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The Best Sunscreens Recommended by UK Dermatologists

These Are the Best Dermatologist-Recommended Sunscreens For the Face

The Best Sunscreens Recommended by UK Dermatologists

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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, a consultant dermatologist at London's Cadogan Clinic. 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 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, 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.

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