The good weather arrived earlier than usual this year, which is both good and bad. The first warm day of spring boosts the mood, and makes the world look larger and lighter, but also exposes shrieking white backs and legs, unprotected, to the sun.
The damage is guaranteed and lasting, and it isn’t just paler people who should protect their skin. I spend an inordinate amount of time each summer scolding my partner, who is mixed race, and trying to dash sun cream at him, for his mistaken belief that his skin does not need protection. He may not urgently need SPF50, like I do, but he still needs to protect his skin. We all do.
Just to be safe, slather any small children (yours, that is; perhaps not just errant ones wandering past) in SPF50 and keep them out of direct sun during the hottest hours of the day. A change in your skin’s pigment after sun exposure is skin damage. If you want a tan, get it from a bottle.
In a facial SPF, we all want a light, non-greasy, non-chalky product that behaves well with other skincare, sits on the skin discreetly and has a high protection factor. The technology is not quite there yet, but some of the higher-end products tend to offer more sophisticated textures and sit less obviously than budget versions. Besides, if there is only one skincare product you ever invest in, let it be your SPF. Prevention is always better than cure. Here are four to try.
Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30 (€70 at dermalogica.ie) protects against UV light but also hydrates and fights the effects of pollution. It is comfortable to wear, and offers the minimum protection factor I would recommend for the face. Do not opt for anything under SPF30.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF50 Hydrating Shield (€65 at Debenhams) is a similar multitasker from the brand's prestige Prevage range, with a high level of protection and an elegant texture.
Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 (€17 for 30ml at Kiehl's, on Wicklow Street in Dublin, and arnotts.ie from April 20th) is a truly lightweight sunscreen that has a cooling gel texture on application, and gets on well underneath foundation. Worn alone, it does not leave a conspicuous oily film on the skin as many sunscreens can.
Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen (€70 at murad.co.uk) is my favourite, offering SPF50, a light texture and a gentle pink tint that, rather than giving the skin any tone, prevents the chalky hue common to mineral sunscreens.
