Sunscreen is an essential item if you’re lucky to be getting a sunny break in. In fact we would recommend wearing a daily sunscreen with at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 in London, you never quite know what the weather will be like and UV (ultraviolet) radiation is present all year.
Protection against both UVA and UVB radiation will protect your skin from ageing as well as damage which can lead to skin cancers.
Do you need a mineral sunscreen?
A ‘mineral’ sunscreen sits on top of the skin and physically reflects rays away from the skin versus chemical sunscreens which sit on the skin and absorb the UV radiation like a sponge.
Mineral sunscreens can be a little more difficult to apply. Traditionally mineral sunscreens were thick stripes, you might remember bright white or coloured strips on noses at the beach or on the ski slopes. If that’s not the look you are going for then you’ll want to choose a more modern type. Nowadays mineral sunscreens can be easily applied and rub in well without leaving any residue or streaks.
If you want to avoid the absorption of chemicals in sunscreen then a mineral screen may be better. Many people with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema may find a mineral sunscreen more suitable, as they are not absorbed into the skin there is less chance of causing irritation.
Pigmentation on the face can be frustrating, especially if it becomes darker quickly in the sun. Mineral sunscreens can be more effective in preventing further pigment change.
Most good skincare brands now offer a mineral option. The ones below have been tried and tested by the Coyne Medical team.
Avène Very High Protection Mineral Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream for Intolerant Skin
Avène also do some great tinted options
Bioderma Photoderm MINERAL Fluide SPF50+
Heliocare 360 Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50
It’s well worth finding a sunscreen that suits your skin, especially for the face area. As definitely the best sunscreen is the one you are happy to apply regularly!
DR LUCY HOOPER
MB BS BSc MRCGP MA DRCOG DCH
Lucy is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical. She graduated with honours from Imperial College London, trained at St Mary’s Hospital, and holds a Master’s in Medical Ethics and Law. Her clinical interests span women’s health, preventive medicine, and genomics, with a particular focus on using advanced biomarkers to build a more complete picture of long-term health.
British Society for Genetic Medicine · European Atherosclerosis Society ·
Independent Doctors Federation
As seen in BBC, The Guardian, Women’s Health, The Times and Tatler
For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.
