Recommending the Best Daily Facial SPF for All Skin Types

You may be sceptical of the experts who recommend using an SPF every single day, especially in Ireland where sunny days are rarer than cloudy ones. However, harmful UV rays penetrate clouds and over time, they contribute to skin damage and premature ageing. The best way to limit skin stressors is to use a daily SPF that easily fits into your existing routine.

This guide explores the very best daily facial sunscreens to wear as a moisturiser, underneath makeup or for sensitive or oily complexions. The goal is not to maximise sun protection but to make applying a daily SPF effortless and habitual.

Should You Apply Facial SPF Daily?

Whether you should choose SPF50 or SPF30 is up for debate. However, dermatologists generally agree that applying a daily SPF of any level is recommended to avoid accelerated skin damage.

The number one cause of premature skin ageing and skin cancer risk is harmful UV rays from the sun. While your exposure increases on sunny days, in the summer and when you spend more time outside, your skin is constantly battling oxidative stress. Sunlight and even your device screens accumulate damage over time, even if you don’t see it or feel it.

A daily facial SPF is a fantastic way to reduce the skin’s daily stressors and even SPF15 will block 93% of UVB and UVA rays when applied generously. However, if you’re expecting high UV exposure, it’s essential to choose SPF50 or more to avoid sunburns and unnecessary free radical damage.

Anna Lien-Lun Chien, MD

“For day-to-day use, pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you spend time outdoors, choose a product with SPF 60 or greater. In reality, most people do not use as much sunscreen as they should, and this higher SPF helps compensate for the reduced application”

Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine

Ultimately, dermatologists emphasise daily sun cream use over intermittent application; except for instances of extended sun exposure where you’ll need higher protection. So, finding the right SPF to fit into your daily skincare routine is key for protecting your skin now and in the future.

Highly Recommended Daily Facial SPF Options

Explore the best daily sunscreens for sensitive, oily and mature skin, including options to wear underneath makeup or tailored to minimal skincare routines.

The Best Daily Priming SPF Products

Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising and Priming SPF 50 PA+++

Because of its mineral-based formula and niacinamide content, it creates the perfect high-protection, grippy base for makeup. The subtle peach tint can be used as a redness colour corrector, or on its own for a daily no-makeup look. Suitable for normal to oily skin types, this zero pill SPF option leaves a healthy skin glow. Explore the features and benefits of this multi-award-winning formula.

Key Benefits:
Broad spectrum SPF with high protection against UVA, UVB and blue light Mineral filters make this one suitable for sensitive skin Contains a natural peach tint. Creates a dewy finish Refillable containers Acts as a grippy primer, controls oil production and minimises pores Contains skin-loving ingredients like allantoin and vitamin E
Possible Downsides:
The peach tint is not universal so could leave a slight cast on dark or very fair skin tones The formula can feel slightly drying on very dry skin types The subtle pigment can mark clothes

Perfect For: Most skin types, use underneath makeup

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Pestle & Mortar Daily Shield SPF50+ 50ml

Step up your skincare regime with this daily defence SPF that functions like a brightening serum. It includes hydrating, illuminating and anti-ageing active ingredients which fight fine lines, pigmentation and wrinkles. Hybrid UV filters offer high sun protection in a near-invisible fluid. The subtle tint helps create a healthy glow and is compatible with diverse skin tones without leaving a white cast.

Key Benefits:
Enriched with skin-loving ingredients such as Indian gooseberry extract, glycerin and plant enzymes Contains hybrid filters including titanium dioxide: protects against the full spectrum of harmful UV light Ideal for layering underneath makeup for all-day wear Suitable for oily and blemish-prone skin Has a lightweight, satin finish and leaves a gorgeous glow
Possible Downsides:
Contains a pore-clogging ingredient

Perfect For: All skin type and wearing underneath makeup

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Daily Facial Sunscreen with Anti-ageing

Image Daily Prevention Ultra Defence Moisturizer SPF50

The ultimate daily solution for mature or dry skin. The daily SPF formula from IMAGE leaves skin feeling like velvet with natural luminosity, blending seamlessly without a white cast. The combination of mineral and chemical sunscreen protects your skin from high levels of UV. Meanwhile, hydrating and anti-ageing technology helps reverse signs of damage such as fine lines, wrinkles, dryness and dark spots. The lightweight cream can be applied to the full face and neck every day on its own or underneath makeup.

