Since one of the major causes of skin damage is the sun, protection in your moisturiser is essential. Here's what to look for.
There are many genetic and lifestyle factors that cause damage and premature ageing to the skin. But certainly one of the biggest causes of skin ageing is sun damage – especially here in Australia where the sun is so harsh. Yes, it even happens in winter.
Australia has one of the highest rates of sun damage and skin cancer in the world. It's not surprising given that 24% of teenagers and almost 14% of adults get sunburned on an average summer weekend*.
For us Aussies, skin protection is so important, and not just when you're down at the beach. Protecting your skin is a year-round commitment that we need to take seriously if we want to avoid wrinkles, sallowness, sagging and cancer.
And it's never too early to start. Even teenagers should be wearing a form of sun protection every single day.
One of the best and easiest ways to commit to sun protection is to use a moisturiser with a built-in SPF. We've sifted through the ones on the market right now and found the all kinds of amazing moisturisers for all different skin types.
Here are the best sun protecting moisturisers available now, and most of them are under $70.
Editor's pick: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Last year, I went to visit my local Dermalogica store for some general skincare advice, which is one of my favourite things about Dermalogica. You can have a chat with the staff about your current skincare routine without them trying to upsell you or make you switch. They provide you with great skincare advice and free samples.
This is where the therapists at Dermalogica are very sneaky. They give you free sample after free sample until one day you decide to give one of them a go, and... bam – you're hooked!
When I went in, I wanted some advice on how to care for my 25-year-old skin after noticing a frown line on my forehead. I normally steer clear of anti-ageing products because I've read that the ingredients can exhaust the skin's production of collagen when used at a younger age. But the Dermalogica girls explained it was not the case with this product and it could be used by all skin types apart from very sensitive skins or those with an oil-based acne problem.
So I gave it a go and I'm happy to report that I've now been using it exclusively for a year. It's hydrating without being too heavy and it doesn't clog my pores – something which most other moisturiser/sunscreen duos do.
I love that using it leaves my skin feels plumped and nourished all day. No effect on the frown line yet, but at least I haven't seen any others appear.
If you're after something to really protect your skin from the sun, this is the product I recommend.
Best places to buy? I buy mine from SkincareStore because it often has 25% off Dermalogica sales. Discount codes are listed at the bottom of the page. If there is currently a Dermalogica promotion happening, it will be at the top of the list.
Image source: Instagram user Dermalogica
SPF 50+ for normal, combination and dry skin
Asap Moisturising Daily Defence SPF50+
RY.COM.AU
Dermalogica AGE Smart Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50
SkincareStore
ALPHA-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+ 50ml
Sephora
Oily skin
Ultraceuticals Ultra Uv Protective Daily Moisturiser Spf 30+ Mattifying
David Jones
Dermalogica ClearStart Oil Clearing Matte Moisturiser SPF15
SkincareStore
Mature skin
Clarins Hydraquench Cream Spf15
David Jones
Estee Lauder Advanced Timezone N/C Spf 15
David Jones
All natural and organic
Mukti Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15+
Nourished Life
Kelapa Organics SPF15 Face Moisturiser
Nourished Life
Sensitive skin
These two products are designed for post-procedure or very sensitive skin. To read more about Ultraceuticals or Balance Me moisturisers click on the links to check out our reviews.
Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF 25 40ml 40ml
Sephora
Pigment and spot correction
Jurlique Purely White Day Cream SPF30
David Jones
Dermalogica PowerBright TRx Pure Light SPF 50
SkincareStore
Deals and skincare discounts
*Skin and skincare statistics can be found at the Cancer Council site.
