One of the best things you can do for your skin to slow down the natural ageing process is to protect it from the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun's harsh rays can cause premature ageing, as well as damage to your skin. The best anti-ageing sunscreen will not only protect your skin from the sun but will it leave it feeling moisturised, hydrated and support the skin's natural healing process - leaving you looking younger for a little bit longer.
With so many sunscreens on the market, you may wonder what makes an anti-ageing sunscreen different. These creams have been advanced to restore our skin's natural properties, using beneficial ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid and many more. Even before your skin begins to show signs of ageing, it is a good idea to use these creams as they will help to keep your skin looking radiant for longer.
The best anti-ageing sunscreen at a glance:
• Best overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct - view on La Roche-Posay
• Best to wear with makeup: Flawless PhotoGlow SPF 30+ - view on Transformulas
• Best daily moisturiser with sunscreen: Olay Niacinamide + SPF30 Day Moisturiser - view on Boots
Unfortunately, the skin's ageing process can never be stopped completely. However, sun cream goes a long way to help slow it down. The most significant influence of ageing is UV damage from sunlight and lifestyle elements such as your diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, stress and air pollution - all contribute to premature ageing.
The good news is, we have scoured the internet to find the very best anti-ageing creams that you can incorporate into your daily skincare routine.
Best anti-ageing sunscreen
Best overall
www.laroche-posay.co.uk
La Roche-Posay is renowned for quality skincare products, including the Anthelios Age Correct sunscreen with high broad-spectrum UVA and UBV factor 50 protection. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, PHE-Resorcinol and LHA, Niacinamide and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, it helps to hydrate the skin. These actives can also help to improve skin elasticity, target pigmentation, and soothe the skin.
Customer review: "I have just tried this sunscreen for the first time today and it exceeded expectations - might become a new go-to favourite! Moisturising, sinks in well into the skin, scent is not overpowering, easy to reapply. Just brilliant."
Pros
- Recommended by dermatologists
- Suitable for all skin types
- High SPF protection
Cons
- None that we could think of!
Ingredients | ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE • AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE • AQUA / WATER • BENZYL ALCOHOL • BENZYL BENZOATE • BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE • C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE • CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID • CAPRYLYL GLYCOL • DIMETHICONE • DROMETRIZOLE TRISILOXANE • ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE • GLYCERIN • GLYCERYL STEARATE • HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID • NIACINAMIDE • OCTOCRYLENE • PARFUM / FRAGRANCE • PEG-100 STEARATE • PHENOXYETHANOL • PHENYLETHYL RESORCINOL • POLOXAMER 338 • POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE • SILICA • STEARYL ALCOHOL • TEREPHTHALYLIDENE DICAMPHOR SULFONIC ACID • TOCOPHEROL • TRIETHANOLAMINE • TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE • VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER • XANTHAN GUM |
Best anti-ageing sunscreen to wear with makeup
transformulas.com
PhotoGlow Daily Skin Radiance SPF30 has anti-ageing and environmental preservation properties. The lightweight cream will leave you feeling and looking more youthful as it has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of ageing. With the latest technology, this daily cream will have your skin glowing with SPF30+ to ensure you stay protected whilst out and about.
Our review: " When I read about the Flawless PhotoGlow, I have to say I was a little sceptical. It seemed to be all singing and all dancing - something I am usually very wary of when it comes to skincare. However, within two weeks of using it, I was absolutely blown away by the results. My skin looked so much better and I received so many compliments. I love to wear this every day with or without make-up, although I have noticed that when I wear it with make-up, my foundation seems to look much better."
Pros
- Encourages collagen regeneration
- Rich in antioxidants
- Noticeable glow
Cons
- Some people found issues when using the pump ( we did not)
Ingredients | Aqua, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glycereth-26, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-37, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-150 Distearate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Octocrylene, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Chlorella Vulgaris (Algae) Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenylpropanol, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitol, Lecithin, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Linolenate, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phospholipids, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Zinc Pca, Ascorbic Acid, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool |
Best daily moisturiser with sunscreen
www.boots.com
This Olay daily moisturiser with SPF contains vitamin E and niacinamide. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, which your body needs to help maintain healthy-looking skin. This cream uses advanced technology that can help to leave your skin looking visually firmer and can reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Our review: "When it comes to creams sometimes I prefer to wear a cream which feels heavier. Especially after doing a deep cleanse and exfoliation. This cream leaves my skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth. I love wearing it without make-up on a hot day as I know that it is packed full of great ingredients which leave my skin looking great."
