What’s worse: greasy, oily, broken-out - or burnt skin?
Dermatologists will likely tell you the latter but if you’re someone who struggles with sensitive skin, there’s a chance you’d say the former.
We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen daily and, if you’re over the age of 25, it’s probably something you’ve been warned of multiple times. But for those with sensitive skin who may struggle with inflammation or breakouts from ‘standard’ SPF, it’s not quite so easy to force yourself to apply a layer each morning.
Enter: the world of sensitive sunscreens. These products come bursting at the seams with all of the skin-loving ingredients to keep your skin protected without any irritation in sight. However, there are a lot of them around and not all of them are quite as impressive (or sensitive) as their branding may suggest.
We spoke to the experts about what to look for and what to avoid when it comes to choosing your next sunscreen.
Jennifer Rock, Dermal Facialist and founder of Skingredients says: “If you have sensitive or reactive skin, rest assured that sunscreen has come a long way since the thick, chalky formulations of the past. If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, make sure you use oil-free formulas and look for an SPF that’s non-comedogenic, which means that it shouldn’t clog pores.
Some people find that chemical sunscreens (those containing ingredients such as avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate) cause irritation and allergic reactions – although this tends to be more the case with older formulations. Some prefer to use mineral formulas containing zinc oxide, titanium oxide or calamine as these are less likely to upset your skin barrier.
You can even opt for an SPF designed for children, because these formulas are less likely to contain ingredients that can irritate the skin, such as fragrances.”
Dr Adam Friedmann, consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinics, adds: “Mineral and chemical sunblocks fundamentally work differently - chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin and are effective by dispersing the UV rays and mineral sunscreens lay on top of the skin’s surface and reflect the UV rays away from the body.
I would usually recommend a factor 30 as a minimum but it does depend on skin type. At least SPF 30 for pale skin, preferably SPF 50.”
Dr Ophelia Veraitch, leading Harley Street consultant dermatologist, says: “For those with poorly controlled inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, it’s important to treat the eczema first; otherwise putting SPF on inflamed skin could exacerbate the problem. Clothing and behaviour are also very important aspects of sun protection. Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunhats and sensible clothes and don’t spend too much time lying out in the sun!”
We’ve rounded up all of the best sunscreen for sensitive skin.
Best anti-ageing creams to help reduce wrinkles
Best collagen supplements UK to strengthen and boost your skin
Best facial essences to hydrate and prepare skin for the next steps
Best setting sprays to keep your makeup looking perfect
Best berry lipsticks for a very berry smile
Best gua sha stones to help you relax and de-puff your skin
Best moisturisers to prolong your tan
Best women’s sun hats for style and protection on a hot day
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sun Protection SPF50+ Milk
Ideal for those prone to sensitivity, sun intolerance or prickly heat rash, La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Sun Protection SPF50+ Milk is something of a hero in the skincare world. This ever-popular brand is a name you’ll hear often from those who love to point out they already apply SPF daily - even on cloudy days.
But there’s a good reason why La Roche-Posay is quite so popular: its formula truly is one of a kind. The brand’s patented filtering system, Mexoplex, offers extremely high protection against UVA, UVB and infrared light while its Thermal Spring Water, an exclusive La Roche-Posay complex, helps to keep skin hydrated and supple. It’s also water-resistant if you weren’t already convinced.
Buy now £20.40, lookfantastic
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen Protection
Your enduring hunt for a non-irritating mineral sunscreen may be over thanks to SkinCeuticals. The science-backed brand uses innovative filters in its SPF to give you high broad-spectrum protection while remaining lightweight and absorbing quickly. Without causing further breakouts, it leaves a nice finish and can even be used by those with sensitive skin.
Buy now £45.00, lookfantastic
Ultra Violette Clean Screen Fragrance Free Sensitive Facial Skinscreen SPF 30
- Best for: skincare-SPF hybrid
- SPF: 30
- Size: 50ml
- Mineral or chemical: Mineral
A suncream without the laborious thick texture, Ultra Violette is leading a revolution in the SPF space with formulas that are a dream to apply. The Clean Screen Fragrance Free Sensitive Facial Skinscreen is packed with kind-to-skin ingredients that nourish while shielding from the harmful sun’s rays.
It was created with sensitive skin types in mind as well as blemish-prone with a lightweight texture that shouldn’t cause breakouts. The product is free from artificial fragrance and alcohol and instead includes soothing broad-spectrum shielding titanium dioxide.
