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CNN
2 days ago
- Health
- CNN
The best sunscreens for mature skin, according to dermatologists over 40
Sunscreen for mature skin quick picks An invisible, everyday sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Invisible Sunscreen An anti-aging mineral SPF: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ A sheer coverage tinted SPF: EltaMD UV AOX Elements Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion A sunscreen stick for easy reapplication: MDSolarSciences Solar Stick SPF 40 The best sunscreen is one that you look forward to putting on every day, and it's no different when it comes to the best sunscreens for mature skin. As we get older, the requirements of a great skin care product evolve with our needs. For instance, for those who've entered their 40s (whether recently or years ago), it makes sense to be looking for a face sunscreen that's deeply hydrating, protective against a range of environmental stressors or even capable of reversing existing sun damage. The benefits of sunscreen, both aesthetic and practical, become even more critical as we age. Sure, there are fine lines and dark spots to worry about, but following sun safety best practices can also help manage conditions like rosacea and reduce risks of skin cancer. The key lies in finding the right SPF products for your skin, applying sunscreen regularly and, most importantly, being consistent about it. That's why we've consulted seven dermatologists and skin care experts, each over the age of 40, to let us in on their sunscreen need-to-knows. Ahead, they explain what to look for in a sunscreen for mature skin, answer frequently asked questions around SPF and skin health, and share their top picks and the products they're actually using everyday. Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ This extremely lightweight mineral sunscreen is a go-to for several of our experts. It's 'wonderful for mature skin that needs both prevention and a boost in repairing past sun damage,' said board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, who recommends it as one of her top choices for daily use, particularly if you're concerned about actinic damage or pre-cancers. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robyn Gmyrek added that it's a great option for normal to oily skin types with existing sun damage. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Correct Sunscreen SPF 70 'This sunscreen is packed with niacinamide and antioxidants to visibly improve skin texture and tone over time,' Gmyrek said. 'It's great for dry or mature skin and wears beautifully under makeup.' Olga Skydan, a licensed aesthetician who holds a dermatology degree in Ukraine agreed, adding that she loves how it doesn't feel sticky or overly matte but rather dries down quickly to a natural finish. 'It's great for those with sun damage, dark spots or anyone who wants to simplify their routine by combining sunscreen with corrective care,' she said. Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 50 'I'm personally a huge fan of this,' Engelman said. 'It combines high-level UV and pollution protection with powerful antioxidants, making it ideal for aging skin exposed to urban stressors.' EltaMD UV AOX Elements Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion Another favorite among our experts, this gentle tinted sunscreen is formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi said this makes it an ideal option for mature, sensitive or post-procedure skin. It also contains 'hyaluronic acid for hydration and iron oxides to protect against visible light, which is key for preventing pigmentation,' Gmyrek added. She recommends it for those in search of light coverage, a smooth finish and an overall versatile sunscreen that can be worn alone or under makeup. Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen This water-resistant tinted sunscreen is a fan-favorite amongst board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brenda Pellicane's clientele. 'Patients love the hydrating formulation and the universal tint that evens out skin tone while imparting a natural-looking healthy glow,' she Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 According to double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jaimie Glick, aging often goes hand in hand with drier skin. Because of this, she recommends that those with mature skin seek out mineral sunscreens, which are often less likely to cause irritation or an allergic reaction. She personally loves and uses this tinted option from Alastin. Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 Skydan is a fan of this tinted mineral sunscreen, which adapts to your skin tone to give it a radiant and glowing finish without any heaviness. 'I like that it feels more like a skin tint than a traditional sunscreen, but still gives strong UV protection and shields against pollution and blue light,' she said. Skydan recommends it especially for those with redness and our review iS Clinical PerfecTint Powder SPF 40 'Powder sunscreen formulations are an excellent option for SPF on the go,' Pellicane said. Her favorite option is this conveniently packaged tinted powder, which in addition to being available in a couple different shades, 'provides silky-smooth broad-spectrum coverage and simultaneously minimizes the appearance of pores.' MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème Sunscreen SPF 30 Glick recommends tinted sunscreens, specifically those containing iron oxides — which she said are effective when it comes to preventing pigmentary disorder — for those with mature skin. One of her favorites is this silky and blendable option, which boasts a radiant yet natural matte finish. Skinbetter Sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact 'This is a fantastic multitasker,' said Engelman, who uses this for both daily wear and for easy reapplication over makeup. 