Which sunscreen should I use?

Author: Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Kerry Shalders

Created: 02.02.2026

Sunscreen is your best friend in protecting against sunburn, photoageing and skin cancers. It is particularly important to apply it when using medications such as isotretinoin that can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, but with so many products out there, which one should you choose? Below are some tips on choosing the right sunscreen for you.

What does SPF mean?

SPF stands for sun protection factor. This is an indication of level of protection from UVB rays, the shorter wavelength UV rays that can cause sun burn and skin cancers. Levels of UVB fluctuate through the day and season and in the UK are strongest from mid morning to mid afternoon from Spring to Autumn.

Most of us do not apply sunscreen in large enough quantities or as frequently as recommended, so it is important to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF, most Dermatologists would recommend SPF 50.

Why do I need protection from UVA?

UVA rays are the longer wavelengths of UV light, which are present all year round and can penetrate through cloud and glass. They are responsible for premature ageing of the skin and skin cancers.

The best sunscreen to protect against skin ageing and skin cancer is a broad spectrum sunscreen, these are the ones that are labelled with a high SPF and a circle symbol with the letters ‘UVA’ inside. As UVA is present all year round and can penetrate glass, it is important to use sunscreen all year round, even on cloudy days.

I don’t like white cream, is there any other formulations for sunscreens?
Gone are the days where you have to wear a thick gloopy cream that leaves a white cast. Sunscreens come in lots of different formulations, to suit different people and skin areas. From gels and mousses that don’t clog hair bearing areas, matte products for oily skin and sprays to reapply during the day over makeup.

No one formulation is best, try a few different ones to find what works for you. If it feels good on your skin, you are more likely to put it on.
What is the difference between Physical and Chemical sunscreens?
Chemical sunscreens absorb sunrays, and physical (mineral) sunscreens tend to reflect them.

Mineral sunscreens often work best for sensitive skin and are often tinted. The tint may make them more cosmetically acceptable, as helps avoid a white cast on the skin. Some formulations can also act like a primer under makeup.

When should I apply sunscreen?

It is important to apply sunscreen liberally and frequently all year round. Most of us do not put enough sunscreen on and often miss areas during application.

Sunscreens degrade with time and are often rubbed off in areas we touch, or with towels after swimming. If you are outdoors, reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours, more if you are swimming or activities that make you sweat, even if the product states it is water resistant.

My moisturiser contains SPF, do I need to wear a separate sunscreen?

The short answer is yes! To get the best broad UVA and UVB protection, it is important to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen in good amounts, two finger lengths of cream should be enough for your face and neck area.
Look out for formulations specifically designed for face use, as these are often lighter or have extra ingredients that make them more cosmetically acceptable.

When layering with other skin care products, we would recommend apply light serums and moisturisers first, with sunscreen on top. Allow this to set for a few minutes before applying makeup. Remember to reapply your sunscreen through the day, a spray formulation on top of makeup can be helpful.

So which is the right sunscreen for me?

The right sunscreen for you is a broad spectrum sunscreen in a formulation that feels comfortable on your skin, at a price point you are happy to pay, to allow you to use it frequently and liberally.