How to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type, plus tried and tested favourites
Sunscreen is not only a summer staple. When it comes to daily skincare, we all know that facial SPF is non-negotiable, and the sun's UV rays cause damage all year round. However, the UV index tends to be much higher in summer, so sun cream is more important than ever during the warmer season.
Wearing a daily SPF with a minimum of SPF30 is the best way to protect our skin, but it can be tricky to know where to start, particularly with so many formulas on the market. Just like moisturisers, serums and face washes, one size doesn't fit all.
It's important to find an SPF that's tailored to your skin type or specific concerns. Whether you have acne-prone, sensitive or oily skin, the latest formulas are made using innovative ingredients that don't clog the pores or leave a white cast over darker skin tones.
From Murad and La Roche Posay to Ultrasun and Garnier, we've rounded up the best tried and tested SPFs for various skin types below, as recommended by our team of beauty editors and experts.
How we tested
This is a collection of tests from several articles, but all of these products were tested on these different skin types for days at a time. We assessed how easy it was to apply each product, if it caused make-up to pill, and ultimately, whether or not it worked well with its given skin type.
Best sunscreen for your skin type
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Aussie scientist breaks down what CHOICE's bombshell sunscreen SPF results REALLY mean - and it might surprise you
An Australian scientist has weighed in on CHOICE's bombshell sunscreen report - from breaking down exactly how the SPF testing process works to reassuring the public that the results aren't as alarming as they initially seem. The consumer advocacy group released their investigation results last week, reporting that 16 out of 20 popular sunscreens tested failed to meet the SPF protection claims on their labels, including big brands such as Cancer Council, Neutrogena, Ultra Violette, Coles and Woolworths. The controversial revelation has sparked outrage, with many consumers now questioning whether their favourite sunscreens are truly safe to use. However, respected beauty scientist Dr Michelle Wong, who holds a PhD in chemistry, told FEMAIL: 'I don't think we need to be that worried. These results are actually pretty reassuring in terms of the overall high standard of Australian sunscreens. 'It's tricky to measure SPF consistently because a lot of different things can affect the results. When applied properly, the difference between SPF 30 and 50 is not that big, and is very adequate for high exposure situations. However, higher SPF gives more room for error with underapplication.' When asked about Ultra Violette's Lean Screen SPF50+ being the worst scoring sunscreen in the report - after it returned an SPF of just 4 - the cosmetic scientist explained that mineral sunscreens don't tend to hold up well in lab tests compared to chemical formulas. 'It's difficult to say without further investigation, but my educated guess is that the issues with this particular sunscreen, which contains uncoated zinc oxide particles, wouldn't necessarily apply to their other products, which are mostly chemical sunscreens,' she told FEMAIL. She further explained that the structural make-up of mineral sunscreens means they're more prone to being 'easily disturbed by things like heat, interactions with packaging, and even just gravity' - and that this could have impacted on it's poor score. Scientist Dr Michelle Wong has weighed in on CHOICE's bombshell sunscreen report - from breaking down exactly how the SPF testing process works to reassuring the public that the results aren't as alarming as they initially seem Australian consumer group CHOICE claimed in a bombshell report that Ultra Violette's Lean Screen SPF50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen, which retails for $52, returned an SPF of just 4 during its first round of rigorous testing Nevertheless, when asked whether people should continue using this particular sunscreen in light of the report, Michelle said: 'I would personally use a different sunscreen in high UV exposure situations until more information comes to light.' She did however add that she felt 'reassured by the fact that Ultra Violette are taking prompt steps to investigate this discrepancy'. FEMAIL contacted CHOICE for comment on Michelle's video about the wide variations that may have affected the SPF testing results. Instead, a CHOICE spokesperson directed FEMAIL to its website, saying: 'You can find all the information on how we tested sunscreens in the following article, which addresses some of the thoughts raised within Michelle's video.' The article, titled 'How we test sunscreens', explained that 20 selected sunscreens were sent to an external laboratory based in Sydney, accredited to test sunscreens in accordance with the Australian/New Zealand Sunscreen Standard, as required by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 'All 20 sunscreens initially underwent a five-person panel test in an accredited laboratory in Australia as specified by the standard, and then 18 of those sunscreens (every product except the two that returned the highest results, the La Roche-Posay and Neutrogena products) underwent another five-person panel test,' the CHOICE article stated. According to CHOICE, the products were 'blind' tested to minimise bias. The panel of volunteers selected for testing all had 'skin types that show sun-burning reactions and do not have any sensitivities to the products' ingredients. The report also detailed the stages of the testing procedure, emphasising that it was a 'tightly controlled and consistent process'. On Friday, Ultra Violette co-founder Ava Chandler-Matthews addressed the backlash following CHOICE's damning one of the brand's most popular sunscreen Ava hit back, saying the bombshell report was 'absolutely shocking,' and why she felt the need to speak up and dispute the damning claims On Friday, Ava Chandler-Matthews, the co-founder of Ultra Violette, broke her silence after CHOICE claimed one of the brand's popular sunscreens was one of the worst performing sunscreens on Aussie shelves. CHOICE experts said they were 'so perturbed' by the results of its extraordinary first experiment that it conducted a second test at an independent lab in Germany where the results came back with a reported SPF of 5. 