'It's a mineral sunscreen in a sleek compact that offers SPF 68 protection, plus a subtle tint to blur imperfections,' she said. 'It's ideal for mature skin needing both defense and a polished finish.' MM Skin Care Tinted Clear Skin SPF 50 Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur described this tinted sunscreen from her own line as perfect for mature skin, especially for those in search of a more lightweight and calming everyday formula. 'It not only has a beautiful tint, but also has multiple skin care [ingredients] in it,' she said. 'It contains lactic and hyaluronic acid, as well as niacinamide to brighten the skin and reduce dark spots.' AziMD Hydratint BB SPF 44 'For those over 60, I often recommend tinted mineral sunscreens with added skin care benefits,' Shirazi said, highlighting this one from her brand. It is a multi-purpose skin care product that 'offers broad-spectrum protection, hydration and a radiant finish for a filter-like appearance," she said. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Invisible Sunscreen For an invisible formula, Shirazi recommends this chemical sunscreen, which boasts a hydrating and lotion-like texture that she describes as ideal for mature and dry skin. In addition to offering strong UVA and UVB protection, the formulation is enriched with glycerin as well as the brand's thermal spring water, both of which 'help retain moisture and comfort sensitive skin,' she said. Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50 If you're looking for a gentle everyday sunscreen that's also ideal for sensitive skin, Marmur recommends this affordable option. 'It's lightweight and includes vitamin E,' she said, which helps to soothe skin and restore your natural barrier. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 'I recommend this especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin, including eczema or rosacea,' Engelman said. 'It uses zinc oxide for broad-spectrum coverage without irritating additives, making it perfect for mature skin that's also delicate or prone to redness.' iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40 Pellicane's personal favorite sunscreen is this mineral-based, broad-spectrum, transparent option. 'It hydrates and softens the skin while providing an antioxidant-rich protective barrier,' she said. It also boasts a proprietary combination of enzymes 'proven to repair fragile proteins and DNA components,' according to the dermatologist. In addition to this sheer option, it's available in three tinted shades. CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30 'This very affordable sunscreen features a combination of both mineral and chemical sun filters,' Marmur said. Formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides, she explained, it's a super hydrating product and a great option for those with mature skin. Alastin SilkShield Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 A popular non-tinted sunscreen option amongst Pellicane's clientele, 'patients love this lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreen that blends in sheer,' she said. It's oil-free, fragrance-free, 'great for sensitive skin and can be used post-procedure.' Arbonne FunSun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 Gmyrek recommends this mineral, zinc oxide-based sunscreen that offers 'a light, glowy finish that blends easily under makeup.' In addition to being water-resistant, it contains glycerin, aloe, sunflower oil and green tea — all ingredients that the dermatologist said helps support a drier, mature skin barrier. MDSolarSciences Solar Stick SPF 40 'This is my go-to for reapplying throughout the day or targeting delicate areas like the eyes, lips and nose,' Skydan said. 'The formula glides on smoothly and has a silky, non-greasy finish that blurs imperfections without drying out the skin,' she explained. 'I like that it's compact and easy to use on the go, especially for mature skin that needs mid-day touch-ups without disrupting makeup.' Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ Glick recommends this clear sunscreen stick, perfect for SPF touchups and areas of your skin extra prone to burning. 'Although not a mineral sunscreen, the product's easy application is great for eyelids and lips and for reapplication on the face and body,' she said. When it comes to must-haves for mature skin-friendly sunscreen, our experts recommend a mineral-based, broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher that also includes additional hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides or squalane — all of which help maintain your skin barrier. If you have sensitive skin, opt for mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to be irritating to the skin. 'In addition to hydrating ingredients, I prioritize sunscreens that contain antioxidants, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory ingredients,' Pellicane said. 'UV exposure can create free radicals in the skin, which damage skin cells and accelerate the aging process,' she added. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E work to neutralize these free radicals, preventing further damage to your skin cells and maintaining plump and elastic skin. 'Chronic inflammation also contributes to skin aging, redness and irritation,' she said, while 'many antioxidants — such as green tea extract and niacinamide — have anti-inflammatory properties that can calm the skin and reduce puffiness, redness or irritation.' In addition to formulation, consider whether you'd prefer a sheer or tinted sunscreen. 