Pros
- UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection
- Non-greasy
- Pure Niacinamide and Vitamin E
Cons
- Heavier cream
Ingredients | Aqua, Octocrylene, Zea Mays Starch, Homosalate, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethiconol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, PEG-100 Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum |
Best for oily skin
www.boots.com
If you're prone to oily skin, the Avène Anti-ageing Suncare is a great option thanks to its non-greasy, dry-touch formula. As well as offering high factor 50 sun protection, it has anti-ageing properties including Ascofilline to promote collagen production and Pre-Tocopheryl for further protection against free radicals. We also love that it includes Avène's thermal spring water that'll help to soothe and soften the skin.
Customer review: "I got this on offer so I thought why not! Especially cause I read on the reviews that it's good for oily skin and I have to say it is so good, at least for my skin! Usually whenever I wear sunscreen (tried many brands of sunscreen) I have to have tissue paper with me to take the oiliness off my face. Finally with this sunscreen I don't have to. I decided to test it without any mositure underneath and mositure and it makes the makeup glide on so easily! It's very smooth once it's applied onto the face! Almost like a primer effect! Very happy with this purchase."
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- High SPF protection
- Non-sticky and dry touch
Cons
- Make sure to rub it in - some reviewers found it left them looking a little pale
Ingredients: | Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [Nano], Water (Aqua), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Silica, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil), Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Mica, Decyl Glucoside, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Benzoic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Disodium Edta, Glyceryl Behenate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), (Ci 77491), (Ci 77499), Oxothiazolidine, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Glucoside, Tribehenin, Xanthan Gum. |
Best anti-ageing sunscreen for sensitive skin
This multi-purpose sunscreen delivers high, long-lasting protection with just one application. This cream includes Ectoin, a natural substance proven to prevent UVA-induced premature ageing and GSP-T, a powerful antioxidant complex that protects skin cells from oxidative stress. Offering UVA and UVB protection, this sunscreen sinks into the skin quickly and has been designed specifically for sensitive skin.
Customer review: "I've used this product for years. SPF 30 in the winter and SPF 50 in the summer. Apart from sun protection, it's also great as a moisturiser. I wouldn't be without it."
Pros
- Preservative-free
- Vegan
- High sun protection
Cons
- Thick texture
Ingredients: | Aqua, <br>Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, <br>Pentylene Glycol, <br>Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol [Nano], <br>Titanium Dioxide, <br>Ethylhexyl Salicylate, <br>Glycerin, <br>Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, <br>C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, <br>Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, <br>Acrylates Copolymer, <br>Ethylhexyl Triazone, <br>Silica, <br>C8-22 Alkyl Acrylates/Methacrylic Acid Crosspolymer, <br>Squalane, <br>Ectoin, <br>Cocoglycerides, <br>Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, <br>Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, <br>Decyl Glucoside, <br>Propyl Alcohol, <br>Cetyl Alcohol, <br>Sodium Hydroxide, <br>Alcohol, <br>Cetyl Phosphate, <br>Xanthan Gum, <br>Propylene Glycol, <br>Lecithin, <br>Tocopheryl Acetate, <br>Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, <br>Tocopherol, <br>Diisopropyl Adipate, <br>Ubiquinone<br> |
Best lightweight anti-ageing sunscreen
The Elemis Daily Defence Shield is a lightweight sunscreen that offers broad protection against pollution and harmful rays, both outside and indoors. This cream offers great protection from all of the elements. We love that this cream isn't scented and works perfectly underneath makeup with coconut and jojoba oils included for a nourished and smooth skin.
Customer review: "This has been particularly useful, even though the year is sliding away from us. The sun is still strong and this cream is smooth, easy to rub on, and very effective. I play golf 3-4 times a week and I need to wear a strong sunscreen around my face, neck and arms. Usually, I come away with regular barrier cream with some sun damage, but not with this cream. It was excellent, smelt nice and I will buy some more as soon as I have used this one up, which, with the current weather, won't be long. Brilliant."
Pros
- Weightless
- Suitable for all skin types
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Coconut scent which may not be for everyone
Ingredients: | Ingredients : Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate, Isostearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol Cocoate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Carbomer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylcellulose, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Argania Spinosa Leaf Extract, Carnosine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Melanin, Pentylene Glycol.<br> |
Recommended
www.greenpeople.co.uk
This summer-scented moisturiser from Cha Vohtz has SPF30 protection that also helps keep skin fresh, firm and protected against sun damage. We love this sunscreen because it has been created using plant extracts that are proven to hydrate, firm and renew mature skin. It may help to fade fine lines and radiate a healthy, balanced summer skin glow.
