Here comes the sun: The best facial SPFs for every skin type and budget

More than 13,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Ireland each year, according to the Irish Cancer Society, making it the country’s most common cancer. While we often don’t focus enough on the relationship between aesthetics and health, SPF is a skincare product that clearly traverses that boundary. It is a healthcare product – one that every dermatologist agrees we should all use daily as a matter of habit, regardless of the weather or our particular skin tone. Apart from protecting our skin from the sun’s UV radiation, which causes cell damage and can ultimately cause skin cancer, SPF happens to have excellent aesthetic benefits too.

While SPF is protecting our skin from those UV rays, it is also preventing the premature ageing, pigmentation patches and textural changes that come with them. If you’re a skincare enthusiast who spends money on products, it’s all a waste if you’re not wearing SPF. Without sun protection, we might as well throw every essence, toner, serum and oil in the bin – they can’t compensate for the effects of prolonged sun exposure over a lifetime.

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With the increase in use of active ingredients like acids and retinol – which is the gold standard skincare ingredient for everything from breakouts to wrinkles – the need for SPF becomes even greater. Such actives affect the rate of cell turnover in your skin, which is a good thing, but they cause increased UV sensitivity. Protecting your skin is essential and thanks to increasingly sophisticated formulations, it doesn’t have to come at the cost of chalky faces, pilling of your skincare, discomfort or migrating foundation. And, for the love of all that’s holy, don’t forget your neck and chest.

While I have nothing against a luxury SPF if budget allows, I tend to be less precious about applying sun protection liberally every day if a product is more affordable. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF50+ (€15 at selected pharmacies) remains my daily favourite since becoming a staple in my routine last spring. It has all the benefits of a morning moisturiser but the full protection of an SPF 50. It won’t clog pores and it doesn’t feel or look slimy or occlusive. It’s the best affordable facial SPF I’ve ever used and works for every age and skin type without leaving any greyish-white veil on the skin.

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French pharmacy brands have been making excellent suncare for a long time and Caudalie Vinosun High Protection Cream SPF50 (€32 at cultbeauty.co.uk) has all the markers of an excellent French pharmacy SPF. A slight scent makes it feel more luxurious than a solely functional product but the light texture sets it apart. It’s ideal for more mature skin and won’t settle or misbehave under make-up.

Sun sensitivity and reactivity is common in Ireland – if you tend to experience a rash, burn very quickly or react to sun cream, Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Serum SPF50+ Ceramide Protect (€26 at Boots) is a great option. This is water-resistant and hypoallergenic but has a light, cooling serum texture designed especially for sensitive skin. There’s a version solely for face too but this one works for both face and body.

Dr. Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint (€40 at drsambunting.com) comes in an untinted version but the one with a hint of colour is perfect for make-up-free days. It won’t congest or smother the skin, and it has a light texture that makes it a product you can just apply and forget about. It also layers well with other skincare – so no pilling, flaking or separating.