'I personally prefer to wear a tinted SPF,' Shirazi said. 'Not only does it offer broad-spectrum protection, but many tinted formulas also contain iron oxides, which help protect against visible light and pigmentation — something I'm always mindful of as someone with melasma,' she explained. 'A well-formulated tinted SPF can also even out the skin tone and give a healthy glow.' All in all, what's most important when it comes to your sunscreen is that you're consistent about wearing it. 'I always say the best sunscreen is the one you love to wear,' Shirazi said. 'When a sunscreen feels good and enhances your skin, daily use becomes effortless and that's what matters most.' The following FAQs have been answered by dermatologists Dr. Dendy Engelman, Dr. Jaimie Glick, Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, Dr. Ellen Marmur, Dr. Brenda Pellicane, Dr. Azadeh Shirazi and Olga Skydan. What is the best face sunscreen for older skin? What is the best face sunscreen for older skin? 'Choose a sunscreen that protects and supports your skin's changing needs,' Skydan said. 'Mature skin tends to lose moisture and elasticity, so I look for formulas that combine broad-spectrum protection with ingredients that hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier,' she said. 'It should feel comfortable enough to wear daily and layer well with other skincare or makeup.' Pellicane typically suggests a mineral-based sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, since the formulations are generally gentler and take effect immediately. Both she and Shirazi recommend that those with mature skin prioritize nourishing, hydrating and protective ingredients. Some of our experts' go-tos include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad spectrum protection, hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and plump fine lines, aloe or niacinamide for anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants like vitamins C and E to fight free radical damage, and peptides or ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and improve elasticity. What is the best sunscreen for aging skin over 60? What is the best sunscreen for aging skin over 60? When it comes to sunscreen for those over 60, our experts primarily recommend tinted mineral sunscreens with added skin care benefits. 'These formulas tend to be gentler on more delicate skin, and the tint helps even out skin tone without settling into fine lines,' Shirazi said. One of her favorite options, a sunscreen also recommended by Glick, is the Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. Created by the same brand as one of our all-around best sunscreen picks for those with mature skin, this lightweight mineral sunscreen blends into your skin easily while supporting collagen health, Shirazi said. Glick also noted that it's formulated with patented DNA repairsomes, 'which have been clinically proven to repair existing sun damage,' she said. The other most common pick amongst our experts was the EltaMD UV AOX Elements Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion, one of our favorites and Skydan's go-to recommendation for those over 60. 'The tint helps balance redness or uneven tone, and the hyaluronic acid makes it suitable for drier or thinner skin,' she said. 'It's an ideal option if you want simple protection for your skin — it's very gentle and leaves your skin looking and feeling fresh.' Does sunscreen really make a difference in aging? Does sunscreen really make a difference in aging? In short, heck yes. 'Sunscreen absolutely makes a difference in aging — more than any other skin care product,' Gmyrek said. 'Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the primary environmental factor that accelerates skin aging.' This includes wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven texture and pigmentation. 'Studies show that regular sunscreen use prevents new damage and helps to reverse early signs of photoaging over time,' Skydan said. 'Even if you already have sun damage, it's not too late.' Our experts recommend consistent and daily use. 'Even on cloudy days,' Pellicane said, 'and reapply every couple of hours if you're outside.' As Shirazi explains; 'I often tell patients that if you're investing in anti-aging serums or procedures but skipping sunscreen, you're undermining your results — it's the foundation of any effective anti-aging routine.' The experts also noted that sunscreen protects you beyond aesthetic concerns associated with aging. 'It's essential for protecting against cancer-causing cellular damage,' Engelman said. In addition to sunscreen, UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is another way to help protect your skin against sun damage. 'UPF measures how well fabrics block UV rays while SPF measures how well sunscreen blocks against UV,' Glick said. She recommends that her patients also wear a wide brim sun hat, specifically ones like this that boast UPF protection, to maximize your skin safety. For this article, we consulted the following skin experts to gain their professional insights. Dr. Dendy Engelman, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic Dr. Jaimie Glick, double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare Dr. Brenda Pellicane, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Laser Derm Olga Skydan, dermatologist, licensed esthetician and medical expert board member at Luvly CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, contributing writer Noelle Ike talked to dermatologists over the age of 40 about the best sunscreens for those with mature skin.
