Top 5 Moisturisers with SPF
SPF is king. If there is only thing you put on your face – any time of the year - it should be this. But not any ol’ sunscreen will do. There are 2 types of harmful rays so make sure your SPF is broad spectrum to cover both:
1) UBV rays are the one that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer
2) UVA cause skin damage that leads to wrinkles, uneven skintone and sunspots
As for ratings, my only advice is never less than SPF 30. Ever. And particularly in the summer months, when the sun is stronger and you’re exposed for more hours per day, you need a higher rating. 50 is ideal. And reapply often if you’re in the sun for long periods of time. Yada yada yada, you know the drill.
But….I know this can be seen as yet another step in the skincare process so people often just skip it. ‘It’s not sunny enough’ (which can often be said here in Ireland) or ‘I’m not outside long enough to need SPF’. Baloney. Rays cut through clouds and rain and if you’re sitting in your car or taking the dog for a walk, then those rays are doing their damage. And if you use active ingredients such as vitamin C, exfoliants or retinol, then this step is a must, must, must. You’ll do way more harm to your skin than good.
But we can make it easy by combining 2 steps in your morning routine – moisturizer and SPF - in 1 product. This is ideal for those who just want to wash their face, put one thing on and rush out the door.
Below are my top 5 combined products. Personally I look for enough hydration to keep my almost-50 face soft and supple but enough SPF to deliver solid protection.
Remember: you need ½ a teaspoon for your face and ½ teaspoon for your neck. Anything less means you’re not covered.
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream with SPF Broad Spectrum 30
I have used this cream for donkey’s years. I typically use it in the winter when I seem to have less time (I can’t explain why that might be). It’s packed with niacinamides, peptides and antioxidants. My skin absolutely loves it.
Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30
A fabulous lotion packed with niacinimdes, has a lightweight texture that wears well under makeup. Best for normal to slightly dry or slightly oily and summer months. I also use their PM (exact same formulation as AM but without SPF) as I typically use separate SPFs.
Avène Hydrance UV-Rich Hydrating Cream SPF30
This cream is gentle, yet deeply hydrating which makes it great for the winter months or dry skin. It has a creamy consistency that absorbs quickly into skin, leaving no greasy residues. Has Cohederm™ technology, an innovative active ingredient that helps to restore natural hydration levels in the skin, claims to offer longer-lasting results than hyaluronic acid. This also comes in a light version (which my teenager uses) for normal to oily skin.
Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Restoring Moisturizer SPF50
Another product I have used for years. It’s full of skin-loving ingredients like niacinamides (clearly, I love this stuff) shea butter and vitamin E. And with SPF 50 it’s a winner!
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Sunscreen.
I love this stuff. A fan of the range – I just finished my 3rd jar of the non-SPF version, I find it really gentle yet enough to give the hydration boost I need.
UK https://bit.ly/30BQAAh US https://seph.me/3fOZJf7
So whether you layer (like myself – I even combine 2 spf products together, gasp!) or prefer to grab one of the products listed here, please please, please use SPF every day.