Buy now £32.00, Cult Beauty
Dermalogica Invisible Defence SPF 30
It may have a slightly thicker texture but this SPF from Dermalogica can be layered up by all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin in order to protect against external aggressors from pollution to UV rays. While shielding your complexion, it leaves a sheer finish and has a pleasant aroma.
Buy now £49.00, Space NK
Caudalie Vinosun High Protection Spray SPF30
Best for: a luxury twist on suncare
Luxury French skincare label Caudalie is known for its innovation, bringing natural ingredients to your bathroom cabinet without sacrificing efficacy. The plant-powered products are formulated from a specialised ingredient derived from grapes and the wine-making process. This includes the Vinosun cream that uses these antioxidants and UVA and UVB-protecting components to shield the skin from the burning and ageing effects of the sun.
You can shop either SPF30 or SPF50 that also contain vitamin E to provide corporal care and are water-resistant so you’re covered when dipping in and out of the water. Although if the latter is occurring, topping up is no fuss thanks to the lightweight texture.
Buy now £30.00, Cult Beauty
Pai Skincare British Summer Time SPF30
As a long-term fan of Pai’s skincare it wasn’t too surprising to discover its sunscreen is one of the best around if you tend to react or break out when applying suncream lotion too often.
This non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen boasts blue-light and infrared protection as well as all the usuals (UVA and UVB) and sits smoothly on the skin. Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this vegan formula took seven years to complete but was well worth the wait: a small amount goes a long way and takes no time at all to settle down.
Buy now £29.00, Cult Beauty
Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 50 PA+++
Enter: that gorgeous, dewy, “just back from Santorini” kind of look with not a scrap of makeup in sight.
Skingredients’ colourful branding will get you into a summertime mood before you’ve even taken off the lid. Created by dermal facialist Jennifer Rock, this vegan sunscreen features both niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) and vitamin E for antioxidant protection.
One of the best things about Skingredients’ SPF? It’s not totally clear, offering a subtle, concealer-like hue that’s perfect for evening your skin tone without wearing makeup on top.
It’s worth pointing out that Skingredients’ SPF isn’t suitable for darker skin tones but that’s something they’re working on changing.
Buy now £51.00, Boots
Dr David Jack All Day Long SPF
Not a fan of applying layer after layer in the morning when you’re on holiday? Dr David Jack’s All Day Long SPF is a two-in-one product of moisturiser and SPF.
This SPF is ideal for saving space in your suitcase by incorporating both moisturising and sun protection properties into one sleek bottle.
This sheer day cream features the very latest protective filters, including SPF50 and blue light protection and settles into the skin similarly to your favourite moisturiser. Unlike many sunscreens which leave a greasy, built-up residue on the skin, this formula is almost weightless after application.
With niacinamide, gluthione, hyaluronic acid and carrot extract, it’s filled with skin-nourishing ingredients.
Buy now £95.00, Dr David Jack
UpCircle SPF25 with Raspberry Seed Oil
UpCircle makes perhaps some of the most premium feeling suncream around. This luxe-looking tub is one of the most delicious sensitive sunscreens available and feels more like you’re applying a serum or face cream rather than a traditional layer of sun protection.
Lightweight and silky, it comes enriched with Raspberry Seed Oil to give it a little extra moisturising edge. Its naturally-derived non-nano zinc oxide protects the skin whilst that subtly scented antioxidant raspberry seed oil defends against free radical damage while you’re enjoying the sunshine.
Buy now £24.74, Sephora
Nivea Sun Luminous 630 Anti-Pigment Fluid SPF50
Nivea’s a staple name for anyone with sensitive skin and the brand’s SPF is no exception. A great choice for not only protecting skin against the sun’s rays but also reducing any signs of ageing simultaneously, this hard-working formula ticks all the boxes.
The light and non-greasy sun fluid prevents and visibly reduces sun-induced spots thanks to Nivea’s “Luminous630” patented ingredient. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, it works to protect your delicate facial skin against UVA and UVB-induced skin damage and is free from harmful ingredients like octinoxate, oxybenzone and octocrylene.
Buy now £11.25, Boots
Verdict
Be prepared to become one of those people who whips out their miniature bottles of sun cream at the first sign of sunshine: our favourite sunscreen for sensitive skin has to be La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Sun Protection SPF50+ Milk. With its impressive formula, high SPF rating and water-resistant finish, it’s perfect for daily wear as well as summer holidays.