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Most cosmetic items sold by third-party sellers on Amazon, eBay, TikTok and Vinted are fake and could be a health hazard, a study suggests
Most cosmetic items sold by third-party sellers on Amazon, eBay, TikTok and Vinted are fake and could be a health hazard, a study suggests. Researchers described their findings as 'alarming' and warn people 'enticed' by discounts on counterfeit designer goods risk being harmed by 'toxic' ingredients. They purchased 34 makeup and skin products from sellers that have collectively sold thousands of these items. This includes products advertised as being from eight well-known brands including Charlotte Tilbury, La Roche Posay, Maybelline, MAC and The Ordinary. But investigators from consumer champion Which? concluded 23 of the 34 items (67 per cent) are likely to be counterfeit. In each case, they conducted visual checks on the packaging and contents, and compared them with the genuine products purchased from trusted retailers. Four out of 11 products ordered on Amazon were deemed to be fake, as were eight out of 11 products purchased on eBay, five out of six products ordered from TikTok shop, and six out of six items bought on Vinted. Doctors say the consequences of using counterfeit products can be 'grave'. Fake cosmetics, perfumes and other beauty and hair products have previously been found to contain animal faeces and urine used as a stabiliser, as well as cancer-causing and toxic ingredients such as arsenic, lead and mercury. Consultant Dermatologist Dr Aamna Adel said the lack of regulation or oversight in the production of fake goods means they may be incorrectly formulated even if they contain genuine active ingredients, such as glycolic acid or retinol. This poses the risk of skin irritation, skin infections or even chemical burns, she added. In contrast, legitimate cosmetics undergo safety checks and are manufactured under controlled conditions. Which? said many of the dupes were difficult to spot and only became apparent when directly compared with the genuine samples. A bottle of Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray looked the part from the outside, but on closer inspection researchers noted it had a cloying floral scent, distinctly different from the genuine sample. Similarly, a MAC Macximal silky matte lipstick in shade Ruby Woo purchased from Vinted for £15 - £10 less than the recommended retail price - arrived in packaging very similar to the genuine version, but when closely compared, the lipstick bullet itself was subtly different with a smudged logo that did not match up with the original. A tube of La Roche Posay Effaclar Serum purchased on Vinted smelt suspiciously like shampoo, while the sample bought from Vinted had completely different text on the side of the box. When Which? researchers purchased discounted tubes of CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum from Amazon, eBay and Vinted, all three came in different packaging to the genuine product and were missing the safety markings researchers would expect to see. It was difficult to get any serum out of the bottles using the pumps, but when they did it was clearly different in consistency and colour. The Ordinary product listings were some of the most popular researchers found. The two listings on eBay had collectively sold more than 2,600 items and nearly 1,000 were sold on Tiktok Shop. This was 'all the more surprising' as these were among some of the most affordable items in the investigation, with products all retailing at less than £10, researchers said. Phil Lewis, Director General of The Anti-Counterfeiting Group, said even on cheaper fake products the profit margins are 'extremely high', meaning consumers should be on their guard even if discounts seem more realistic. Which? is calling on the government to reform the enforcement system and advising shoppers to be vigilant when buying items from online marketplaces. It said the safest way to buy cosmetics products online or in-store is to buy directly from the brand website, or one of their affiliated retailers or approved stockists Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Which?, said: 'It's alarming that Which? was able to find such high volumes of what appeared to be potentially dangerous counterfeit cosmetics on popular online marketplaces, where teenagers in particular are likely to be enticed by what seem to be big discounts on popular brands. 'Consumers should be as confident in the products they buy online as the items that they purchase on the high street, but in reality they risk buying untested, unregulated and potentially toxic cosmetics. 'Trading Standards needs to take decisive action to prevent these products from making their way into people's homes, but because of limited resources and competing demands, counterfeit investigations are being deprioritised in many parts of the country. 'The government must ensure there are clear duties on online marketplaces to prevent the sale of counterfeit goods, and urgently commit to the reforms needed to ensure our consumer enforcement system is fit for the 21st century.' The online retailers all said they prohibit the sale of counterfeit items and take action to prevent fakes being sold. A spokesperson for L'Oréal Groupe, the parent group for CeraVe, La Roche Posay, L'oreal and Maybelline said: 'L'Oréal Groupe takes the threat of counterfeit products very seriously. 'We are committed to the fight against counterfeiting to protect consumer health and safety, and the integrity of our brands,' it added. 'We actively collaborate with law enforcement agencies worldwide and with online platforms.' Charlotte Tilbury and The Ordinary did not respond to the researchers' requests for comment.
