Spa sunscreens and SPF skincare

The sun is shining and we've even had our first proper heatwave of the year, which means two things:

1. Holidays are comin'
2. It's time to break out the sunscreen if you haven't done already

Sun cream has become a lot more sophisticated over the years - it's no longer about putting thick, skin clogging paste on your face, but rather about daily protection along with additional boosts if you're planning to spend long periods in the sunshine. If you're going to do skincare well, spa brands are always an excellent place to turn. Here are some of our favourite spa sunscreens to help protect your skin from the summer sun.

Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF 30

We know that we should now wear an SPF everyday, not just the days where we plan to lounge on the beach. Elemis is a brand that we love and regularly see in spa treatments. Many of us also enjoy their home skincare ranges. Their Daily Defence Shield SPF 30 is an easy-to-use, lightweight formula that protects against UVA and UVB rays, environmental pollution and high energy visible light. It's highly recommended.

La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen

La Roche Posay is often recommended by dermatologists, especially for sensitive skin, and they have a variety of sunscreens within their Anthelios range. Almost universally offering SPF 50, they include additional powers such as pigment correction or combined with a vitamin C serum.

ESPA Optimal Skin Pro-Defence SPF

Another one for daily protection is the Optimal Skin Pro-Defence SPF from ESPA. Another widely recognised favourite in the spa world, this beautiful brand does a superb home care collection. The Optimal Skin Pro-Defence SPF has an SPF 15 rating, so it's really just for day-to-day use instead of sitting in the sun. It contains golden seaweed, knotgrass and chicory root extracts that help provide protection from environmental exposure and hydrates skin, restoring its natural strength.

Darphin's Intral Shield SPF 50

The Parisian brand is well known for its elegant products and in chic French style it delivers sun protection in the form of a sheer, nude and luminous base for make-up. Their Intral Shield is SPF 50 and contains a gentle blend of 100% mineral UVA/UVB filters to protect against the sun and pollution.

Clarins Dry Touch Facial Sun Care

Also ranking in the SPF 50+ category, skincare legend, Clarins has their Dry Touch Facial Sun Care. Enriched with antioxidants, it offers high protection and is suitable for sensitive skin.

Natura Bissé Diamond White SPF 50 Oil Free Brilliant Sun Protect

This luxurious brand is well known for taking things up a notch (take a look at their oxygen bubble at Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa). Their Diamond White SPF 50 Oil Free Brilliant Sun Protect is no exception, offering a high level of daily protection, it's lightweight, non-greasy and adds a subtle hint of colour for a softened and even look as well.

Decléor's Aloe Vera Sun Face Cream SPF 50

This famous spa brand offers a range of SPF products, but we particularly love their Aloe Vera Sun Face Cream. With SPF 50 it protects against UVA and UVB filters, works instantly and is enriched with aloe vera, sesame and macadamia oils to nourish and hydrate the skin.