The Best Sunscreen For Your Summer Holidays

Why do I need to wear sunscreen? 

Sun damage to the skin is as real as it gets – it causes aging, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dullness. Trust us when we say that sunscreen should be one of your skincare must-haves – all year round! 

During the summer months, temperatures rise and the sun’s rays are even more powerful than usual, meaning the potential for sun damage is even greater. This is why it’s important to stock up on SPF before heading off to the beach or jetting off on holiday.  

How do I choose sunscreen? 

The best way to choose a sunscreen is to check the SPF, then check the formula. A good sunscreen should be between SPF15 and SPF50 – anything lower than SPF15 isn’t going to be adequately protective.  

 

You can find sunscreens in the form of oils, gels and creams. If you have a certain skin type you’ll probably want to pick the formula that best suits you. Here’s what we’d recommend for each skin type: 

Best sunscreen for dry skin: We’d recommend using a cream formula if you have mostly dry skin, as it’ll keep your skin fresh and hydrated while protecting you from UV rays.

Best sunscreen for oily skin: Using a gel formula is best for oily skin types – gel is light on the skin and is typically more absorbent than creams and oils, which means it won’t give your skin an extra oily finish. 

Best sunscreen for normal skin: If your skin is mostly normal, an oil-based sunscreen can be lightweight on the skin while providing a light sheen under make-up. 

Which is better: SPF 30 or SPF 50? 

On average, an SPF30 will protect your skin from sun damage up to 96%, while an SPF50 protects you from up to 98% sun damage. A 2% difference isn’t much, but you might want to opt for an SPF50 when you know you’re going to be exposed to lots of direct sunlight.  

 

Best Sunscreens for your summer holidays: our beauty pro picks 

Dr. Russo Once A Day Invisible Body Gel SPF30 

While it’s important to protect your face from the sun, it’s equally important to protect your body. We love this SPF30 body gel by Dr. Russo – it’s super lightweight while infused with hyaluronic acid, giving your skin a healthy, hydrated glow while protecting you from the sun.  

Dr. Russo Once A Day Invisible Body Gel SPF30

Beauty Pro Tip: don’t forget to add some sunscreen to your ears, they can get burnt too! 

 

Dr. Russo Once A Day Invisible Face Gel SPF30 

Enriched with skin-enhancing Vitamin E and Ferulic acid, this SPF for your face doubles up as a fab daily moisturiser. The hyaluronic acid will plump up your skin while the SPF gets to work protecting it from those powerful sun rays.   

Dr. Russo Once A Day Invisible Face Gel SPF30 TA

Thalgo Face Peeling Marin Sunscreen SPF 50 

If you want to continue treating your skin to chemical peels, acid exfoliants and AHA/BHA treatments during the summer months, you’ll need a strong SPF for applying afterwards.  

Thalgo Face Peeling Marin Sunscreen SPF 50+

Chemical exfoliants are great for your complexion overall, but exfoliating the skin’s surface leaves it vulnerable to sun damage afterwards. We’d recommend slathering on this SP50 sunscreen after any intensive exfoliation routine.  

Sun Bum SPF 15 Tanning Oil 

Body oil is perfect for summer – if you really want to enhance that golden glow you picked up at the beach, there’s nothing better than a glossy body oil to help show it off. Even better? A body oil with an in-built SPF.  

Sun Bum SPF 15 Tanning Oil

This tanning oil by Sun Bum will enhance your skin’s natural glow while protecting you from UV rays. It’s enriched with Argan oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe, and green tea, making it a nutrient-rich cocktail for healthy skin.   

Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 

Men need sun protection too – that’s why we love this daily moisturizer from Jack Black. Using Vitamins A and C, this sunscreen protects against the effects of aging by combining an SPF30 with an antioxidant-rich formula that fights free radicals.  

Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20

The Unknown Premium Moisturiser With SPF 30 

We love The Unknown over here at Beauty Tribe, and their sunscreen is no exception. This premium moisturiser can be used as a daily hydrant, and is enriched with Vitamin E, shea butter, and peptides. It’s also an SPF30, so you can enjoy long beach days and poolside fun without worrying about sustaining long-term sun damage.  

The Unknown Premium Moisturiser With SPF 30