Irish Examiner
21-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Life Hack: How to treat sunburn and help it heal as fast as possible
If you didn't know we recently had a heatwave, our internet activity will inform you pretty quickly. Part of my day job involves monitoring trends on social media and search engines. Last week, I noticed a spike on Google Trends with people searching for ways to treat sunburn as quickly as possible. Despite all the weather warnings and knowing we should stay in the shade and wear a high-factor SPF to protect our skin from cancer and accelerated signs of ageing, it's likely many readers of this column will also have slipped up in the sunshine and are now sporting some painful patches. There's no judgement here: in the minutes between a dip in the ocean and reapplying suncream, my shoulders got burned too last week. Sometimes we just aren't quick enough to prevent it. So, if you were unlucky and have the red stripes to prove it, here are some tried-and-tested ways to treat your sunburn and have your skin looking and feeling healthy as quickly as possible. First steps As soon as you realise you're burning, get out of the sun. Drink plenty of water to ensure you don't become dehydrated (and remember, beer and alcohol will not hydrate you). To cool down your skin, don't use ice or an ice pack. Instead either hold a damp towel against your burn or have a cool shower or bath. Slather on an aftersun cream, such as aloe vera. Do not use petroleum jelly on sunburn as this can actually trap heat into the skin, making it worse. Keep your burned skin covered until it fully heals to protect it from direct sunlight and if you have any pain, you can take a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Never pop any blisters that may form and do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin. Remember, severe sunburn is very serious and could lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Contact your GP if your temperature is high, if you feel dizzy or sick, or if you have a headache and muscle cramps. How long until it heals fully? As well as feeling painful and uncomfortable, you can feel quite self-conscious after suffering sunburn. Sunburned skin usually gets better after a week, but you can help it heal as fast as possible with a few extra steps, with most being quite intuitive. As mentioned above, moisturising sunburn immediately can help to soothe it, but continuing to moisturise the area liberally can also help it to heal and fade faster. The best moisturisers for sunburn and irritated skin are the simple, unscented ones. Many skincare brands make aqueous cream, a gentle emollient moisturiser that you can buy in a pharmacy for about €5. As well as hydrating the skin as a moisturiser, it can also be used as a cleanser. Another cream I swear by for sunburn is La Roche Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5+, a repairing and soothing balm that helps to repair the skin barrier. I have used this on sunburn in the past and found it cleared up faster than usual. You can also mix aloe vera into your usual lotion for a moisturising boost for dry and sun-damaged skin. Hydration from the inside out is also key to healing. Continue to drink plenty of water while your skin recovers, around eight glasses a day. When we are properly hydrated, the body's healing process quickens, shortening recovery time. It can also help to regulate a higher body temperature caused by sunburn. Another important consideration is knowing when to leave your sunburn alone. Ignore the itch and the urge to peel any flaking skin away — the skin underneath is healing and needs that layer to stay in place for now. Constantly scratching at your sunburn will slow down your body's healing and can also increase the risk of an infection, setting you back even further on the recovery timeline. Read More Life Hack: Two TikTok cleaning techniques I use when tidying my home
Times
20-07-2025
- Times
Win a luxury seven-night French château stay for ten guests worth £12,000
Just imagine . . . you and nine of your favourite people embarking on une balade around the grounds of a glorious château in the heart of the Loire Valley — glass of local wine in hand — having feasted on a lunch of regional cheeses, charcuterie and artisan baguette. Well, that dream could fast become reality: we've paired up with Oliver's Travels to offer you the chance to win a week-long stay at Château Les Bains, a stunning belle époque residence set in a dreamy riverside location near the spa town of La Roche-Posay. The property delivers views across 17 acres of parkland and vines that undulate to the river and there's space for up to 20 guests — seven bedrooms are found in the main house, and there's an additional trio of rooms