Which SPF is best for your skin?

How to find your dream sunscreen, based on your skin type.

Which SPF is best for your skin?

How to find your dream sunscreen, based on your skin type.

Whatever the season, whatever the weather, SPF should be the final step in your skincare routine. Prevention is better than cure, so it’s no coincidence that dermatologists everywhere recommend daily SPF all year round for healthier, happier skin. In fact, we were the first premium skincare brand to offer a range of sun protection with skincare benefits, inspired by advice from our guiding dermatologists.

 

It’s now easier than ever to slot SPF into your daily regimen. Gone are the days of thick, heavy, pore-clogging sunscreens with a chalky cast – the new generation of sun protection is lightweight, sheer and hydrating, and there are a whole host of multitasking SPF moisturisers to choose from too. So, if you’re prone to skipping the sunscreen – make 2024 the year you up your game. Keep reading to find the best SPF for your skin type.

 

Best SPF for dry skin: Moisture Surge™ SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator.

Texture: Our best SPF moisturiser for dry skin is a lightweight cloud-like cream that sinks into skin for all-day hydration.

Key Ingredients: Like the original Moisture Surge™, this hydrating SPF is formulated with our aloe vera bioferment and hyaluronic acid complex, with the addition of pro-vitamin D to help provide environmental protection. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic too.

Benefits: This SPF moisturiser delivers the same hydration you love, plus sheer sun protection with no white cast, residue or stickiness. It helps protect against UVA/UVB rays to keep the sun’s glow from dulling yours. Leaves skin feeling hydrated, looking plumped and glowing – never shiny or oily. Though suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this dermatologist-tested SPF moisturiser is a particularly great everyday option for dry or combination skin seeking that extra hydration hit.

How to use: The formula looks opaque on application, so you know where you’ve applied it. Start in the centre of the face at the highest points where the sun hits first, then pat or massage outwards covering the entire face and neck. Reapply as needed throughout the day.

Shop Moisture Surge™ SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator

 

Best SPF for mature skin: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ SPF 30 Wrinkle Correcting Cream.

Texture: Our best SPF for mature skin is a lightweight, oil-free cream moisturiser with SPF.

Key Ingredients: Alongside SPF 30, this power-packed anti-ageing moisturiser with SPF is formulated with a potent blend of fortifying peptides, hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus pro-vitamin D to protect against environmental aggressors.

Benefits: This anti-ageing moisturiser’s potent formula helps reduce the look of lines and wrinkles, while protecting against harmful UV rays and environmental aggressors, which can lead to premature skin ageing. It plumps skin with lasting hydration, helping to minimise the look of fine, dry lines. It has a fast-absorbing hydrating texture with an invisible finish and no white cast. It’s also dermatologist tested and safe for sensitive skin.

How to use: For best results, apply all over the face and neck in the morning after using Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum. Follow with Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream for the ultimate anti-ageing routine.

Shop Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ SPF 30 Wrinkle Correcting Cream

Best SPF for combination skin: Superdefense™ City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector.

Texture: Our best SPF for combination skin is a sheer, quick-absorbing lotion with a hint of tint.

Key Ingredients: This energising, oil-free formula contains a blend of mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients for SPF 50 UV protection, alongside hyaluronic acid and wheat protein to help hydrate and revive skin. The formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores, ideal for combination and blemish-prone skin types.

Benefits: This is the perfect extra step for anyone seeking a higher level of sun protection. With a quick-absorbing, oil-free formula, this sheer SPF 50 sunscreen works to defend and awaken skin, while providing a hit of hydration. It leaves skin with a fresh, dewy finish, while a hint of tint helps to even out the look of skin and prep for makeup.

How to use: For best results, apply each morning as the last step in your skincare routine before makeup. Apply generously to the face and neck. If you’re wondering how much SPF to apply, the two-finger method is an easy rule to follow – the length of your index and middle finger is the correct amount of SPF to ensure adequate protection. You should also re-apply every two hours if you are in direct sunlight.

Shop Superdefense™ City Block SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector

 

 

Best SPF for oily skin: SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face.

Texture: Our best SPF for oily skin is an ultra-lightweight liquid sunscreen.

Key Ingredients: This weightless, oil-free sunscreen fluid contains a blend of 100% mineral sunscreens, providing UVA and UVB SPF 50 protection for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Benefits: Though incredibly comfortable for all skin types, the lightweight, oil-free formula is ideal for oily skin. If you find SPF can make your skin more oily or prone to breakouts, this barely-there sunscreen fluid is a good solution. It protects skin with 100% mineral SPF, without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. It’s quick-absorbing, leaving a sheer, non-sticky finish.

How to use: For best results, shake well, then apply the mineral sunscreen fluid liberally over the face, neck and decolletage at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. SPF should be the final step in your skincare routine, before makeup application. For optimum protection, reapply ever two hours or after towel drying, swimming or perspiring. The 30ml bottle is the perfect size to pop in your handbag or beach bag for top-ups throughout the day.

Shop SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face

 

Need some help?

 

Need more help creating your Clinique skincare routine? Our derm-trained experts are at your service. Educated in partnership with our guiding dermatologists, our in-house experts are here to help you achieve your skin goals.

 

Equipped with diagnostic tools and education backed by dermatological science, our Clinical Consultants will help you create a bespoke skincare routine to deliver instant wins and results over time. Book your Clinical Consultation today to get started.

 

Words by Shona Wallace, January 2024.