Gone are the days when summer sun protection meant sticky, bright white creams that dissolved in the swimming pool. The latest sun care products are designed to be more effective than ever, while keeping the skin calm with light, easily-absorbed formulations.
Here are some of my favourite high-tech sun care products for summer holidays…
Piz Buin Wet Skin
Piz Buin Wet Skin (£17.99) is a brilliant new product that you must pack in your suitcase for summer holidays. The light-weight sprays have a transparent, light oil texture and are available in SPF15 and SPF30.
They can of course be applied to dry skin as usual, but the best thing is that you can spray directly onto wet skin, straight from the sea or swimming pool. Piz Buin Wet Skin cuts through the water on the skin, so it doesn’t slide off and offers more efficient protection against sun damage.
I tested Piz Buin Wet Skin in both SPFs recently on the beach in Ayia Napa and again in the intense dry heat of Beijing and humid Shanghai. I liked that the oil absorbs into the skin well and it’s so quick and easy to apply – plus, I didn’t burn once.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Extreme Fluid
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Extreme Fluid (£16.50) is the ideal suncare fix for those who find regular sun creams for the face too heavy and greasy. It is an essential suncare product for sensitive and sun intolerant skin and is best-suited to normal and combination skin.
The white fluid has a milky texture and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a soft base for a touch of make-up if you’re on a city break, or on its own if you’re hitting the beach. Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Extreme Fluid helps combat UVA rays with a filter system that combines Mexoryl with the natural cell protector Senna Alata. It is also waterproof, non-comedogenic and free from paraben and fragrance.
SPF 50+ is very high, so it helps keep out the harmful rays and protect the delicate facial skin, however my face still had a healthy glow from the sun. Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Extreme Fluid is now also available as a tinted fluid.
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil is a must for preventing the sun from drying out hair and preserving hair colour. The super light water-resistant UV defense mist creates an invisible barrier and locks out sun exposure for up to 16 hours.
It contains UV/UVB filters derived from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils, natural anti-oxidants including green tea extract and a blend of organic shea butter, coconut and palm oils to detangle and nourish. Its tropical aroma of neroli, ylang ylang and cistus gives it that luscious holiday scent and lifts the spirit in the way that Aveda products are designed to do.
What are your summer sun care favourites? Do you have a top tip for avoiding sun damage?
* samples