Here comes the sun

You’d have to pay me a lot of money to go out without sunscreen on my face. I can’t do it. I almost feel I’m going to wither vampire-like the minute a ray of sun hits. I’ve slathered on the stuff for the last 20 years and I’m not going to stop now.

Not only that, but the plastic-face Botoxed look is not high on my priority list so I am trying to take the preventative rather than the curative approach to ageing, and considering that sun damage is the number one cause of skin ageing, I figure that commitment to sunscreen is a good place to start.

Through the winter, I generally opt for a good moisturiser with a high SPF, such as Superdefense SPF25 Age Defence Moisturiser by Clinique. But in the summer with the odd bit of sun peeking out from behind grey Irish clouds, something stronger is definitely called for.

We all know it’s important to wear a high SPF, but one of the main issues is that sunscreens are thick, gloopy and a bit smelly, too — not exactly what you want to be slathering on your skin first thing in the morning. But if you’re not actually going to be lying out in the sun, then a city screen is a good solution. It gives a thin, high protection veil over the skin that is much easier to wear under make-up than traditional sunscreens.

One of the best city screens happens to be one of the first that hit the market almost two decades ago — Clinique’s City Block Sheer SPF25, €20.50. With a very pale tint, and a non-greasy texture, it’s one that I still reach for come summer.

More recently, Clinique introduced the Super City Block SPF40, €20.50, which has taken over in my affections.

Where Clinique broke new ground, others have followed with formulations being improved all the time.

One of the best is Shiseido’s Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF50, e40.50. It’s terrific under make-up, barely feels like a sunscreen, and yet you’re treating your skin to a whopping SPF50.

Another excellent option is Vichy’s Capital Soleil Dry Touch Emulsion for the Face SPF50, €14.50. It’s a really good price point and I used it throughout last summer.

Remember, even with high factor, you still need to reapply every three hours or so to make sure you’re getting continuous protection.

The other main thing to watch out for is what’s known as ‘broad spectrum’ coverage, which means UVA and UVB protection. Basically, UVA rays are around all the time. Even on cloudy days — they can even get through glass, and sometimes even clothes. These rays can also badly damage the skin deep down and are responsible for premature skin ageing and sun spots.

And if you have been using a tanning bed recently, you might want to stop, as they generally use UVA rays.

UVB rays are also cancer-causing and are the responsible for sunburn, and although they don’t penetrate as deeply as UVA rays, they are still dangerous so always look for a sunscreen that offers both.

If you prefer sun screen with more moisturising benefits then check out the Soleil Protection range from Roc. The products feel very soft and unusually moisturising.

For a natural look, checkout Korres Yoghurt Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 30/50, €24. Surprisingly, yoghurt is the main ingredient here. It offers high protection, is paraben free and is water and sweat-resistant.