Cleansers, serums and face creams are all essential for radiant skin – but the most important skincare step? Sunscreen. Every day. Applied liberally. No matter the weather. SPF is non-negotiable, not just for the sake of your complexion, but for your overall health. After all, UV rays don’t just trigger fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, but they can also lead to skin infections and diseases. But, here’s the problem: those with delicate skin can be wary when it comes to applying sunscreen. If it feels like a red, angry flare-up is one extra layer of skincare away, the urge to strip your routine back is natural. However, the answer isn’t skipping SPF; it’s finding the best sunscreen for sensitive skin, which is where this guide comes in. Here’s everything you need to know about protecting a fragile complexion…
Understanding the importance of sunscreen for sensitive skin
While those with sensitive skin may worry that SPF could irritate their complexion, leaving their pores unprotected can lead to even bigger worries. Sensitive skin tends to be more vulnerable to UV damage than most, as its structure is weaker and it’s less resilient in the face of irritants. This means issues like sunburn, as well as UV-induced ageing, are often accelerated in delicate pores. And once the damage is done, it can be hard to restore your skin’s balance. Pollution plays a big role here too. Microscopic pollutant particles can stick to pores, triggering redness, blemishes and even dark spots. If your skin is sensitive or your skin barrier is damaged, your complexion is even more vulnerable. What does that have to do with sunscreen, you might wonder? Next-gen sunscreens, like Urban Environment Age Defense Oil-Free SPF30, can actually shield pores from these urban aggressors. So, by skimping on suncare, you could be missing out on this extra veil of protection.
The perfect suncare routine for sensitive skin
Now you know exactly why you need SPF for sensitive skin, it’s time to find your perfect suncare routine. The good news is that you don’t have to compromise; it is possible to keep pores protected without triggering a flare-up. Simply follow these tips:
1. Apply sunscreen last
Stick to your usual skincare routine order before you apply sunscreen, then make SPF the last step. It always goes on after your softener, serum and moisturiser. This way, you’re not applying anything on top that could disrupt your veil of protection, so it can effectively shield your pores against UV rays. Top tip: Wait a few minutes for your moisturiser to ‘settle’ before applying sunscreen on top. This will allow the ingredients from your face cream to absorb, creating a smooth canvas for SPF.
2. Choose a skincare-boosted sunscreen
The best facial sunscreen for sensitive skin is packed with skincare ingredients. You want a weightless shield that wards off UV damage, all while treating delicate pores with a dose of nourishment. For everyday wear, try Urban Environment Age Defense Oil-Free SPF30. Its feather-light formula is enriched with soothing, anti-inflammatory black tea extract and pollution-fighting antioxidants. Meanwhile, the built-in ‘UV Converter’ transforms a portion of UV light into BeautyBeams, which maintains radiant, wrinkle-free, hydrated skin. If you’re swimming or likely to be sweating a lot (it happens!), try the NEW Expert Sun Protector Lotion. The SPF50+ is made up of 66% skincare ingredients and the SPF30 Lotion has 68%. Or, if you prefer a cream, massage the Expert Sun Protector Cream into skin. The SPF50+ Cream features 69% skincare ingredients, and the SPF30 Cream features 78%. This includes our specialised algae complex, which prevents dryness and hydrates pores, as well as licorice root extract to calm inflammation and soothe sensitive skin. Plus, with SynchroShieldRepair™, our new suncare combines three hard-working technologies: HeatForce, WetForce and AutoRepair. HeatForce means the protective veil gets stronger with sun exposure, WetForce means it’s boosted by water and sweat, and AutoRepair means it repairs itself if it meets friction, so it won’t be rubbed off. Top tip: To cover your face and neck, use around a quarter of a teaspoonful of SPF. Take the time to go right up to the hairline and apply to your ears to ensure your skin is perfectly protected.
3. Add a tinted SPF
To level up your protection, you can also use a tinted sunscreen or SPF foundations. Apply Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF30 for luminous, summer-ready coverage, or Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation SPF30 for a more flawless look. Start at the centre of your face, and blend your protective base outwards, before adding a little extra on blemishes or dark spots. These are your ultimate benefit-boosted bases. Top tip: SPF foundations and skin tints should be used in addition to sunscreen, not instead of. Why? Because, even if you love high coverage, you’ll never use enough foundation to build up the right level of protection on its own. Tinted SPF can be great for touch-ups throughout the day, but your morning routine should always include a specialised sunscreen.
4. Reapply throughout the day
Reapplying sunscreen is essential to maintain protection, so aim to top up your SPF at least once throughout the day; more when the UV index is high or if you’re swimming. If you’re wearing makeup, this is a great time for that tinted SPF. Blend over your full face for a midday makeup and sunscreen retouch. You could also use the Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+, which teams high protection and our innovative SynchroShieldRepair™ with an invisible finish. Simply glide it over your face for a non-sticky, sensitive skin-friendly boost. Top tip: For more tips on how to top up your SPF without disturbing foundation, discover our full guide to reapplying sunscreen over makeup.
5. Double cleanse at night
It’s important you don’t leave sunscreen on sensitive skin overnight, so make sure you double-cleanse before bed. The first wash removes surface grime, while the second works deeper to purify pores. Delicate complexions will love the Perfect Cleansing Oil for removing makeup. Massage it into dry skin, add water, and see it transform into a silky lather that whisks away makeup and excess oil. Then, follow with the Extra Rich Cleansing Milk. Infused with rice germ oil, the comforting cleanser maintains moisture levels, so skin is deeply cleansed but never stripped. Top tip: While your skin is still slightly damp from cleansing, pat on the Treatment Softener Enriched. The soothing and balancing blend of Japanese yuzu seed and Mukurossi extracts will be absorbed deeper into pores.