'We obviously freaked out, [and] took it very seriously immediately. We have now done three tests on this product. Two to ISO Australian standards [International Organisation for Standardisation] and one to FDA standards,' she said. The results she said, visibly emotional, 'were all consistent SPF rating of over 60 [and] we stand behind the tests we've done'. 'My concern with this whole thing is that people will now no longer trust any sunscreen. This isn't just about us. I put Lean Screen on my own children - and I still would tomorrow,' she added. One of Ultra Violette's products was named among the 16 sunscreens that failed to meet the strict SPF 50+ standards listed on their labels. After the report came to light, Michelle made a video breaking down exactly how the SPF testing process works, explaining that it's a 'lot less precise than it might seem' - which inherently leads to 'a lot of variation with SPF results'. The Instagram video that has been viewed over 450,000 times, Michelle - who has more than 640,000 followers - ultimately reassured viewers: 'Sunscreens are very effective [and] these results do not indicate that you should lose faith in them'. Michelle explained that the structural make-up of mineral sunscreens means they're more prone to being 'easily disturbed by things like heat, interactions with packaging, and even just gravity' - and that this could have impacted on it's poor score In an explosive recent investigation by CHOICE, 20 of the most popular sunscreens on Aussie shelves were put to the test - and only four lived up to their lofty SPF 50+ claims In the video shared to her @labmuffinbeautyscience channel, she explained that the testing process is done on real people in a lab with a UV lamp - essentially measuring how much UV exposure it takes for their skin to turn pink with sunscreen, compared to without it. Even with stringent guidelines set by the TGA around the testing procedure, she added that 'a lot of little things can change the results'. These human variables can be everything from the person administering the test to the person the sunscreen is being tested on. 'Even within the one test in the one lab, it's common for the SPF result to be given as a range with more uncertainty that the label would suggest,' Michelle told FEMAIL. For example, she said it was not uncommon for a sunscreen labelled as SPF 50 to return a lab result reading anywhere between SPF 45 to 55. As she stated in her video, Michelle believed that '19 of the 20 tested sunscreens scoring above SPF 24 is really good'. She added: 'It's better than a lot of other consumer tests in the past'. Australian pharmaceutical scientist Hannah English also weighed in, detailing her reaction to the latest CHOICE sunscreen SPF report. Hannah, who has a clinical research background, agreed with Michelle's claim that SPF tests can be impacted by many 'little variables'. She said that any sunscreen brand that fell well short in CHOICE's report should be investigating 'exactly what had happened and why'. 'I don't want to assign blame to any user of sunscreen or to CHOICE either because their job is not to see the bigger picture and educate on health. They're trying to make sure that the consumer is getting what they pay for - and the consumer should get what they pay for,' Hannah said. 'So, whether or not there was some human error or not is neither here or there.' Michelle left) and Hannah Collingswood English (right) both took to their Instagram to respond to the CHOICE sunscreen SPF findings. Michelle felt the overall results weren't cause for alarm given the known the variables of the testing process. Pharmaceutical scientist Hannah agreed, and also advocated for the bigger overlooked issue of improper sunscreen application Hannah believes there needs to be clearer sun safety campaigns and better education on how to apply and reapply sunscreen correctly. 'The Cancer Council did a great job with the trend of tanning beds and Melanotan tablets (tanning pills) but we've had a bit of a gap in between that and that really scary, melanoma beach campaign you may remember from a few years back,' Hannah said. 'Even now, the campaigns we have don't necessarily speak to every skin tone. And you know, darker skin tones have a lower risk, that's true, but there's still a risk. 'I think if you sell a sunscreen product, then you have some responsibility to communicate it, how to use it properly as well. They have mandatory stuff on the label. People don't necessarily read, which is not the brand's fault either. 'There's a lot of factors, but we could do with much more education- and I think that would help more, potentially even more than further regulation.' Both Michelle and Hannah believe the biggest problem being overlooked is that Australians are simply not applying - or re-applying - sunscreen correctly in the first place. 'Most people apply about a quarter to half of the recommended amount of sunscreen, which means the protection drops to between a quarter to half of the SPF,' Michele said. 'This means an SPF 50 sunscreen would be giving roughly SPF 12.5 to 25, which is lower than almost all the sunscreens tested.' Hannah agreed, saying: 'If you're not applying enough sunscreen in the first place and not reapplying it, then you're not getting the SPF on the label, regardless.' That's why sunscreen should be considered as just one element of a broader sun protection 'layering' strategy - which also includes hats, outer protective clothing and staying in the shade where possible.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm a tired mum of two and was looking exhausted. A $20 buy has given me my best ever skin, I can't believe the difference
