Tried and Tested: Protecting your skin from the sun

Children

The lure of the swimming pool on holiday means the last thing kids want to do is stand still while boring sun cream is plastered on them. That's why you have to be speedy and act before they wriggle out of your grasp. Spray on protection that's also waterproof is probably the quickest way to protect them. Good choices include Garnier Ambre Solaire UV Sport Sun Protection Mist SPF50 (€13.50) and Lacura Extra Sensitive Sun Spray SPF50 (€3.79).

Tinted sunscreen

Suncream that also acts as a foundation is so quick and easy if you don’t want to be bothered with applying layers of product. Many women are not confident enough about their skin to go bare on holiday, but there is no need to lie by the pool with a full face of makeup. A good alternative is a tinted suncream with good coverage.

Avène Hydrance OPTIMALE Skin Tone Perfector Rich (€23) is a good choice.

Good under makeup

I like Clinique Sun Protection Face Cream SPF30 (€24) because it doesn't clog pores, goes on well and works with foundation. So many sunscreens will cause your foundation to ball up and it's my number one reason for abandoning so many of them. This one is light and because it also contains antioxidants in the formula it offers an extra level of protection.

Antioxidant protection

Current research provides a strong case for the protective effect of Vitamin C against sun damage. Of course you must still wear a sunscreen along with your vitamin C serum. It’s a belt and braces method and is well worth trying to enhance sun protection. When combined with other antioxidants the effect is strengthened.

I'm using Reform HYAL Vitamin C + E Serum (€74.99) which also contains hyaluronic and ferulic acid. It has a good consistency and feels nice on the skin.

On the spot

Has anyone else noticed that you can see skin turning red more easily when you have sunglasses on? Well, maybe it’s just me then. When I’m wearing them I am constantly pouncing on people (usually my husband, don’t worry I don’t do it to strangers) and covering the burny bits with sunblock.

Nivea Sun Caring Roll-On SPF 30 (€12) is perfect for pouncing and it's handy to carry around with you. The kids version has an SPF50, so that's the one I prefer.

Sensitive Skin

If you have very sensitive skin chances are chemical- based sunscreens drive you crazy. Sunscreen irritation is very common and can lead to complete misery; irritated skin, streaming eyes and breakouts. If this sounds familiar you need to go with purely mineral- based sun protection.

My favourites are Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (€37) and Avène Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ (€25)

Acne prone and oily skin

Sunscreen often causes problems for oily and spot prone skin. It is often a dreadful base for makeup and may block already congested pores. To compound the misery, skin can look even oilier with it on.

Try Bioderma Photoderm AKN Mat SPF30 Acne Prone Skin (€16) as it contains powders to dampen down shine and help to prevent spots from developing.

Sunburned face fix

It happened – you got sunburned despite your best efforts. While after sun lotions will help to cool and take the sting away Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation (€45 cultbeauty.co.uk) goes a step further. It was originally developed to heal and camouflage redness and peeling after cosmetic procedures. It works to heal skin while hydrating and increasing cell turnover to minimise damage and redness.

Aisling loves . . .

I’m obsessed with high protection sunscreen at the moment. My skin is ridiculously sun sensitive as I’m using high strength Retinol, so I’m trying all the brands. Honestly, there isn’t much difference between the high- and low- end brands in terms of efficacy. The difference lies in is the texture and smell. In the end it comes down to personal preference and how the sunscreen sits on your skin.

A good high protection choice is the new Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream For Face Very High Protection UVB50 €26