9 of the best: sunscreens that feel light on your face and won’t make you break out

“We have this idea that Ireland isn’t warm,” says Selene Daly, a registered advanced nurse practitioner and life coach (@selenedaly). “We don’t get as much infrared [radiation], but you get UV rays that are invisible — not just when it’s sunny, but every single day. Your skin’s absorbing them all the time and causing DNA damage, even though you can’t see that damage.

It should be like brushing your teeth: keep your sunscreen beside the toothbrush so it’s for everyday use.

“It should be like brushing your teeth: keep your sunscreen beside the toothbrush so it’s for everyday use. It’s not a cosmetic product, it’s a safety intervention.”

Many of us avoid using SPF daily because it can cause skin to break out, but consultant dermatologist Nicola Ralph says there are many sunscreens specially formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

“Look for information on ‘non-comedogenic’ sunscreen, which means non-blackhead forming, therefore it will not clog the pores. It may also say ‘oil-free’ on the bottle or ‘mattifying’,” she explains.

There are two main types of sunscreen: those that sink into the skin and form a chemical barrier, and those that sit on the surface of your skin and create a physical barrier.

“Some patients have both acne-prone and sensitive skin so they may be more suited to a physical/mineral sunscreen,” Nicola adds. “These tend to contain only zinc oxide/titanium dioxide which act as a physical shield from the sun, and zinc has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin also, so it’s great for acne-prone, sensitive skin.”

Realistically, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear every day. “We can be a bit tight with products, because some of them are expensive and we don’t want to be overusing,” Selene notes. “Get something you’re going to use and reapply every two hours while outdoors.”

She also warns against over-relying on sunscreen. “Sunscreens are one part of a sun-smart programme. Covering up, staying in the shade, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and wearing your sunscreen are all really important,” Selene adds.

We asked skincare experts for their top recommendations for facial SPFs at all price points.

​Elta MD UV Clear SPF46, €58 for 48g, instituteofdermatologists.ie

“Elta MD is the number one dermatologist-recommended sunscreen brand in the United States. It’s what the majority of my patients use,” Nicola explains, noting that as well as the skin benefits, it doesn’t leave a white cast. The UV Clear, she adds, is her “go-to favourite”, available in tinted and untinted formulations.

“This is a broad spectrum SPF which is suitable for both acne- and rosacea-prone skin. It contains both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for their hydration benefits and anti-inflammatory/anti-redness properties. It’s a hypoallergenic SPF which helps to calm and protect skin prone to breakouts and discolouration. Its non-comedogenic, lightweight formula will not clog pores and can be layered easily under makeup.”

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Elave Daily Skin Defence SPF45, €18.50 with Clubcard (€23 full price) for 50ml, Tesco

“It’s brilliant because it doesn’t white you out,” Selene says of the oil-free formula. “I like that one because it’s Irish and it’s not that expensive. If it runs into your eyes, it’s not going to sting your eyes, but it also gives you full protection, as much as sunscreen can do.”

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid, €21 for 50ml, Boots

Selene describes the Anthelios range as a “firm favourite” and suitable for acne-prone skin, while skincare consultant Sally Foran (@irishbeautyfairy) highlights the French brand’s latest launch.

“This is specially formulated for sensitive skin, with its new and exclusive MEXORYL400 filter that protects against UV-induced damage – it’s even anti-eye stinging,” she says. “Ultra-resistant against water, sweat and sand, it also comes in a tinted version, sits well under makeup — no pilling — and feels super-light on skin.”

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Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50, €33.95 for 30ml, millies.ie

“It’s a green formula, so if you have rosacea, it will actually blend out the redness in your skin, and it has a calming, soothing effect as well,” says Selene. “It’s got a brilliant factor 50 within the product, and it’s reasonably priced and widely available.”

Grainne Caldbeck, a skincare professional and owner of Enhance Health & Beauty in Carrick-on-Shannon (@enhancehealthbeauty), is also a fan, adding: “This product is amazing for anyone suffering with skin sensitivity and redness. It blurs out imperfections, leaving a lovely, even skin tone.”

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Tan Organic Daily Defence Tinted Facial SPF50, €29.99 for 50ml, Boots

“This is an SPF, a moisturiser and a primer all in one,” Sally explains. “It was created with dermatologists and is suitable for all skin tones and types, even sensitive. It’s got added antioxidants for further protection against UV rays, as well as hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin.

“And even though it’s a mineral SPF, this tinted SPF has no white cast — instead, it gives a gorgeous dewy finish that’s perfect alone or under makeup.”

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Antipodes Supernatural SPF50, €42 for 60ml, cloud10beauty.com

Founded in New Zealand, the skincare brand has launched its first ever SPF, a broad spectrum zinc formula created in Australia. It’s 100pc natural origin, with no added fragrance, and certified vegan by the UK Vegetarian Society. Plus, the packaging is plastic-free.

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Eucerin Sun Oil Control Face Protection Sun Cream SPF50, €20.35 for 50ml, lloydspharmacy.ie

“This is the perfect SPF facial moisturiser for acne-prone skin as it gives your skin long-lasting anti-shine [protection] for up to eight hours,” Sally says. “It’s non-greasy, but still leaves skin hydrated.”

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No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF50, €32.99 for 50ml, Boots

“What I really love about this product is it feels lightweight yet hydrating on the skin, with excellent damage protection ingredients and SPF 50,” says Grainne. “It’s perfect for under makeup, with no white cast, and it’s fast absorbing.”

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CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50, €14.40 with Boots Advantage card (€18 full price) for 52ml, Boots

“This is a daily lightweight facial moisturiser with SPF50+ UVB/UVA protection and has three essential ceramides to help protect the skin’s natural barrier and hydrate,” Sally explains. “It leaves skin feeling soothed and hydrated for up to 24 hours, plays well under makeup, is budget-friendly and is the only SPF I can get my kids to use!”

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