Sunscreen

The One Product Dermatologists Actually Agree On

If there's one thing every single skincare expert, dermatologist, and beauty editor on the planet agrees on, it's this: wear sunscreen. Every day. Even in the UK. Even in January. Even when it's so grey outside that the sun feels like a distant memory from a half-remembered holiday. UV rays don't care about cloud cover, and your skin is keeping score whether you realise it or not.

Right, lecture over. Now let's talk about how to find sunscreen you actually want to wear — because that's the real problem, isn't it? Nobody skips SPF because they don't know it's important. They skip it because the one they tried felt like cling film, left a white cast, or pilled under their moisturiser. Finding the right formula is everything. And comparing prices while you're at it? That's just common sense.

Sun Creams, Gels, Milks, Oils, Sprays — What's the Difference?

The SPF market has quietly exploded in the last few years, and the variety can be a bit overwhelming. So let's break it down without making it weird.

Sun Creams are your classic formula. Rich, moisturising, reliable. They tend to work well for dry skin types because they add a layer of hydration alongside the UV protection. If your skin drinks up moisture, this is probably your format.

Sun Gels are the lightweight option. They absorb fast, feel almost invisible, and tend to play nicely under makeup. If you've ever complained that sunscreen feels too heavy, a gel formula might genuinely change your mind. They're particularly good in summer when your skin's already producing more oil and the last thing you want is another heavy layer.

Sun Milks sit somewhere between cream and gel — lighter than a cream, more moisturising than a gel. They spread easily over large areas, which makes them popular for body application. When you're coating your arms and legs before heading out, a milk formula goes on quick and doesn't leave you feeling tacky.

Sun Oils have a bit of a reputation issue. People assume oil means you're going to fry like bacon. Not true. Modern Sun Oils contain full SPF protection; the oil is just the delivery vehicle. They give skin a gorgeous, dewy sheen — especially on tanned or darker skin tones where matte finishes can sometimes look ashy.

Sunscreen Sprays are the convenience kings. Quick application, easy reapplication, good for fidgety children and people who just cannot be bothered to rub anything in. The catch? You need to apply generously. A quick mist from arm's length isn't doing much. Spray until it's visibly wet on the skin, then rub in. Yes, even sprays need rubbing.

After Sun and Self-Tanning — Because Life Happens

Even with the best intentions, sometimes you catch more sun than planned. That's where After Sun earns its place. A good after-sun product cools, hydrates, and helps your skin recover without peeling like a snake. Aloe-based formulas are the classic choice, but there are some seriously good ones now with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that genuinely help repair damage rather than just soothing the surface.

And then there's Self-Tanning. Because wanting bronzed skin without the UV damage is completely reasonable. The formulations have come so far from the streaky orange nightmares of the early 2000s. Modern self-tanners blend beautifully, fade naturally, and come in gradual formulas that let you build colour over a few days without committing to anything dramatic. Mousse, water, drops you mix into moisturiser — pick your adventure.

Comparing prices on self-tan is particularly worthwhile because it's a product you go through quickly. If you're topping up your colour every week through summer, even a couple of quid saved per bottle adds up across the season.

How Much Should You Actually Apply?

Here's the bit nobody wants to hear: you're probably not applying enough. The recommended amount for your face alone is about half a teaspoon. For your full body, it's roughly a shot glass worth. Most people use about a third of that and then wonder why they still burnt on holiday.

Reapplication matters too. Every two hours in direct sun, and immediately after swimming or sweating. Yes, even the "water resistant" ones. Water resistant isn't waterproof — it means the protection lasts for a certain number of minutes in water, after which you need to reapply. Read the label. It's less exciting than reading a novel, but more useful.

SPF Under Makeup — The Daily Question

This is the one that generates the most debate. Can you rely on the SPF in your foundation? Short answer: probably not, unless you're applying foundation like face paint. The amount of foundation people typically use gives maybe SPF 5-8 at best, regardless of what the label claims. A dedicated sunscreen underneath is still the safest bet.

The good news is that formulas designed to sit under makeup are genuinely excellent now. Look for something lightweight, fast-absorbing, and ideally with a matte or semi-matte finish. Then give it a couple of minutes to set before going in with your makeup. No pilling, no sliding, no drama.

Seasonal SPF — Not Just a Summer Thing

UVA rays — the ones responsible for premature ageing — are present year-round and penetrate through clouds and windows. If you sit near a window at work, you're getting UV exposure. If you drive regularly, your right arm and face are getting UV exposure. It's not dramatic to wear SPF daily. It's just sensible.

Winter SPF needs are different from summer though. In colder months, a richer Sun Cream formula works well because it doubles as an extra moisture layer. In summer, switch to something lighter — gels and sprays earn their keep when it's thirty degrees and you're already melting.

Check our skincare range for products that complement your SPF routine — things like antioxidant serums under sunscreen boost protection even further. And if general wellbeing is on your radar, vitamin D supplements alongside diligent sun protection keep everything balanced.

Finding Good SPF Without the Premium Price Tag

Here's a dirty little secret of the sunscreen world: expensive doesn't automatically mean better protection. A £7 supermarket sunscreen with SPF 50 offers the same UV protection as a £45 luxury version with SPF 50. The difference is texture, finish, and added ingredients — not the actual sun protection factor. So if budget matters (and when doesn't it?), don't feel pressured into the fancy stuff unless the formula genuinely works better on your skin.

That said, comparing across different retailers is always smart because the same brands price differently everywhere. Our deals section often has sunscreen offers, especially heading into spring and summer when retailers are stocking up.

Browse our full brand listings to find your preferred SPF brand and compare every available price. Whether you're a Sun Cream loyalist, a spray convert, or someone experimenting with oil-based formulas for the first time — sun protection is the one product that genuinely pays for itself. Your future skin will thank you. It's very dramatic like that.