A busy Sydney mum has shared how an affordable beauty buy transformed her skin taking it from lacklustre and dull to glowing and hydrated in a matter of weeks. Vikki felt she was looking exhausted thanks to running after two kids under three, and wanted a nourishing product to address fine lines and wrinkles as well as offer intense hydration. The designer and photographer trialled the new Skin Physics Anti-Ageing Intensive Hydration Serum, which launched just last month and after just four weeks of using the product daily she's been left with her 'best ever skin'. The potent product $39.95 which is currently on sale for just $19.97 in the brand's 50 per cent sitewide EOFY sale, addresses signs of ageing by offering skin intense hydration and works to improve firmness and elasticity dramatically improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vikki told Daily Mail Australia: 'My skin felt so dry and dehydrated, my lines appeared more visible and after years of sleepless nights with my babies, life was definitely taking its toll. My simple skincare routine wasn't working, I knew I needed something more hardworking.' After using the Skin Physics Anti-Ageing Intensive Hydration Serum for just two days, Vikki said: ' I woke up and couldn't believe that I looked noticeably more rested and refreshed, despite having my usual broken sleep.' The hydrating serum contains 15 per cent WrinFix-Px, an ingredient which boasts an active compound derived from xylitol, known for its skin-rejuvenating properties. The potent ingredient enhances the production of collagen and enhances overall skin structure. The nourishing formula also contains collagen promoting ingredients, including rice extract and soluble collagen, to help improve firmness and elasticity and hyaluronic acid providing incredible hydration and enhancing water retention in the skin. Although Vikki noticed an immediate difference after using the serum for a few days, after a few weeks she was 'blown away' by the difference. Mum Vikki trialled the new Skin Physics Anti-Ageing Intensive Hydration Serum and after just four weeks of using the product daily she's been left with her 'best ever skin' 'After a few weeks of using the serum I can see that my lines have faded and my forehead looks smooth. I'm genuinely so impressed with the change,' Vikki said. 'After three weeks of use, I think my skin looks so good, my best ever skin. I can't believe the difference. I feel like I don't need any makeup or other products, I just do my eyebrows and off I go.' The serum, which is free from fragrance, parabens, alcohol and silicones has already attracted a number of rave reviews from happy customers. One shopper who gave the product a five star review said: 'This serum is a hydration game changer! My skin feels instantly plumper and smoother, and after a few weeks, I noticed reduced fine lines and better elasticity. Love that it's fragrance-free and gentle on my sensitive skin. A must-try for anyone targeting dryness and signs of aging!' Another said: 'Love this product especially before bed. It hydrates and plumps my face - I wake up feeling supple still the next morning!! Highly recommend!' 'After a few weeks of using the serum I can see that my lines have faded and my forehead looks smooth. I'm genuinely so impressed with the change,' Vikki said. The Anti-Ageing Intensive Hydration Serum is one of three new serums that were launched by the brand last month alongside the Skin Physics Repairing Phyto Serum and the Discolouration Serum, with the trio addressing a myriad of the most common concerns. The Repairing Phyto Serum is suitable for sensitive or irritated skin and is a calming, nourishing serum formulated to enhance the skin barrier and improve hydration. Harnessing extracts of olive leaf, cucumber fruit, morus alba root, and eucalyptus leaf, the Repairing Phyto Serum 's formula boasts antioxidant protection to promote skin repair and to reduce pigmentation and redness. Skin is hydrated thanks to hero ingredient Hyaluronic Acid, while Ectoin shields the skin from environmental damage. 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The high-performance serum uses melanin-reducing Tranexamic Acid for dark spot correction, while brightening Alpha-Arbutin targets pigmentation and sun damage, and Niacinamide works to reduce hyperpigmentation and even skin tone. Exfoliating agent HEPES gently buffs and smooths the skin, while speeding up cell renewal, and also boosts the efficacy of the formulation by allowing the ingredients to penetrate the skin at a deeper level. With only five star reviews from thrilled customers plenty of shoppers have shared their thoughts on the serum. One reviewer shared: 'I have sun damage pigmentation and have tried many different products however saw a difference with this serum. It has really helped to lift it in just 14 days of use, I've also noticed a difference in my skin texture.' Another, who said they were 'obsessed' with the product said: 'What sets this serum apart in my opinion is its ability to tackle stubborn pigmentation. 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The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
I became addicted to beauty regime after ‘feeling accepted' but now I'm paying the price – don't make same mistake