Key Benefits:
Radiant hydration that blends into all skin tones without a white cast Helps to protect against the effects of UV rays and blue light Organic cocoa butter moisturises and nourishes the skin Contains micronised zinc oxide Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, physician formulated and dermatologist tested Formulated without oxybenzone, octinoxate and parabens Fragrance free
Possible Downsides:
Formula could clog pores

Perfect For: Mature skin, everyday use and broad skin tones

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A Good Daily SPF for Men (and Women)

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 52ml

This product remains a popular choice for anyone, including those with dry and oily skin. It’s non-comedogenic (which means it won’t clog your pores), offers high sun protection and supplies vital nutrients, helping skin stay healthy and hydrated all day long. What’s more, this product acts as a moisturiser and sunscreen all in one, minimising the need for multiple creams.

Key Benefits:
Hydrates & moisturises skin Non greasy feel SPF50 with protection against UVA and UVB rays Water resistant Won’t clog pores Deratologically tested for sensitive skin Functions as a moisturiser and SPF all in one Suitable for a range of skin types from dry to oily Safe to use on acne-prone skin Fragrance and alcohol-free
Possible Downsides:
Some users find this formula slightly heavy May provide enough moisture for extremely dry skin

Perfect For: All skin types, daily use as a moisturiser with SPF

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How to Choose the Right Sunscreen?

Each individual’s skin responds differently to skincare, so it’s essential to get to know your complexion and choose products that suit you. For instance, oily skin may require an oil-free sunscreen or lightweight SPF option. Meanwhile sensitive skin may prioritise mineral sunscreen or high-factor sun protection. When it comes to ingredients, some users avoid pore-cloggers or chemical filters. Meanwhile, others look for skin-beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.

Which sun protection is best for ageing skin?

If your primary focus is anti-ageing, you’ll want to choose specialist products targeted at reversing ageing signs, while offering maximum sun protection. An added bonus would be to include hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides. These strengthen the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss. Explore the top product recommendations for anti-ageing sunscreen SPF:

• Image Daily Prevention Ultra Defence Moisturizer SPF50
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+ Cream 50ml

Which lightweight sun protection is best for oily skin?

There are many sunscreen options for oil-prone skin. You’ll want to look for oil-free options with priming properties, these wick away excess oil while avoiding adding any more greasiness. Also, check that your products are non-comedogenic and acne–safe. Some key ingredients to include for oily skin are niacinamide and aloe vera. Explore the top SPF recommendations for oily skin:

• Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising and Priming SPF 50 PA+++
• Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF50 50ml

Which sun protection is best for men?

While there aren’t huge differences between men’s and women’s skin, higher testosterone levels tend to lead to more oil production. An oil-free and non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) formula would be a good choice for men. We’d recommend the following products to combat common skin problems:

• Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF50 50ml
• CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 52ml

Which SPF can be used as a skincare primer underneath makeup?

Wearing SPF every day can be a challenge when layering makeup over the top, issues such as pilling, caking and product movement are common. Many exceptional products come with natural priming properties, look for ingredients like niacinamide and zinc oxide. Here are our top SPF primers to try:

• Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising and Priming SPF 50 PA+++
• Pestle & Mortar Daily Shield SPF50+ 50ml

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you reapply sunscreen for optimal UVA and UVB protection?

If you’re out in the sun for extended periods, you should reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially if you’re sweating, touching your face or swimming. Otherwise, if you spend most of the day indoors, apply another layer of SPF 10-15 minutes before going outdoors.

How to apply a daily sunscreen over a moisturiser?

To avoid a white cast, pilling or caking, the best technique is to apply sunscreen in several thin layers, letting all your skincare products absorb fully beforehand. Let each layer dry down before applying the next one. Wait 5-10 minutes before applying makeup.

Is an SPF 30 sun tan lotion enough for everyday wear?

Yes, SPF30 is adequate for daily wear. It’s generally best to opt for a Sun Protection Factor you can consistently wear daily over one that offers maximum protection. However, if you spend most of your day outdoors, exposed to higher levels of UV, always wear appropriate protection and reapply SPF at regular intervals.