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Are expensive SPF products worth the money? Experts reveal all

Are expensive SPF products worth the money? Experts reveal all

Business Mayor16-05-2025

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As the desire to protect our skin from the sun intensifies, many are drawn to the allure of high-end sunscreens.
With their promises of silky textures and chic packaging – it can be tempting to blow the budget.
But do these luxury SPFs offer superior protection, or are consumers simply swayed by sophisticated marketing?
Dermatologists and sun care experts are now weighing in on whether investing in premium sunscreen is worth it.
Here's what to look for when prioritising performance over prestige. More expensive SPFs tend to feel better on the skin (PA) Function vs. finish
It's no question that affordable SPFs are just as effective at protecting your skin from the sun as high-end ones.
'Affordable SPFs from trusted brands can offer excellent protection and meet the same safety standards as high-end options,' says consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, Dr Sophie Momen.
'Pricier products may offer more luxurious textures, faster absorption or finishes that feel better on the skin, but in many cases, you're just paying for branding and marketing, rather than superior protection.'
However, the formula and level of protection is incredibly important.
Premium products often boast more advanced UVA protection and skincare actives – and may avoid cheaper chemical filters linked to health concerns. 'There is also a possibility that the price can reflect the type of UV filters used in a formula to protect you,' explains Ultrasun's Abi Cleeve, founder of SkinSense. Read More Keir Starmer has started to sound like Boris Johnson on Brexit Ingredients that justify the investment
Not all SPFs are created equal – and some of the most worthwhile differences lie beneath the surface.
According to Momen, 'An effective SPF should be broad-spectrum, offering both UVB (for burning) and UVA (for ageing) protection and it should be SPF 50, especially if you're outdoors frequently, have pigmentation issues, or are using active skincare ingredients.'
She also recommends formulas with antioxidants like vitamin E or niacinamide, water resistance and non-comedogenic features for acne-prone skin.
'High UVB protection – the SPF number – over 90% UVA filters, additional skincare actives for a 'one and done' in your skincare routine and a formula that sits well on the skin [can justify the cost]' says Cleeve.
'It needs to be effective, comfortable to wear and support your overall wellbeing.' (Amazon/PA)
Eucerin Sun Actinic Control SPF100 Fluid Protezione Cheratosi Attinica, £19.99, Amazon (Ultrasun/PA)
Ultrasun Extreme SPF50+, £24 (Look Fantastic/PA)
Garnier BHA + Niacinamide Daily UV, £13, Look Fantastic How to decode the label
A £12 high-street SPF 50 and a £60 luxury equivalent might look similar, but are they really offering the same thing? Technically, yes – and no.
'The SPF number measures UVB protection and must meet strict standards, regardless of the price,' says Momen. 'However, luxury brands may use newer or more photostable filters that provide better UVA protection, which is important for preventing pigmentation and premature ageing.'
On a practical note, you should be looking for a 90% UVA filter or above – this is harder to find in affordable SPFs.
'Also consider how long the product protects you, and what the water resistance and photostability will be,' says Cleeve. 'A cheaper alternative may end up costing you more if you need to use more of it.'
But don't let the beauty jargon confuse you. There are ways to keep the decoding simple.
'Check for the SPF rating to ensure protection against UVB rays,' says Momen. 'For UVA protection […] look for a UVA symbol in a circle or a five-star UVA rating.'
Cleeve recommends going even further. 'For environmental considerations look for the BASF EcoSun pass. Look for clarity on the percentage of UVA filter and look for those that state they are allergy tested.' (Look Fantastic/PA)
Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body & Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+, £12, Look Fantastic The mistakes you might be making
Even the best SPF can't save you if it's not used correctly. Both experts cite the same major misstep: underestimating your skin's needs.
'Using low-SPF products – like SPF 15 – is a key mistake,' warns Momen. 'Lab testing assumes a much thicker application than most people use, so lower SPFs offer significantly less protection. Always opt for SPF 30–50 – ideally 50!'
Solely relying on the SPF rating as opposed to UVA and UVB protection is also a common oversight. 'Not checking the level of UVA protection alongside choosing their UVB protection [is a major mistake]' explains Cleeve.
She also advises ditching the 'holiday scent,' as fragranced SPFs can cause unnecessary sensitivity during sun exposure.
If you're dealing with sensitive skin, melasma, or acne, your SPF choice matters even more. Read More How Enterprise Companies Are Pitching Generative AI to Marketers
'For oily or acne-prone skin, non-comedogenic formulas are essential to avoid breakouts,' says Momen. 'People with melasma or pigmentation issues benefit from tinted sunscreens with strong UVA protection, as these help block visible light too.'
Those with sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema may benefit from higher-end, hypoallergenic options, says Cleeve, particularly those with mineral-only filters. (MooGoo/PA)
MooGoo Tinted SPF 40 Face Cream, £12.50
The bottom line
So, is splashing out really worth it? Well, if your budget allows for a luxurious, high-performing sunscreen that feels like a dream to wear – go for it. But if you're reaching for a £10 bottle from a trusted brand with broad-spectrum protection and SPF 50, you're still doing your skin a massive favour.
The simple golden rule is to use it generously. Reapply. And whatever the price point, find a formula that fits your lifestyle.

