After a few false alarms, it finally feels like Spring is here to stay. The sun is shining, trees are getting greener and the days are getting longer. The smell of Spring is in the air. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a day on the beach, an outdoor brunch with some pals, or a long stroll in the countryside. And it’s time to put on some sunscreen! But why do we wait until springtime to protect our skin from the damaging effects of the sun?

The sun is the most ageing factor in our daily lives, so sunscreen should be a priority if we want to keep our skin looking fresh, healthy and supple for as long as possible. UV rays can cause loss of elasticity, pigmentation and precancerous skin cells, but the damage can take over ten years to show on the skin, with some sun damage being permanent. And UV rays don’t just reach our skin when the sun is shining bright; they can penetrate clouds, so it’s important to wear protection every day. We give you the low-down on what to look for in a sunscreen and how to apply it before your other skincare and beauty products, with a selection of our favourite SPFs for the face, lips and body.

How to Know Which Sunscreen to Choose

We highly recommend using a mineral-based sunscreen to help protect both your skin and the environment. The chemicals used to block UVA and UVB in traditional sunscreens (oxybenzone and octinoxate) are absorbed through the skin and have been shown to contribute to the bleaching of coral reefs once washed away, prompting Hawaii to ban the sale of chemical sunscreens just a few days ago. Instead, mineral sunscreens are formulated with natural minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act as a physical barrier and deflect the sun’s rays from the skin.

Should Sunscreen Be Applied Before or After Moisturiser?

The skin on our face is very sensitive and always exposed. That’s why it’s essential to put sunscreen on your face every day. But a question remains nonetheless: should sunscreen be applied before or after moisturising? Mineral sunscreen should always be used AFTER applying moisturiser. The active ingredients being minerals that reflect the sun’s rays, they will become inefficient if they are blocked by a moisturiser applied afterwards. And if you’re going to wear makeup over the top, make sure you wait until the SPF is fully absorbed for maximum protection.

If you’re spending the day out in the sun, remember to reapply sunscreen regularly, especially if you’re sweating or taking a dip in the sea. Try and protect your skin by avoiding direct exposure to the sun in the late morning and early afternoon, or by wearing a stylish straw hat (the sophisticated look is a bonus!).

Our Selection of the Best Organic Sunscreens

For the face: Hynt Beauty’s Sun Prep SPF 25

Acting as a sunscreen, moisturiser and makeup primer, this fantastic all-rounder is our pick for the best mineral sunscreen for the face. With its lightweight texture and amazing fresh smell, Hynt Beauty’s Sun Prep is a pleasure to apply. It’s formulated using anti-inflammatory, soothing and cooling ingredients such as aloe vera gel, sesame seed oil and green tea leaf extract. Just the ticket to keep your skin soft, supple and protected all year round. 

For the lips: EQ Evoa Lip Balm SPF 30

This 100% natural lip balm from EQ Evoa moisturises and protects lips from the damages of UV rays, providing an SPF 30 level of protection. Formulated with macadamia seed oil to keep lips soft and titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays without harming marine life, this beauty staple should be in everyone’s beach bag.

For the body: EQ Evoa Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 or SPF50

EQ Evoa’s Organic Sunscreen is the best organic sunscreen we’ve come across, and it’s available in either a medium (SPF 30) or a strong protection (SPF 50). Made with 99% natural ingredients including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this sunscreen is suited to sensitive skin and helps preserve coral reefs. It also contains shea butter to moisturise the skin without clogging pores or feeling heavy, and is paraben, PEG, silicone and alcohol free. Its creamy, fluid texture easily blends into the skin, leaving no white marks.

Bonus: EQ Evoa After Sun Moisturising Milk

If, like many of us, you’ve forgotten your sunscreen (it happens!) and unexpectedly found yourself spending an afternoon in the sun, this is just what your skin will be craving! Natural and vegan-friendly, this aftersun milk is made with aloe vera and argan oil, the perfect combination to soothe and moisturise the skin while providing a pleasing cooling effect after some time in the sun.