Wearing sunscreen on your face everyday is nonnegotiable. Come sun, rain, wind — and all of the weather the UK has to offer in between — you should always wear SPF. "Daily sunscreen use can help guard against skin cancer and premature skin ageing," said Dr Anjali Mahto [1], a consultant dermatologist at London's Cadogan Clinic [2]. In short: wearing sunscreen is the easiest and most effective way to protect your skin year-round.

Oh, and did we mention that all of the above applies when you're indoors, too? Yup, you should wear SPF even when you're inside [3] because you're still at risk of UV damage and premature ageing, especially if you're sitting by a window. While "UVB does not penetrate through windows, UVA does", said Dr Anne Wetter [4], dermatologist and founder of skin-care brand Allél explained, which is the reason why we still need protection. We're sorry to say that you're still at risk of UV damage and premature ageing sitting by a window enjoying the beautiful sunshine.

Even though it's one of the most (if not the most) essential beauty products, that doesn't mean it's always easy to find one that works for you and is right for your skin type. While we generally take a much more slap-dash approach to SPF for the body, when it comes to the face, there's a lot more to consider. Do you want a mineral-based or chemical-based formula? Are you looking for a lightweight cream or a solid stick? Do you prefer it to be tinted, nontinted, or completely clear? It's fair to say that sunscreen has come a long way in recent years, making sticky, greasy, pore-clogging formulas a thing of the past. That doesn't mean there aren't still hundreds of options to choose from — and that's where we come in.

To help you navigate the oftentimes confusing world of SPF, we quizzed some of the top dermatologists to share their favourite sunscreens for the face to wear year-round. These tried-and-tested formulas are nothing like the thick pastes your mum slathered on you as a kid, but rather elegant formulas that absorb nicely, don't leave you looking greasy, and won't cause breakouts. But remember, you've still got to put the work in by applying enough to cover the entire face, neck, and chest, which you need to top up regularly — whether you're sitting at home or swimming at the beach.

Heliocare 360° Oil-Free Gel SPF 50

"Heliocare 360° Oil-Free Gel SPF 50 [5] (£25) is one of the few sunscreens I have found that does not block my pores or cause me to break out. It has a light tint and sits under makeup well, as well as being an SPF 50. We know that sun exposure is responsible for around 80 percent of the factors we associate with premature skin ageing (think: fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation). Taking preventative care of our skin and using regular sunscreen can help reduce some of this damage." — Anjali Mahto [6], consultant dermatologist at London's Cadogan Clinic [7]

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick With Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

"I've always been a fan of Neutrogena and EltaMD sunscreens — it's what I use for my family and myself. Within the last six months, Neutrogena released its Beach Defense Water line. I like the stick versions, which look like deodorant sticks so they aren't messy and are good for anyone who likes to avoid sprays. The Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick With Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ [8] (£7) in particular is formulated especially for those who break a sweat or hit the pool. While you still need to reapply, they give better protection and I think they are more for practical outdoor use. Almost everyone breaks a sweat when the sun is pounding, and unfortunately, more times than not, that can reduce the amount of sun protection you get. This tries to remedy that." — Dhaval Bhanusali [9], MD, board-certified dermatologist

Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Cream - Moderate Sun

"Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Cream - Moderate Sun [10] (£56) is a tinted facial SPF which comes in a medium and a strong version. It's the perfect option if you want to get a tan while still being protected. It actually enables your skin to tan more deeply and more evenly, whilst also providing great protection from damage caused by UV rays." — Dr Sophie Shotter [11], a cosmetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Skin Clinic [12] in Kent

Bioderma Photoderm AKN Mat SPF 30

"If you have acne-prone skin, consider the Bioderma Photoderm AKN Mat SPF 30 [13] (£14). It's noncomedogenic (doesn't clog the pores), mattifying, and an excellent price point." — Dr Shotter

Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF 50+

Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF 50+ [14] (£30) has an intensely hydrating and mattifying formula, which dries quickly to a clear finish. It's my go-to recommendation for darker skin tones and for menopausal skin, which is often sensitive but needs a lot of hydration." — Dr Shotter

Skinceuticals Mineral Eye UV Defense SPF 30

"Skinceuticals Mineral Eye UV Defense SPF 30 [15] (£28) is an elegant product dedicated for the eye area. We should all be applying SPF to the eye area, but many people skip it because their face formulation doesn't suit this area — this solves that problem." — Dr Shotter

FrezyDerm Velvet Face Sun Cream SPF 50+

"I like the FrezyDerm Velvet Face Sun Cream SPF 50+ [16] (£20) because it has a unique, soft and light texture which is also very moisturising." — Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic. [16]

Institut Esthederm Photo Reverse Tinted

"Institut Esthederm Photo Reverse Tinted [17] (£55) is a fabulous tinted SPF 50 for fairer skin tones, which can help to brighten the skin and lighten areas of hyperpigmentation while protecting." — Dr Shotter

Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50

"Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50 [18] (£41) is a pure mineral sunscreen with a universal tint. As mineral sunscreens cause less irritation than chemical, it's a perfect option for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin." — Dr Shotter

Bioderma Photoderm Spot SPF 50+

"It's even more important to protect your skin in the sun if you're concerned about scarring and pigmentation. I would suggest a noncomedogenic SPF such as Bioderma Photoderm Spot SPF 50+ [19] (£16)." — Dr Justine Kluk

Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF 50 Hydrating Shield

"One favourite of mine is Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF 50 Hydrating Shield [20] (£55), which contains antioxidants, perfect for day-to-day underneath makeup. — Dr Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50

"For the body, I like to use EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 [21] (£31)." — Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology in New York City

Isdin Eryfotona AK Fluid SPF 100+

"Isdin Eryfotona AK Fluid SPF 100+ [22] (£18) is a pure mineral blocker with 11 percent zinc oxide with vitamin E and unique DNA repair enzymes to repair UV-induced skin damage. It is my go-to recommendation for skin-cancer survivors and patients with pigmentation who prefer a clear, untinted sunscreen." — Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin

Allél Suncream SPF 30

"Allél Suncream SPF 30 [23] (£119) offers UVA and UVB protection, as well as helping to both protect and repair skin cells that have been damaged by UV rays, making it the perfect option to protect the skin year-round, even when indoors." — Dr Anne Wetter [24], dermatologist and founder of skin-care brand Allél