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Times
17 hours ago
- Health
- Times
Luxury body sunscreens to use this summer
If mere mention of the word sunscreen conjures memories of a childhood being waylaid in your pursuit of the pool on holiday in order to be slathered up in a thick white paint that stings your eyes, sticks in your hair, stains your swimsuit and leaves you feeling all kinds of greasy, you won't be alone. And you'd be forgiven for thinking suncreams still came in thick, heavy formulas. However, we're pleased to report that body sunscreens have been spruced up and are now sexier than ever. Don't believe us? Let the luxury line-up below speak for itself — white-streaky lotions have been traded for non-sticky oils that glide on the skin, enhance your natural tan and have a blurring effect on the body. In the place of greasy sprays there are fine mists full of skin-loving active ingredients such as ceramides and antioxidants that work to repair any previous sun damage while protecting you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. There are even handy, hydrating SPF sticks ideal for those hard to reach places, and top ups for on the go. Dr Florence Nadal, the scientific communication director at Lancaster Monaco confirms that texture is everything. 'We attach importance to texture and sensorial experience as we firmly believe that these two essential factors are key to encouraging consistent use and proper application,' she says. 'Sensoriality and texture are also crucial to provide an effective photoprotection and to prevent skin cancers,' she adds, by influencing user adherence. The smartest sunscreens not only offer broad cellular protection but also work to combat other lights including blue and infrared. And when it comes to the most luxurious sun care products, you'll get added value in terms of skincare benefits. 'These high-end formulations may include actives that address additional skin concerns such as pigmentation, dryness, redness or visible signs of ageing,' Nadal says. 'The result is a dual-action product that protects and treats the skin at the same time, with refined textures and sensorial appeal that elevate the overall experience.' Now there's really no excuse to forgo the SPF. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue A combination of broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB alongside Dr Barbara Sturm's key anti-ageing ingredients — including her staple hyaluronic acid and natural extracts that work to nourish and moisturise the skin barrier — is all housed in this sleek white bottle. If you dread sticky and thick formulations you'll be pleasantly surprised by the super lightweight texture of this quick-drying body cream which is instantly absorbed into the skin and works behind the scenes to soothe skin that is sensitive towards the sunlight. Pair yours with the brand's recently launched Sun Drops for the face which helps protect you from future photo-ageing, damage and inflammation in one simple serum, and you're fully set for a summer of sunbathing. £100 for 150ml, Dr Barbara Sturm Those with sun-sensitive skin or a fair complexion should invest in a serious body sunscreen to ensure they're protected from all environmental damage. Thankfully, Sisley's high protection body cream is just that — it provides both anti UVA and UVB protection as well as containing vitamin E acetate and Edelweiss extract to help protect the skin from oxidative stress, which is the principal cause of photo skin ageing. Naturally scented with essential oils of lavender and geranium, the moisturiser also contains shea oil to help restore suppleness and moisture that's lost from the skin's barrier when tanning. For those who don't want to tan but still want a healthy glow, Sisley's gradual tan is highly rated and offers a natural radiance rather than a wash of orange. £127.50 for 200ml, Sisley Paris Some sunscreens can feel too heavy, some create unsightly white streaks and other have a greasy, oily finish. However, Dior's silky protective cream promises to be none of the above. As well as providing a high SPF 50 protection against UVA and UVB rays, the body cream is infused with the brand's unique Tan Beautifier Complex with added vitamin E and antioxidants to nourish and aid any pigmentation while enhancing your natural tan. The satiny finish on the skin as well as the floral fragrance are incentive enough to wear it everyday — rain or shine. £48 for 150ml, Dior For some the idea of creams and lotions, no matter how well formulated, is enough to make their toes curl in their fancy flip flops. Let us introduce those people to Lancaster Sun's dry oil. This lightweight, water-like formula offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, shielding skin from UVA, UVB, infrared and visible light. Plus, the brand's full light technology helps repair past sun damage and strengthen the skin's natural defenses against photo-ageing. Expect a shimmering veil and satiny finish. £32 for 150ml, Lancaster at Space NK Founded in 1978 by the French pharmacist and expert in cellular biology, Jean-Noël Thorel, Institut Esthederm was one of the first sun care products to activate melanin, the skin's natural protective pigment. Since then, the brand has created a range of luxury sun protection products, including this hydrating body sunscreen that comes in a handy spray bottle, which encourages an even-looking tan and has a barely-there feel on the skin. £57 for 200ml, Institut Esthederm at Look Fantastic Loyal lovers of Elizabeth Arden's bestselling Eight Hour Cream — the multipurpose balm that soothes, moisturises, protects and can be used on everything from brows to cuticles and hands — will be pleased to see there is now a suncream equivalent. This handy stick SPF will easily glide across both your face and body and take up next to no room in your beach bag. £19, Elizabeth Arden at Look Fantastic The French skincare brand Caudalie's body SPF is a clever hybrid between an oil and refreshing water which creates an invisible, hydrating veil on the skin. Inside the lightweight formula there's added antioxidants to help protect your skin against free radical damage, plus all the ingredients are ocean-friendly — many sunscreens with UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate can be linked to marine toxicity — so you can have guilt-free dips in the sea. £32 for 150ml, Caudalie at Space NK Keen swimmers need to invest in body sunscreens that are also water resistant. While we recommend topping up on all SPFs every two hours, Ultra Violette's hydrating hand and body sunscreen can last up to four hours even when you're taking dips in between. Founded in 2019 by Ava Matthews and Bec Jefferd (who previously worked at the major Australian cosmetics retailer Mecca), Ultra Violette's modus operandi is sunscreen infused with skin-loving ingredients. In this case, the lotion features a blend of pentavitin, skin-smoothing vitamin E and antioxidant-rich aloe vera. £55 for 500ml, Ultra Violette at Space NK While Emma Lewisham's mineral SPFs are mainly for the face, the brand's latest addition to the sunscreen line-up, the body creme, has been designed to protect the neck, decolletage and hands — areas that are regularly exposed to sun damage. The pump applicator means you get every last drop out of the creamy formula and can invest in the refillable pods to stay stocked up each summer. £62 for 100ml, Emma Lewisham It's a beauty insider secret that French pharmacy products are some of the best in the market and, Nuxe, founded by Aliza Jabès in the late 1980s, is a firm favourite. Loved for its vegan formulations and iconic multi-purpose dry oil, Nuxe's sun oil takes the nourishing staple formula and combines it with a high protection SPF and subtle shimmer that creates an illuminating finish on the skin and has a beautifully blurring effect on the body. £29 for 150ml, Nuxe One of the first of its kind, Shiseido's body sunscreen features a protective veil which is actually strengthened by heat thanks to the brand's clever Heatwave technology that contains heat-activated sensors. This triggers a process that optimises the sunscreen's protective film to make it more effective in blocking harmful UV rays. The science doesn't stop there: Shiseido sun care products also include a SynchroShield technology which allows the film to self-repair in case it is damaged. £50 for 300ml, Shiseido at Look Fantastic This all-in-one refreshing mist truly deserves a space in your beach bag this summer. Not only does the nourishing, easy to apply spray (simply shake and spritz across your face and body) help to combat the feelings of dryness that are inescapable when exposing your body to sun, but thanks to the addition of squalane, vitamin E and powerful ceramide in the formula, it can also be used on your hair. Simply add to the ends for nourishment and protection. £27.50 for 200ml, Vichy at Look Fantastic The Times Luxury is brought to you by the award-winning team behind the Times Luxx magazine. For nearly 20 years the Times Luxx experts have been curating an unrivalled selection of the best in fashion, jewellery, travel, tech, cars, design, food, drink and more. The same rigour and insider industry knowledge underpins The Times Luxury. All the products and experiences recommended are thoroughly researched and vetted by our team. If we love it, we know you will too.
