Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Our Bestselling SPFs To Help Keep Your Skin Protected
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, and with May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, now is the perfect time for us to talk about how to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays with the innovative suncare products that our FTF customers have loved and trusted for years.
According to the British Skin Foundation, at least 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are now diagnosed each year, with the disease killing over 2,500 people each year in the UK alone - that's seven people every single day. The positive news is that you can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer by practicing sun safety (like staying in the shade and wearing a hat and sunglasses along with a high protection sunscreen) and avoiding indoor tanning using sunbeds and sun lamps.
When Should You Wear SPF?
It's a common misconception that we should only be wearing SPF on those beautifully warm sunny days or for trips to the seaside. But even on those days where the sky is less than blue and the rain is falling (which, if you're in the UK like us, is fairly often!), you should still be wearing SPF to protect your skin.
No matter the weather, the sun's harmful UVA rays are ever present throughout the year and cause premature ageing and damage to the DNA in your skin cells - so it's really important to wear your shield of protection every day.
Even if you're sat indoors, or driving your car sat beside a window, the sun's rays penetrate through glass and to your skin. Likewise, even if you're away on a snowy holiday enjoying a spot of skiing, SPF is vital as the sun's UV rays are still present and are even accelerated as they reflect off surfaces like snow and water.
How Often Should You Apply SPF?
Your first layer of sunscreen should be applied to your skin at least 30 minutes before you step outside into the sun. But it's important to keep your protection topped up throughout the day. Reapplying your SPF at least every two hours is thought to offer optimal protection, but there are other considerations you'll need to take to determine whether this is enough. For example, if you're swimming or exercising, you'll need to apply your SPF more often to ensure your skin remains properly protected.
The Best Sunscreens For Your Face
Saltee SPF50 Face Daily Protection Formula
Protect your face with Saltee's multitasking SPF50 formula. A skincare and suncare hybrid, the cream works to provide essential protection from UVA, UVB, and infra-red, whilst doubling up a daily moisturiser.
The non-gloopy formula is blended with avocado oil and venuceane to revitalise and replenish your skin whilst protecting it against ageing and photo damage.
mesoestetic Moisturising Sun Protection SPF 50+
This deeply hydrating cream is lightweight yet provides a very high level of broad-spectrum sun protection. Containing both physical and chemical filters, the formula features Tioveil AQN that's a powerful, hypoallergenic physical sunscreen, and Parsol MCX that's a chemical filter with no systemic absorption. It also contains vitamin E that's a potent antioxidant to defend your skin cells against ageing environmental damage. The high level of protection offered helps to prevent the premature signs of ageing and hyperpigmentation.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Hydrating Tinted Cream SPF 50+
This tinted SPF is specially created for dry to very dry and sensitive skin types. It helps to softly blur any imperfections whilst deeply hydrating your skin and protecting it from harmful UVB and UVB rays.
The water, sweat, and sand resistant formula is ultra-comfortable and is one of our best sunscreens for sensitive skin with a loyal customer following.
The Best Sunscreens For Your Body
Heliocare 360 Invisible Spray SPF 50+
This easy-to-use spray gives your body very high sun protection without leaving the telltale white cast.
The innovative water-resistant technology means the formula is even effective when it's applied to wet skin, making it a great choice to pop in your beach bag to keep handy by the sea or pool.
The formula absorbs quickly without leaving an oily finish and provides powerful antioxidant protection.
Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF 50
With broad-spectrum protection, the formula remains water-resistant for 80 minutes, giving your skin very high SPF50 protection.
Suitable for both your face and body, the formula defends against prolonged skin damage from UV rays along with environmental assault.
The daily SPF contains oleosome microspheres that work to enhance the SPF performance, whilst the formula also works to counteract the moisture loss that's triggered by extended exposure to daylight.
Pharmaceris S - Moisturising & Protective Body Lotion SPF 50
Nourish, moisturise, and support your skin's lipid barrier whilst protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation with this very high protection SPF.
Containing a special blend of photo-stable UVA and UVB filters, the formula has a dual mechanism of anti-UV action (to reflect and absorb the sun's rays), delivering effective high protection from intense sunlight and its harmful effects.
The lotion ensures over 96% UV protection and works to minimise the risk of developing hyperpigmentation and discolourations.
The Best Sunscreens For Your Lips
COOLA Classic Liplux Oil
Give your lips a golden, gloss-like shine whilst protecting them from UVA and UVB rays with this vitamin E enriched formula.
Flattering for all lip shades and suitable for all skin types, enjoy comfortably hydrated, protected lips all day long.
Hello Sunday The One For Your Lips SPF30 Lip Balm
Protect and hydrate your lips whilst strengthening your skin barrier with this protective formula. Fragrance free and transparent, the balm is enriched with vitamin E, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration.
Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF 30
Nourish, hydrate, and protect your lips with this comforting formula. Working to prevent chapping, cracks, and sun damage, the lightweight formula gives SPF30 protection to keep your lips protected.
The Best After Sun Products To Soothe And Cool Your Skin
Eucerin Sensitive Relief Aftersun Gel Cream
This gentle formula is clinically and dermatologically proven to be suitable for sensitive skin types that are prone to skin allergies. The gel cream helps to soothe and regenerate skin that feels sensitive, and that has been exposed to a high amount of sun. Formulated with antioxidant alpha-glycosylrutin, this after sun treatment works to neutralise free radicals that can sometimes trigger sensitivity.
Dr Hauschka After Sun
Calm and soothe your skin with this nourishing after sun. The intensively nourishing formula is enriched with ice plant, anthyllis, and almond oil that quickly absorbs into your skin and compensates for lost moisture, leaving your skin feeling cool, calm, and hydrated.
Institut Esthederm After Sun Repair
Soothe sunburnt skin and re-hydrate it after sun exposure with this comforting face cream. Working to calm heat discomfort after sun exposure, the formula allows your skin to repair itself ready for the following day. With a light, fluid texture, the formula helps to smooth away fine lines and wrinkles, preserving your skin’s youthfulness.
Faux Your Glow
Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan
Build a beautifully natural sun-kissed glow minus the sun damage with this daily gradual tan. Intensely moisturising and nourishing, this cream-gel formula hydrates, softens, and smooths your skin whilst leaving a glow behind that develops in four hours.
Decléor Neroli Bigarade Gradual Glow Tanning Lotion
This glow tanning lotion has been specially created for dry and dehydrated skin but is suitable for all skin types. Working to hydrates your skin, the formula leaves you looking beautifully glowing from the very first application.
HydroPeptide Nourishing Glow Body Shimmer Oil
Add a golden glow to your skin whether you're poolside or on the dancefloor with this super hydrating and nourishing formula. The non-sticky, lightweight texture oil illuminates and visibly perfects your skin from head to toe.
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Ready to discover one of our exciting new launches? Click to read more about The May Travel Edit: For Skincare Saviours On The Go whether you're on daycay, vacay, or staycay!