside or on the beach, however these still need to be regularly reapplied with thought also given to the scalp which will burn easily if not covered. Sun screens for the hair are available, but a hat is the obvious answer. And for those with sensitive skin who may find chemical sunscreens irritating, the ever-increasing range of mineral-based products now offers a superb alternative.
Korres Watermelon Face Cream SPF20, £13
This light and lusciously scented cream is made using shea butter and titanium dioxide to give a natural broad spectrum sun filter while keeping skin comfortable, fresh and free from the stickiness associated with many facial sun products. The perfect complement to your morning routine.
Available at www.HarveyNichols.com 
ZO1 Invisible Protector Stick SPF30, £10.95
Hate the struggle to get sunscreen on your kids or your man? Tuck this nifty little stick up your sleeve and produce at the perfect moment for instant broad spectrum protection courtesy of its skin-friendly zinc oxide formulation. Sweat resistant and great for use at high altitudes, it’ll even see you through the ski season!
Available at www.ZO-1.com
Jurlique Sun Lotion SPF30, £39
Pretty and powerful, this formula is exceptionally lightweight for easy absorption and leaves behind no greasy residue: skin feels soft, smooth and perfectly hydrated. With impressive broad spectrum protection, it makes an excellent choice for those with fair skin or who work outdoors. With Jurlique’s signature simplistic styling, it looks pretty good in your beach bag too.
Available at www.SpaceNK.co.uk
MAC Prep & Prime Face Protect SPF50, £18
Make space in your kit bag – this is a summer staple. Light and silky, this cream is applied beneath makeup to give a smooth base, help prevent shine breakthrough and deliver impressive sun protection. Wear daily to keep skin hydrated, evenly toned and looking youthful. And in such a tiny tube, it’s a holiday must-have.
Available at www.MACCosmetics.co.uk
SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defence Sport SPF45, £35
Those who spend their summer outdoors will love this sun screen which has been designed with a sweat-proof water-resistant high broad spectrum formula to give excellent protection while playing sport. Contains zinc oxide so does need a bit of rubbing in but still one of our favourites.
Available at www.HQHair.com
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