A WOMAN has issued a stark warning after a beauty regime she started in her twenties left her needing 19 vital treatments, saying: "I didn't know the damage I was doing". Karrieann McDonnell, from Co Clare, is urging young people not to make the same mistake, or they may regret it in future years. 3 3 3 The 54-year-old fitness fanatic told how she first tried sunbeds as she wanted to look the part for her job. She said: "When I started out on the sunbed when I was in my late twenties, I was a strawberry blonde, fair skinned with freckles. "When I got into the fitness industry then, we had a sunbed on the premises. "It became very popular as it would have been back then in those days. "And being young and impressionable, you want to be part of the team but having fair skin and freckles wasn't the look back then. "When you're in fitness, it's about looking good, it's about feeling confident. It's all about the image and having that sun-kissed glow. "I taught a lot of classes, I was on stage we'll say. So like any performer, you have to look good. "When I started out, I was quieter, I was a mother, I was a parent, you know, a family woman who grew up quiet in herself. "And then as time kind of went on, I became popular. And I thought, 'Oh, OK, so I have to look this good to be accepted'. And Karrieann gradually built up the time she was spending under the lamp in a bid to get the best results. MAINTAIN COLOUR She added: "When I started out on the sunbed, it would have been like five minutes to start. "That went on for a couple of weeks and I was going nowhere fast. "So then I went on to six minutes, eight minutes, ten minutes and again, that was over the time. "Over the years then, I had built it up to 20 minutes, and that would have been maybe twice a week, once a week, depending on the time of year. "It would have been weekly because being so fair, I had to keep doing them to maintain some sort of colour. "But little did I know the damage I was doing because the knowledge wasn't there. "Everyone's skin is different and if you have dark skin you're going to tan better. "You're going to take to the sun differently compared to someone who's fair." SKIN OPS Karrieann has dealt with the damage caused by sunbeds over the last few years. She said: "I have had 19 different melanomas removed, be that from surgery, the light treatment, and then nitrogen freeze. "They're all melanomas, but just different stages of them. "They're also called BCCs, which is basal cell carcinoma, and skin damage is caused by BCCs from overuse of either UV or too much sun. "And if they're not treated they grow deeper into your skin hence the growths that you have on your body. "But when you have women, we're all about our appearance if we're all honest and in particular our face. NO SPF "All the money we spend on creams for our face and SPF has only come out in the last how many years. "When I started wearing makeup when I was 14, what was SPF? There was no such thing. "That really didn't come out, I suppose, until the 90s and maybe the early 2000s. All because social media has created 'SPF this' and 'SPF that' and 'mind your face and all that'. "But when you're 18 and impressionable and 20 onwards, you don't know what SPF is. "You don't know how to mind your skin until you get later in life." KEY SIGNS OF MELANOMA THE most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole. Most experts recommend using the simple 'ABCDE' rule to look for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which can appear anywhere on the body. Asymmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape Border – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border Colours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours Diameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma And she said if she could turn back time she wouldn't have touched a sunbed. She added: "I mean, when you're young, you're not going to be told and you're not going to listen. You're going to have to find out the hard way. "And unfortunately, that's not going to happen until later life, because if I had known then what I know now, I most certainly wouldn't have done the damage that I have done to myself. "But luckily I have been fortunate that I haven't had cancer, but the skin damage that I have, I won't say that I like it. I have it. I do try to get treatments done with it." 'TAN FADES, DAMAGE DOESN'T' Karrieann said she now opts for fake tan instead, saying "tan fades, damage doesn't". She said: "Some days when I put tan on, it looks worse than other days, and because I do try to tone it down as much as I can. "Because, let's face it, who likes looking at leathery, botched up skin when you'd really rather love to have silky smooth beautiful skin. "That's where age comes into it, when you're doing all these sunbeds when you're younger and you're not aware of the damage, but if you are aware, all good and well. "But when you're not aware, a lot of young ladies have approached me over the last few weeks, and thanked me for bringing the awareness. "Some of them actually have decided not to do any more sunbeds, but I've clearly said to them, 'I'm not telling you to do anything'. "I said, 'I'm just bringing the awareness, you still have the choice to make yourself.'" STATS Health chiefs said that about 11,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. And it is the most common cancer in Ireland. However, a recent report published by the National Cancer Registry Ireland shows that the survival rate for most cases is nearly 100 per cent. It says that about 9 out of 10 cases are non-melanoma skin cancers, and other types include melanoma. Men are more likely to die from skin cancer than women, and about 270 people die from skin cancer each year in Ireland. Director of the National Cancer Registry, Prof. Deirdre Murray, said: "Understanding the trends in skin cancer is vital for public health awareness and prevention strategies. "Many of these cancers could be prevented with wider adoption of safe sun practices in our population and avoidance of sunbeds." Skin cancer is more common in people over 50 but you can get melanoma skin cancer at any age.
