Your Best Anti-Ageing Product Isn't a Serum. It's SPF.
The single most important step for healthy, youthful skin isn't a serum, it's daily SPF. Here is why, and how to find the right sunscreen for your skin, across every brand.
You can layer the cleverest serums in the world, but if you skip one step every morning, you undo a lot of their work. Daily sun protection is the single most important thing you can do for healthy, youthful skin, and yes, that very much includes your anti-ageing routine.
Why SPF Is Your Best Anti-Ageing Product
A large majority of visible skin ageing is linked to UV exposure. Sun drives collagen breakdown, pigmentation, uneven tone and loss of firmness, the very things your serums are trying to correct. Daily broad-spectrum SPF protects that investment. It is not just for holidays or heatwaves either, UV reaches your skin all year round, even through cloud and glass.
How to Choose the Right SPF
The best SPF is the one you will actually wear every day, so texture and finish matter as much as the number. Aim for broad-spectrum SPF30 to 50+, and match the formula to your skin:
- Sensitive or reactive: soothing, mineral or ultra-light fluids.
- Oily or blemish-prone: oil-control, dry-touch or fluid textures.
- Pigmentation-prone: a tinted or anti-pigment SPF for extra defence.
- Ageing concerns: an antioxidant SPF that protects and corrects.
The SPF Edit, by Brand
La Roche-Posay Anthelios
The Anthelios UVMune 400 range filters ultra-long UVA rays many sunscreens miss. Weightless, invisible and kind to sensitive skin. Try the Invisible Fluid or the Hydrating Cream, with oil-control and anti-pigment versions too. Shop LRP SPF.
SkinCeuticals UV Defense
Antioxidant-powered daily protection that defends, brightens and corrects, sun care that works as hard as your serums. The Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50, the Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF50, or Oil Shield SPF50 for oily skin.
Avène Sun Protection
Very high protection built on soothing Avène Thermal Spring Water, with ultra-light textures for the most sensitive, reactive skin. The Ultra Fluid Invisible SPF50, the Ultra Fluid Radiance SPF50+, and a mineral fluid for intolerant skin. Shop Avène SPF.
CeraVe Sun Care
Dermatologist-developed SPF with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, to protect while strengthening the skin barrier. Look for the AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 and the Invisible Hydrating Fluid SPF50 in the CeraVe collection.
Medik8 Advanced Day
High-performance daily protection pairing broad-spectrum SPF with antioxidants and vitamin C, for visibly healthier, defended skin. Find the Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+ in the Medik8 collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need SPF every day, even indoors or in winter?
Yes. UVA rays reach your skin year-round, through cloud and window glass, and they are the ones most linked to ageing. Daily SPF is a year-round habit, not just for summer.
What SPF number should I use?
Broad-spectrum SPF30 as a minimum, and SPF50 or 50+ for higher protection, especially if pigmentation, sensitivity or ageing are your focus.
Is a higher SPF always better?
Higher numbers block marginally more UVB, but broad-spectrum cover, applying enough and reapplying matter more than chasing the highest number.
How much sunscreen should I apply?
About two fingers' length for the face and neck. Most people underapply, which drops the protection well below the number on the bottle.
Can I wear SPF over my serums and moisturiser?
Yes. SPF is the last step of your morning skincare, after your serums and moisturiser, and before makeup.
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