in a separate cottage. Days here can be spent basking poolside, getting competitive in the games room or tending the vines (before pootling to the in-house cellar). There's also a grand kitchen that inspires trips to the local market and will have you wondering why you didn't move here years ago. So what are you waiting for? Oliver's Travels is providing this prize, offering the winner exclusive use of the property for seven nights on a self-catering basis, plus daily housekeeping service. The fridge and pantry will be fully stocked with up to €200 worth of products. The prize also includes two LeShuttle car passes that will cover ten people. As the château's capacity is 20, you're able to invite an additional ten guests at your own expense. You'll need to book your stay at least six weeks in advance, and travel between October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026. Blackout dates are July, August, Christmas and Easter. For more information, click here. For your chance to win, simply vote in each category in this year's Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards. There are 17 categories in total. Click here to vote. For the full list of prizes, see closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Subject to availability, Prize must be redeemed within one year and booked at least six weeks in advance of departure date. Prize must be taken between October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026, subject to availability and blackout dates apply including Christmas, New Year, Easter, and July 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Winner and his/her guest(s) are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have valid travel documentation (including passport/visa/visa waiver as may be required), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations/inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Winner can invite additional guests, up to a total of twenty (20), at their own expense. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the prize-winner. Prize is subject to Oliver's Travels terms and conditions. Stay must adhere to the terms listed here: Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd. Full T&Cs apply — see
Telegraph
19-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The six budget skincare products our experts buy on repeat
There are some beauty products that warrant a more expensive price tag; certain serums and luxury make-up that have real dressing table appeal. But then again, there are some brilliantly affordable products that perform so well there's no need to pay more than £15. Here are the high street skincare products our beauty and fashion team buy on repeat. Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm 40ml, £11, La Roche-Posay on Cult Beauty I was first introduced to this moisturiser around nine years ago, when I had my first son. I was looking for an alternative nappy cream to the default option at the time: Sudocrem, the bright, white paste that came in a hefty grey plastic tub. I found the formula too greasy and gloopy. Cicaplast Baume B5, I was told by a few friends, was the alternative choice. A popular product in French pharmacies – but pleasingly also available at Boots – it came in an easy-to-dispense tube, was fragrance-free and felt like a luxury moisturiser. I was sold, and have been using it ever since. It's packed with soothing ingredients like panthenol and vitamin B5 and is one of those all-purpose creams that can be used by the whole family. When my middle child had a little patch of mild eczema on his cheeks as a toddler, this was the only cream that helped. More recently, I've used it on my own face if I've spent a bit too much time in the sun or if I've used too strong a skincare product. I slap a dollop of this on my face and all is well by the morning. For me, this is the sort of cream that belongs in a first aid kit at home. I'll always have a tube of Cicaplast to hand. Gentle skin cleanser, £17, Cetaphil from Boots Moons ago when I first began writing about beauty, New York dermatologists were recommending this humble cleanser to mortals like me looking for inexpensive skincare that doesn't strip the skin. Two decades ago that wasn't as easy as it is now, thanks to brands like The Ordinary that made affordable unsexy skincare cool and credible. Originally developed in 1947 by a Texan pharmacist for customers with sensitive skin, Cetaphil is a soap-free, non-comedogenic (meaning it won't block your pores) range that works as well on my dry 51-year-old skin as it does on my daughter's blemish-prone complexion. Though these days the brand is available in the UK, I still miss the thrill of bringing bottles back home in my suitcase from the US. As the name suggests, you