Because SPF is a must, seven days a week, 365 days per year
So you’re looking for one of the best SPF moisturisers. Well, you’ve definitely come to the right place.
The sun is one of the biggest contributing factors to skin ageing. Why? Because the sun damages your skin and causes inflammation (we’re not just talking about sunburn). As Paula Begoun, founder of Paula’s Choice explains, ‘Inflammation destroys the structure of our skin.’
So, if we want healthy, and youthful-looking skin, then we really must protect it from the sun every-single-day. (Yes, even at this time of year; even while working from home.)
We know that incorporating a decent daily sun protection regimen can be tricky, but by adding an essential SPF to one of the best moisturisers, you’ll be protecting your skin everyday, without having to worry too much about it.
SPF moisturisers vs facial sunscreen
Worn on its own, moisturiser with SPF grants a very basic level of every day defence against sun-related damage –think dryness, skin pigmentation and wrinkles.
This is ideal in the winter months when the sun isn’t as strong. What about when it’s cloudy? You should wear an SPF every day as UVA rays can still permeate cloudy skies and windows. So good luck coming up with excuses as to why you’re skipping it. But come summer, an SPF moisturiser isn’t enough and you will need to double up on your sun protection. When applied underneath the best facial sunscreens, they pump skin full of moisture while adding another layer of protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
In summer you definitely need to wear a separate sun cream on top of your SPF moisturiser if you are sunbathing or outside for prolonged periods of time. Consider it the last step in your skincare order.
‘Many people believe that having an SPF in their moisturiser will suffice,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk. ‘But according to the British Association of Dermatologists, moisturiser with an SPF will only help protect you against small amounts of UV exposure – for example, when you walk to the car.’
But what it won’t do, is provide the same degree of sun protection as the best facial sunscreens. Especially for longer, more deliberate UV exposure.
It’s true, SPF in a moisturiser is tested the same way as SPF in sunscreen. So technically speaking, an SPF30 moisturiser should provide an SPF of 30.
‘But to achieve the SPF on the label, you would have to apply at least half a teaspoon to the face, which people rarely do,’ says Kluk. ‘What’s more, SPF moisturisers are less likely to be rub-resistant and water-resistant. For these reasons they won’t offer the same level of protection as the best sun creams.’
It’s also worth noting that moisturisers containing an SPF don’t always contain protection against UVA rays, either. ‘As a result, they will not protect against UV ageing in the same way as a broad-spectrum sunscreen would,’ adds Kluk.
But with most of us currently wfh, and the weather a bit dismal, an SPF moisturiser is ideal (not to mention essential) for that added bit of daily defence. Here’s our pick of some of the best…
Origins A Perfect World SPF40 Age-Defense Moisturiser with White Tea – £29.60 | Lookfantastic
Ideal for those prone to a midday oil slick on the t-zone, this oil-free face cream contains a high SPF40 with antioxidant white tea to nix pollution. We reckon it's one of the best moisturisers for oily skin with a high SPF.
Lumene Nordic Hydra Day Fluid SPF30, £19.42 | Lookfantastic
More of a hydrating lotion than a dense cream, it feels as light on the skin as the Nordic spring water it is formulated with. Plant extracts and minerals help boost oxygen supply to the skin, too.
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF25, £13 | Lookfantastic
The stronger your skin’s barrier, the less sun damage you’re likely to accrue. So this moisturiser is a must-have on account of its ceramides, hyaluronic acid, SPF and purse-friendly price point. This is hands down one of the best moisturisers, with or without an SPF.
Elemis Pro-collagen Marine Cream SPF30, £67.90 | Feelunique
Antioxidant-rich ginkgo biloba and algae are still the prized firming ingredients in this matte-textured cream. But it’s the addition of an SPF30 to the formula that is making our skin sing.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Light SPF20, from £25 | Harvey Nichols
It still includes everything we love about the original Magic Cream – which was like a blanket for dry skin – but with a host of welcome extras. This all-new lightweight formula is not only the answer to hydrating oily skin but is supercharged with wrinkle-smoothing peptides, SPF20 and pollution defence technology.
Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF30, £65 | Lookfantastic
This cool gel wins points for sweaty skin in a heat wave, while peptides from mushrooms tackle fine lines and enlarged pores, leaving behind a smooth, not suffocating, canvas.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF30, £27 | Space NK
Everyone's favourite moisturiser, but with the added bonus of an SPF. Huzzah! Squalene restores natural moisture while the lack of scent appeals to both sexes and all skin types. To put it simply, this is a bloody good moisturiser that just got better.
Clinique Superdefense SPF40 Fatigue + 1st Signs of Age Multi-Correcting Gel, £42 | Clinique
Its antioxidants are a bonus and its energising ingredients (including carnitine) like an espresso shot for weary skin. But it’s the not-insignificant promise of being sweat and humidity resistant that grabbed our attention. In short, it ensures the sunscreen actives stand a better chance of actually getting to work.
Olay Total Effects Whip SPF30, £23.44 | Lookfantastic
Who said moisturiser had to be thick and gloopy? Here the whipped texture transforms from a cream to liquid as soon as it hits your skin, ensuring the anti-ageing ingredients instantly absorb while the SPF doesn’t leave behind any telltale chalkiness.
Avène Hydrance UV-Rich Hydrating Cream SPF30 Moisturiser, £16.50 | Boots
Pairing 24-hour hydration with SPF30 UVA-UVB protection, this is a great everyday SPF moisturiser for very dry and sensitive skin. Apply it after serum, onto the face and neck for brilliant protection all year round.