Refinery29
19-05-2025
- Health
- Refinery29
Photoageing Is The Skin Concern No One Has Been Talking About — Until Now
Each year, one term dominates the beauty world, influencing everything from skincare products to professional treatments and social media trends. In 2024, 'skinification' took over, flooding hair care (scalp serum, anyone?) and even manicures (yes, nail facials are a thing). Fast forward to this year, and the buzzword on the lips of dermatologists and facialists alike is 'photoageing,' and no brand understands it better than Lancaster. Ahead, Dr Florence Nadal, Director of Scientific Communications for Lancaster Monaco, breaks it down. What is photoageing and how does it damage the skin? First thing's first: Ageing is completely natural and normal — and something worth celebrating. But the environment has the potential to speed up that process significantly. Case in point: photoageing, which is essentially premature ageing of the skin caused by the full light spectrum, including UVA, UVB, visible light, blue light and infrared light. 'Natural ageing, also called intrinsic or chronological ageing, is the natural, genetically driven process of skin ageing, marked by gradual loss of collagen, elasticity and structural integrity over time,' explains Dr Nadal. Photoageing, on the other hand, results from external factors: 'This is mainly sun exposure,' says Dr Nadal, 'and it leads to premature skin damage like deep wrinkles, pigmentation and skin laxity.' Sun exposure is the leading cause of photoageing, responsible for up to 80% of those visible signs, says Dr Nadal. It can also lead to dryness by disrupting the skin barrier and depleting natural moisturising factors like hyaluronic acid. Then there are enlarged pores and dark spots, triggered by the overactivation of melanocytes — the pigment-producing cells in the skin. What causes photoageing in the skin? You're already familiar with UV rays: UVA is linked to premature ageing and skin cancer, while UVB causes sunburn. Together, they break down collagen and elastin — the proteins that keep skin firm and bouncy. But UV rays aren't the only contributors to photoageing. 'The sun also emits visible light, particularly blue light and infrared radiation,' explains Dr Nadal. 'These can penetrate deeply into the skin and significantly contribute to photoageing.' Hyperpigmentation and loss of firmness are just a few effects linked to visible light exposure. How important is wearing sunscreen in preventing photoageing? Since sun exposure causes the most visible signs of ageing, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is essential. Look for one that protects against UVA, UVB, visible light (including blue light), and infrared, says Dr Nadal. She recommends Lancaster's Sun Perfect Illuminating Cream SPF 50, which shields skin from the full spectrum. It's also infused with niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce pigmentation, while glycerin delivers deep hydration. Despite its powerhouse formula, it feels lightweight, so you'll actually want to use it every day. Even when the sun's intensity is lower, Dr Nadal recommends a SPF 50. This is especially important if you use a retinol product in the evening, as your skin can be more sensitive to UV damage. How can you reverse photoageing? Daily sunscreen application is non-negotiable. But if you're already doing that, is there anything that can reverse the signs of photoageing already on your skin? 'It is possible to repair your skin with a targeted skincare routine that suits your lifestyle and your skin concerns,' says Dr Nadal — and your first port of call is retinoids. Retinoids — like retinol and its more powerful, faster-acting cousin retinal — are derived from vitamin A and encourage the production of fresh skin cells, helping to minimise fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and uneven tone and texture. Lancaster's Golden Lift Tightening Serum features both retinol and retinal in an encapsulated formula, meaning they're slowly released into the skin over time to reduce the risk of irritation. While a targeted serum is a solid option, consider Lancaster's Golden Lift Sculpting Cream, a moisturiser that also boasts encapsulated retinol and retinal. Besides these powerhouse ingredients, you'll find the brand's Di-Peptide Complex, which enlists skin-strengthening proteins — also known as peptides — to boost elastin further and restore skin elasticity. Because the skin around the eyes is delicate and more prone to damage, the final step in any skincare routine aimed at minimising the appearance of photoageing is an eye cream. Try Lancaster's Golden Lift Eye Cream, with the same blend of retinol and retinal (encapsulated to maximise results without irritation), plus the skin-firming Di-Peptide Complex and ultra-moisturising ingredients like glycerin, shea butter and squalane.