can expect a gentle foaming cleanser containing panthenol, niacinamide and glycerine to cleanse and hydrate without the tight skin feeling. A little goes a long way but when I do run out I order their roomy (710ml) refill pouch. Facial Superfood Oil by Q&A, £8.50, Sephora If you enjoy using oils as part of your skincare routine, especially massage, you'll know they can get pricy. Mature skins especially, tend to soak up the oils, and the afterglow you can achieve through a combination of gua sha and the right oil becomes addictive. I try to massage my skin at least once a day, either using a gua sha jade stone (I love Hayou's upgraded gua sha tool with its serrated edge on one edge, which really allows you to get into fine lines, stimulating the skin's own collagen production and a curved edge for sculpting cheekbones) or my hands. With consistent use, the reduction in lines and depuffing (which results in a more 'snatched' look) can be remarkable. As prep, I like first to apply a serum containing actives. DoSe has hyaluronic acid, squalane and ergothioneine, which protects against oxidative stress and pollution, with antioxidant properties that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It's a competitive £30 and lasts around six months. On top comes an oil. Even if you follow a gua sha practice primarily to decongest your skin and treat spots, you should never attempt any massage without using oils or you'll find you're pulling and dragging your skin. You need enough decent glide, but not so much that you can't get a grip on the skin. Q+As superfood facial oil is an excellent weight for massage – nourishing but not too thick. It contains Vitamins A, C, E and F – lots of lovely fatty acids to plump and feed skin, at an excellent value for money price that means you can use it as liberally as needed. You could pop a moisturiser on top, but it's not mandatory. Hydrating Moisturiser by CeraVe, £12.37, Boots When I took the prescription retinoid drug Roaccutane to treat my adult acne, I was delighted with the skin-clearing effects. However, around three years after completing a course, I noticed that my breakouts were creeping back. I was disappointed and considering going back on the medication for a second course – until I started using CeraVe's Facial Moisturising Lotion (along with the brand's Hydrating Cleanser) exclusively about a year ago. Within a few weeks, my skin cleared up and (touch wood) it's stayed clear since, with just the odd pimple to deal with every now and then. The moisturiser itself feels light and is non-comedogenic, but having niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides in there seems to be the key, for me, to achieving enough hydration without disrupting the delicate oil balance. I think it's all about finding what works for your skin and given that you can pick this up for as little as £13, it's definitely worth a try. Water Boost Micellar Facial Gel Wash, £2.47, Superdrug I've never been one to overcomplicate my skincare, I've stuck to the same routine for 10 years. From a young age I would see my mother, who has enviable skin, use just a bar of Dove soap. I've followed the same simple ideology. As someone with sensitive skin, I have three pillars that make a holy grail skincare product. It must be gentle, perfume-free and very hydrating. In the mornings I'll use Simple's Water Boost Micellar Facial Gel Wash to prep my face for skincare and make-up. In the evenings, I'll use the brand's Protect 'n' Glow Express Glow Clay Polish to help remove any make-up residue. This is perfect to use after a day of running around the city, and I love how I can buy both products for under a fiver. Hydrating Cleanser by CeraVe, £12.50, Cult Beauty I struggled with acne for years and it wasn't until I consulted dermatologist Dr Ophelia Veraitch that I cleared up my skin. My serums are personalised with minimal but active ingredients and I rely on slightly pricier products like Skinceuticals sunscreen and Ilia Base Face Milk which don't clog my pores. However, for a cleanser, Dr Ophelia recommended CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which comes in at £12.50. I use it twice a day, in the shower in the morning and between my make up remover and night serum in the evening, making sure my skin is damp before I apply. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin I highly recommend checking to see if products are non-comedogenic before buying, which has saved me a lot of money and grief over the years. CeraVe's cleanser is gentle, hydrating and works with the other actives in my serums which means I'm not stripping away my skin barrier. It's available in big supermarkets and lasts for at least 6 months, bringing the cost per use to less than 3p – bargain!
