Top Picks: Daily Face Creams Containing SPF30+

We all want to look our best no matter what age we are. As we get older we spend a lot of money trying to undo the damage we have caused to our skin in our teens. The main damage we can do is over exposure to the sun. It is a known fact now that the best anti aging product you can apply to your skin is a good Sun Protection Factor (SPF). This will not undo the damage already caused but it will reduce further damage for anyone who already has damaged skin and for those of you who don’t it will stop the skin from becoming sun damaged. SPF is also essential for anyone who has any pigmentation marks on their skin. If you do not protect your skin the pigmentation will become darker and more prominent.

If you prefer you can use your regular moisturiser and apply an SPF under or over it (check the instructions on the SPF for correct application) but personally I think this is costly and unnecessary. Also, there are alot of foundations with SPF in them on the market but for me the SPF is not high enough in these. I use SPF 30 or more on my face daily and most of the time foundations only contain a maximum of SPF 20. Also, I mentioned this in previous posts but be careful when using a foundation or moisturiser with a high SPF in it if you are being photographed as the SPF creates a flashback against the camera flash causing your face to look ghostly white in photos.

A lot of people avoid using SPF on their face as it causes their skin to become irritated and can result in an acne breakout, trust me I have fought this battle for many years.

My skin tends to change depending on the weather, sometimes it can be uber dry then other times I would get oily in the T Zone. So I was on a mission to find a really good facial moisturiser that does the following:

• Contains at least SPF30
• Gives me both UVA and UVB protection
• Does not break me out
• Does not cause camera flashback
• Gives me the right level of moisture or mattifying properties depending on the type of skin day I am having.

Well I finally feel my search is complete. I didn’t find one specific moisturiser that does all of the above but I did find two different ones, one for oily days and one for dry days. Both of them ticks all of the other boxes. If you are in the market for a new SPF simply go for the one which suits your skin type better.

For days when my skin is dry and dull and needs a burst of hydration and a pick me up I am in love with the Body Shop’s Vitamin C daily Moisturiser SPF 30. The Vitamin C in this product not only gives the look of brighter skin but it is also known to slightly ligthen dark spots on your skin so a great option for anyone with pigmentation or acne scarring. I use this also when my skin is normal/combination or when I am not opting for a really matte makeup look. I wouldn’t recommend this for those of you with oily skin though. This cream is not a very thick consistency but it’s very hydrating. I also love the citrus smell of it, especially first thing in the morning. This is €17 for a 50ml (34cent per ml) which is a great price for a product containing such high UVA and UVB protection. This can be purchased from The Body Shop which have stores nationwide. You can read all about what the body shop have to say about this beauty right here.

My choice on days when I am feeling that little bit more oily or if I know I will be out all day and expect my skin to be a little shiny during the day I opt for the Image Skincare Prevention+ daily Matte Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 32. This contains a broad spectrum UVA/UVB Sun protection and is by far the best moisturiser I have tried for controlling oil. It is a gel like lotion consistency (if that makes sense) so oily skin will love this. I don’t find it dries my skin out either. It actually leaves a lovely sheen to the skin without leaving any oily residue. This would not be hydrating enough for dry skin though (Image do have other products in their Prevention+ range which cater for drier skin types so be sure to check them out if you like this brand).  This does contain “micro-sponge technology to absorb surface oils” leaving the skin matte and shine free but with a subtle glow. The technology behind this brand is amazing. It puts alot of money into it’s research and only brings us the highest quality products that are used by celebrities and recommended by plastic surgeons for post operative skin around the globe. Again the smell of this product is lovely, it gives off a fresh but gentle smell. This product costs €39.50 for 91ml (43 cent per ml). This product is a little more tricky to get. It is part of Image Skincare’s philosophy that the products should be perscribed to you and so their products are not sold online. However, there are many salons and laser clinics around the country stocking this brand. I personally buy mine from The Laser and Skin Clinic who courier the products to my door. They will also be happy to help you choose the right product for your skin type and needs.

Left: Body Shop (thicker cream) Right: Image Skincare (gel texture)

I cannot fault either of these products. Both really do a fantastic job of giving me just what my skin needs to remain healthy and glowing while at the same time protects my face from sun and environmental damage. There is only a 9 cent difference when compared ml on ml so really the one you choose depends on the type of skin you have. If you feel you need more hydration then I would opt for the Body Shop one and if you want a more mattified look or have oily skin then the Image one is your new best friend.

The main point to note here is that SPF is essential for skin maintenance and age prevention. SPF 30+ is what I recommend for everyone. Also, if you are using this as a daily moistuiser under makeup this is enough protection but if you are using this as an SPF in the sun it should be reapplied every two hours to avoid sun burn.

Do you use an SPF daily? What is your favourite SPF product? I am very intrigued to hear your suggestions and comments.

Hope you have a day full of prettiness.

Anita XXX