Season’s hottest sun lotions
MOST of us will be a bit pink after the last few days. And while the mercury is dropping again, we can only hope this is the real beginning of summer. As soon as it warms up, we run for the parks and beach, begging the sun to singe us. But blocking its harmful rays is crucial – as is aftersun, to keep the skin moist and healthy after a day out.
Thankfully, we have left behind the days of sticky white sunblock that leaves a smear of white no matter how hard you rub. Long gone, too, are those cloying formulas that blocked the pores, are impossible to wash off, sting the eyes and cause acne breakouts.
First things first: when scanning for sun creams, try to avoid a chemical called oxybenzone, which filters ultraviolet light on the surface of the skin. The British Medical Journal said recently that the chemical may have a link with developing malignant skin cancers. Some scientists also say that PABA seems to damage DNA, thus increasing the risk of skin cancer. Avoid these two if possible.
You can do fine with the sun-care shelf at Boots. But there is also a whole range of lovely-smelling, largely naturally formulated suncare products that are more like moisturisers than the old white stuff. Here are our favourites.
SUMMER GLOW: TEN OF THE BEST SUN SCREENS
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess
£20.50
www.esteelauder.co.uk
A refreshing SPF 15 for the face that goes on silky-smooth, adding a natural radiance and brown glow.
L’Occitane Buriti
£14
uk.loccitane.com
This Brazilian palm fruit protects the skin from the ageing and dehydrating effects of the sun. A naturally luxurious SPF15.
Arcona Reozone
£24
www.glowgetter.co.uk
A handbag-friendly size and it won’t block up your pores. Fresh watermelon scent and feather-light feel: truly the cutting edge. Factor 20.
Liz Earle Botanical Aftersun Gel
£13
uk.lizearle.com
High-altitude lavender soothes and cucumber refreshes while Vitamin E helps battles the sun’s damaging effects.
Ling Lip &?Eye Cream
£48
www.beautyworkswest.com
Glycoproteins boost the skin’s oxygen and plump lips, while soy protein combats ageing and chamomile soothes.
Hampton Sun
aftersun
£26
www.spacenk.co.uk
A lovely brand that defines chic in the sector, this aftersun derives its soothing feel and lovely smell from tea tree oil and cocoa butter.
Lancome Soleil DNA?Guard
£22.50
www.lancome.co.uk
Moisturises while its wide-spectrum filtering complex Mexoryl SX and XL wards off sunburn. One of the best.
Invisible Zinc
£18.00
www.invisiblezinc.com This chemical-free Oz lotion has taken the world by storm and is launching this week in the UK. Super-healthy zinc infuses the formula.
La Prairie Cellular Anti-wrinkle Sun Cream SPF 30
£88
www.harrods.com
Five UVA/UVB mean this cream provides excellent protection and it’s super silky.
Chantecaille Firming Sun Cream
£77
www.spacenk.co.uk
A botanical-rich lotion with Vitamin C and antioxidant properties to protect the skin from environmental damage. SPF 30.