Our review: "This sunscreen is lightweight. It smells and feels amazing. It leaves the skin feeling hydrated without the heavy feeling of other creams. I love that it doesn't leave the skin looking shiny or greasy. I usually put it on after completing my skincare routine and approx. 30 minutes before applying my make-up. "
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- 87 per cent natural origin ingredients
- Advanced antioxidants protect against free radical damage
Cons
- Scented which may not be for everyone
Ingredients | Aqua, Coco-Caprylate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Zinc Oxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Oenothera Biennis Seed Oil*, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil*, Punica Granatum Seed Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice Powder*, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Isostearic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Camellia Sinensis (Camellia) Leaf Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract*, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract*, Squalane, Aroma [Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil*, Cymbopogon Martini Oil*, Pelargonium Graveolens Leaf Oil*, Lavandula Angustifolia Herb Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil], Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Hydroxystearic Acid, Gluconolactone, Sodium Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene*, Linalool*, Geraniol*, Citral*, Citronellol*, Farnesol*. *Made With Certified Organic Ingredients |
Best anti-pollution anti-ageing sunscreen
www.clarins.co.uk
The Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution SPF 50 not only offers high UV protection - it's a multi-protection moisturising screen that protects against five types of pollutants including atmospheric and indoor pollution, photo-pollution, blue light and pollen. The watery gel texture is enriched with organic mango leaf extract to help enhance the skin's self-defence whilst hydrating and caring for the skin.
Customer review: "I love this product as it's light and not sticky. Blends in well and does not leave my face looking dull and grey."
Pros
- Protects against UV rays and five types of pollution, including blue light
- Moisturises skin
- Higher SPF
Cons
- Gel texture may not be for all
Ingredients | AQUA/WATER/EAU. DIISOPROPYL ADIPATE. HOMOSALATE. ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE. DIETHYLAMINO HYDROXYBENZOYL HEXYL BENZOATE. BUTYLENE GLYCOL. DIISOPROPYL SEBACATE. ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE. POLYGLYCERYL-6 STEARATE. BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE. TITANIUM DIOXIDE [NANO]. POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE. 1,2-HEXANEDIOL. CELLULOSE. TALC. TRIACONTANYL PVP. GLYCERIN. CI 77891/TITANIUM DIOXIDE. PARFUM/FRAGRANCE. GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE. POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6. SILICA. SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE. POLYGLYCERYL-6 BEHENATE. ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN. TOCOPHERYL ACETATE. C30-45 OLEFIN. DISODIUM EDTA. TOCOPHEROL. DIMETHICONE. MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO) LEAF EXTRACT. MARRUBIUM VULGARE EXTRACT. KALANCHOE PINNATA LEAF EXTRACT. T-BUTYL ALCOHOL. PHENETHYL ALCOHOL. TIN OXIDE. CITRIC ACID. FURCELLARIA LUMBRICALIS EXTRACT. SODIUM BENZOATE. POTASSIUM SORBATE. LAPSANA COMMUNIS FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT. MARIS SAL/SEA SALT/SEL MARIN [S3682A] |
How to protect your skin in the summer
Looking after your skin in hot weather is a great way to ensure the health of your skin. As we have previously mentioned, SPF is key to keeping your skin looking youthful. We spoke to Skincare Expert and Facialist, Cecilia Ross to find out her top tips for looking after your skin this summer.
Smother with SPF
Use a high-quality SPF on your face, neck, arms and hands daily, ensuring you are regularly re-apply throughout the day every two hours.
Add antioxidants
Antioxidants such as vitamin C are ideal to add into your morning or evening routine. They fight free radical damage including UV rays and pollution, protecting the skin.
Hydration with hyaluronic
I’d recommend adding a moisturising hyaluronic-based gel or serum. It will provide your skin with the moisture it needs without using anything too heavy that could clog the pores.
Keep it light
When you’re moving from air-conditioned offices, this can be very drying for the skin. So, I’d recommend layering up with light skincare and make-up products.
What makes an anti-ageing sunscreen?
Anti-ageing sunscreens products contain ingredients which protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Most commonly, these products contain zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a fantastic mineral which helps to aid the production of collagen and elastin - in simple terms, these are the proteins that make your skin look line-free and youthful.
That being said, certain sunscreens may also include additional anti-ageing ingredients like peptides, retinol (Vitamin A), hyaluronic acid, or collagen-boosting compounds. These ingredients can help support the skin's natural processes and promote a youthful appearance.
We'd also recommend looking out for antioxidants, like vitamins C and E. These can help to protect the skin from free radicals generated by UV exposure, which can contribute to skin-ageing.
For a full breakdown of all the ingredients in the sunscreens selected in this article, read the specifications tab.
How do you apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be applied anywhere that is exposed to the sun. It is important to apply sun cream to your face, neck and hair (if it is thinning). Sun cream should be reapplied liberally every two hours. If in doubt, always check the manufacturer's guidelines.
This article contains expert advice from Skincare expert and Facialist, Cecilia Ross.
Hannah James is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product Writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that makes her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.