SPF is one of the best anti-ageing steps you can take, and it’s more effective the earlier you start as the majority of premature skin ageing comes from damaging UV rays. This is why I always start my day off with a hard-working sunscreen that I can wear under my makeup and provide all-day protection. I don’t have children myself, so it’s difficult for me to comment on how suitable this is for the whole family. However, who better to turn to for advice and a recommendation than our lovely customers! Here’s what a parent had to say about the Ultrasun family sunscreen to give you further peace of mind: Believe it or not, the best thing you can do for your skin daily is to apply a sunscreen. Not only will this reduce the chances of your skin ageing prematurely, but it will also protect you against harmful skin cancers. And if you think sunscreen is only essential on sunny days, think again. For maximum protection, you’re supposed to apply it even when it’s cloudy outside – and even if you spend most of your time indoors.

Meanwhile, the Face 50+SPF Anti-pigmentation will actually brighten existing pigmentation in two weeks while protecting against future sun-induced ageing and dark spots so I may keep using that at home!You can buy sun cream in pharmacies, supermarkets and discount stores, with some of our tested options coming from Asda, Boots, Garnier, Nivea and Wilko. Why I love it: The Ultrasun Sports sun gel is a weightless fluid that instantly disappears into the skin, and is a popular choice for outdoor, sporty people. From April to September, when the UV Index is generally higher. It takes 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure each day for those with fair-to-olive skin to get enough vitamin D. It's common for sun creams to claim to be 'water resistant', but this doesn't mean that they're waterproof. Sarah xoxo Good spf! Seems good so far! Nice size bottle with a good push button. Not too greasy, absorbs we’ll.

We tested two popular sun creams in chlorinated water (to mimic a swimming pool) and salty water (to emulate the sea). We also added another scenario using fast-moving tap water to see what effect this had. Most of the time, the products weren't as effective in our more realistic conditions as they were in tap water. Consider the time of day – If you're spending time in the sun without wearing sun cream, you should only do so before 11am or after 3pm, as the middle of the day is when you're at the greatest risk of getting burnt. Why I love it: If you’re looking to up the ante on your daily SPF protection, then the Ultrasun Face Anti-Ageing Formula SPF 50+ is for you. This is a great choice for your daily SPF if you’re looking for very high protection, if you’re in a hot climate, a city-dweller, or work outdoors. If you're using sun cream at the beach, apply plenty before swimming, and again when you leave the water. Reef-safe sun creams Some people worry that using sun cream might prevent them from getting enough vitamin D, but this isn’t the case unless you really overdo it.There’s a long list of ingredients that are used as chemical absorbers, so it’s easiest to simply look for products that are labelled ‘sensitive’ rather than search for specific ingredients. SPF make-up: does it really offer protection from the sun? UVA rays are the biggest cause of premature ageing on the skin, so this lightweight cream creates a powerful shield to absorb them and prevent them from causing damage. There’s lots of choice. I tried the three products mentioned above but there’s also a sports range, a Glimmer 20SPF version, Family options. Lots. My Ultrasun review: the downside? Because of their use of lamellar technology, Ultrasun sunscreens will typically provide all-day protection from just one application. This can factor on skin tone and heat extremity, but the water-resistant formula will ensure long-lasting sun defence.

I’m not someone who wears foundation every day anyway, so I love the light unifying sheen that this sunscreen provides. It gives an effortlessly flawless “no makeup” look while concealing any imperfections. Who doesn’t want to look naturally airbrushed?Mineral sunscreens in particular often promote their environmental credentials, the most common being that they’re ‘reef-safe’ or 'ocean-friendly'. I have to keep putting it on… If it isn’t swum off, wriggled off or simply worn off, I have to repeat the above over and over again unless I find a once-a-day formula which works. Which adds so much joy to my holiday. Plus, the SPF spray can even be used upside down (trust me, I tried) so you can ensure all those difficult to reach places are always covered.