What is the best SPF for my Skin?

We get asked this question a lot. And in honesty, it comes down to personal preference – but you don’t have to spend crazy amounts to get the best protection. If you would like specific advice, together with a full skin check then you can book that here.

Always go for an SPF that is at least 30, and above 50 is best.

Here’s our top three:

La Roche Posay Age Correct – if your skin is not super-dry then you can skip the moisturiser with this one. Put on after washing your face in the morning and in one step you’re out the door. If you’re wearing make-up then put SPF on first.

Heliocare Pigment Solution Fluid – great if you’re prone to pigment and want something lighter and easily absorbed.

For those in the City and with dry skin, try the Saltee City SPF. Lightweight but super-hydrating, it provides protection against both harmful rays and pollution.

Just an extra one for parents of young kids who you need to pin down to put suncream on…

I have been trying out the Heliocare stick with my particularly evasive 4-year old. Great for getting him to put it on his face (smells like sweets, or Oreos according to him), and isn’t messy.

Whilst I am speaking about kids, our school doesn’t reapply sunscreen (understandably) so whilst medical advice is to apply sunscreen every two hours, if you’re in the same situation, here’s some advice from our dermatologists:

Generally I do not advocate once daily sunscreen as a good strategy because what if a patch gets missed then you do not have the opportunity to reapply as it were.

However in the scenario you describe I would apply something like SPF50 Eucerin sensitive protect for kids or Altruist family sun spray? Essentially you want one that is the most ‘adherent’ so perhaps zinc oxide/titanium dioxide containing ones; in addition, on very sunny warm days, the school should probably do a few behavioural things like ‘seeking the shade’ eg gazebos, forest school, sun protected sand pit, as well as kids staying covered up (no shirts off etc) and wearing a hat.

Enjoy the summer sun.

Helen

No. 23 Skin
hc@23skin.co.uk

Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never delay seeking care or disregard medical advice because of something you have read here.