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25 Under-$20 Things From Target To Brag About
25 Under-$20 Things From Target To Brag About

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time02-06-2025

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25 Under-$20 Things From Target To Brag About

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Why You Should Be Wearing Sunscreen On Airplanes
Why You Should Be Wearing Sunscreen On Airplanes

Buzz Feed

time01-06-2025

  • Buzz Feed

Why You Should Be Wearing Sunscreen On Airplanes

Earlier this year, TikTok user FindingFiona uploaded a travel video that got serious attention, garnering more than 2 million views and 1,000 comments. In the post, she emphasized the importance of wearing sunscreen on flights, citing reports of people incurring more sun damage when they're at higher altitudes. 'Even though you're inside the aircraft, because of the high altitudes, you're actually experiencing stronger UV radiation, especially if you're in the window seat,' she says in the video. According to dermatologists, the TikToker's claim is partially correct — but it's also a little wrong. 'The good news is that the true risk from one flight, or somebody who flies occasionally, is probably low,' said Dr. Elizabeth Jones, an assistant professor of dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. But Jones noted that for flight crew members and pilots, the risk is higher. 'People who are flying occupationally, they're going to be exposed much more to ultraviolet light given — especially if they're in the cockpit — the size of the windshield,' and given all the time they spend at a higher altitude, she said. Jones pointed to a 2015 study that found pilots and cabin crew have roughly twice the incidence of melanoma, a less common but more serious form of skin cancer, when compared to the general population. So, there is a connection between flying and sun damage. Below, dermatologists explain what you should know about your sun damage risk when you're at cruising altitude. Airplane windows block out most UVB rays, but not all UVA rays. 'Airplane windows effectively block out most of the UVB rays,' Jones said, referring to the rays that can cause sunburn and skin cancer. So even if you're sitting in the window seat, you likely won't end up with sunburn after a flight. But that doesn't mean other damage can't occur. This is also true for non-airplane windows, said Dr. Jennifer Holman, a dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler in Texas. 'Most typical windows in a house or a car are going to filter out ... like 97%, 98% of the UVB radiation, which is typically the wavelength that people think of that causes sunburns,' she said. While windows block these rays, they don't block all rays. According to Jones, airplane windows don't fully keep out UVA rays, which can 'cause premature aging, wrinkles and ultimately can contribute to skin cancer as well.' (Jones did note, however, that 'some of the older windows block out about 50% of UVA rays' and 'some of the newer models are more effective at even blocking out UVA.') Again, this goes beyond airplanes: Holman said most glass windows, including your car windows and the windows at your local coffee shop, also don't offer UVA protection. In general, 'most glass does not filter out UVA,' she noted. Wearing sunscreen on a plane can protect you from these harmful rays, which Holman said penetrate 'more deeply into the skin' and put you 'at risk for different types of skin cancer, including the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma.' So, who needs sunscreen on an airplane? The short answer: everyone. Sunscreen is important for folks to wear daily, whether or not you're taking a flight. 'As a dermatologist, of course, I'm encouraging all of my patients to wear their sunscreen as a daily habit every day, just for the exposures that we face and the free radicals that are out in the world from UV radiation,' Holman said. While it is important for everyone to wear sunscreen on a plane, Jones said certain people should take particular caution. 'Who should consider wearing sunscreen on a plane?' she said. 'Certainly, someone with a personal or family history of skin cancer may want to get that added protection by using a sunscreen.' Folks with fair skin who are more sensitive to the sun should consider that added protection, too. The same goes for people with medical conditions that make them susceptible to sun damage, and people who are on medication that increases sun sensitivity, Jones noted. Holman said that when shopping for sunscreen, you should find one that's labeled 'broad-spectrum,' meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This is always necessary, including on a plane when you aren't protected from that UVA light. Beyond sunscreen, Holman stressed that other protections are also helpful. 'The importance of physical protection, too ― wearing hats, sun protective clothing, sunglasses ― all those things continue to be important as we're protecting ourselves from ultraviolet exposure,' she said.

Eden Valley Hospice to host walking group in Chances Park next month
Eden Valley Hospice to host walking group in Chances Park next month

Yahoo

time01-06-2025

  • Yahoo

Eden Valley Hospice to host walking group in Chances Park next month

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