SKIN SHOP
The one product that protects everything else you've spent money on.
BROWSE SUNSCREEN
Daily SPF is the single most effective anti-ageing product there is. It protects against the UV that drives most visible ageing, and it's what stops pigmentation coming straight back after treatment. Everything else in your routine works better with it, and some actives need it.
How to choose a sunscreen
Start with the texture you'll actually use every day. A light fluid or gel suits oily and blemish-prone skin. A cream suits dry skin. A tinted SPF evens out tone and hides any white cast, which matters on deeper skin tones. Mineral formulas, based on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, suit reactive skin and skin that's just had a treatment.
The finder above matches our sunscreens to each of those. For the full Heliocare range, see our Heliocare page.
How much, and how often
Most people use too little. A face needs roughly two fingers' length of product, and reapplying matters more than the number on the bottle: every two hours in strong sun, and after swimming or sweating.
SPF with actives
If you use retinal, retinol or prescription vitamin A, or you're treating pigmentation, daily SPF isn't optional. Both make skin more sensitive to daylight, and pigmentation returns quickly without it.
After clinic treatments
After peels, microneedling or laser, use a mineral SPF 50 and keep out of direct sun while your skin settles. We'll give you specific aftercare advice at your appointment.
What we stock
Sunscreens from Heliocare, Medik8 and Obagi, including Heliocare 360 in gel, fluid and tinted compact form, Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+ and Physical Sunscreen SPF 50, and Obagi Sun Shield.
All genuine, UK-sourced product from authorised distributors. Never grey market. Never unverified.
Not sure where to start?
Use the finder above, or build your full routine in two minutes.
SUNSCREEN FAQs
Do I need SPF in the UK, in winter?
Yes. UVA, the wavelength linked to ageing and pigmentation, reaches your skin all year and passes through cloud and glass. Daily SPF matters even in a Welsh winter.
What SPF should I use on my face?
SPF 50 for daily use, with high UVA protection. For pigmentation, choose one that also protects against visible light, such as a tinted formula with iron oxides.
Mineral or chemical sunscreen?
Mineral formulas sit on the surface and suit reactive skin and skin after treatments. Chemical filters tend to feel lighter and disappear better on the skin. Both protect well when applied properly.
Will sunscreen make me break out?
It shouldn't, if the texture suits your skin. Oily or blemish-prone skin usually does better with a light fluid or gel than a rich cream.
How much should I apply?
Roughly two fingers' length for the face and neck, every morning, as the last step before make-up. Reapply every two hours in strong sun.
Do I need a separate SPF if my moisturiser has one?
Usually yes. Moisturisers with SPF are rarely applied thickly enough to give the protection on the label. A dedicated sunscreen is more reliable.
How much is delivery?
Standard UK delivery is £4.99, or free on orders over £99. Express delivery is £9.99.