Best suncare products

WHEN AND HOW MUCH?
"Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going into the sun to give the product time to settle onto the skin's surface," says Jo Barlow, skincare specialist for MD Formulations. Use a tablespoon of sunscreen on the limbs, back and torso and a teaspoon's worth on the face. Sweating can cause patchy coverage so reapply regularly.
SPF SOLUTION: Invisible Zinc's Brush-on Tinted Daywear SPF30 comes with a built-in applicator (£25; selfridges.com) for a flawless complexion with protection. Dermalogica's Solar Defense Wipes SPF15 (£22; dermalogica.co.uk) are great for festivals or when you're on the go.

DEFENCE FOR PROBLEM SKIN
"Anyone who suffers from acne should opt for an oil-free formula," says skin guru Dr Sebagh (drsebagh.com). Look out for products containing anti-histamine ingredients such as Symcalmin, plus moisturising antioxidants such as vitamin E (Tocopherol) to soothe sensitive, dry skins.
SPF SOLUTION: Clinique City Block Sheer SPF25, below left (£15; clinique.co.uk) for oily skins and Avène SPF 20 Moderate Protection Spray (£15.95; boots.com) is ideal for sensitive complexions.

MINERAL OR CHEMICAL?
While chemical-based sunscreens contain UV filtering ingredients, mineral versions work by deflecting the sun's rays. "The advantage of chemical-based formulas is that several different liquids can be combined within them to work synergistically and provide more efficient protection," says Dr Lowe. "Mineral products sit on the skin's surface (rather than sink in) so they won't clog pores if you're prone to breakouts." His top tip is to look for products that contain triazine, cinnamate and octocrylene.
SPF SOLUTION: Opt for Dr Lowe's range of chemical-based sunscreens or try MD Formulations' zinc oxide SPF30 (£15; bareescentuals.co.uk).

PF OR STAR RATING?
In addition to the old SPF system (an indication of protection against cancer-causing UVB rays), a new rating system uses a scale of one (lowest) to four (highest) stars to indicate its defence against the UVA light that's responsible for ageing. Combine a high SPF with a four-star raying and get the broad-spectrum protection your skin requires.
SPF SOLUTION: Soltan Invisible Spray SPF30 provides streak-free coverage and comes with a five-star UVA rating for the best of both worlds (£10.99; boots.com)

SKIN IN THE CITY
"City dwellers also need to protect against heavy metal particles from car fumes and pollution, by choosing a product with an EPF — or Environmental Protection Factor," says Dr Sebagh. A sunscreen with vitamins such as E and C will combat this free radical damage that contributes to cellular skin aging.
SPF SOLUTION: Dr Sebagh Sun City Protection SPF30, left (£50; www.harrods.com).

PROTECTION WITH ADDED BENEFITS
"When a sunscreen is added to a multi-tasking product as an extra' and not as the main ingredient, it may not provide sufficient protection," says Dr Sebagh. "So apply your product then follow it with another SPF to ensure you have sufficient coverage."
SPF SOLUTION: For multi-tasking protection, try Lancaster Cellulite-Burner Tan Booster SPF30 (£19.50; harveynichols.co.uk) over the top of a regular sunscreen.