Ané's Favourite Sunscreens - What I Use Every Day All Year Round

Ané's Top Sunscreen Picks: My Personal Favourites, What I Use Every Day and Recommendations 

 

Besides skincare and still looking for the perfect foundation (I reckon it's been about 30 years now) my other big interest is sunscreen.

For me it just makes sense to protect my skin and the investment I make in terms of time, energy and money when it comes to my skincare routine.

Below are the sunscreens I personally use and trust, beyond my Ané Skincare routine.

My Top 3 on Rotation 

• Heliocare 360° Mineral Fluid SPF 50+ (UVA PA+++ HE-VL) - My Personal Nr.1 Top Pick that I use most
• ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water MAGIC SPF 50 (UVA PA++++ HE-VL) - very close second
• Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex Broadspectrum SPF 50 PA++++ (shade Medium) - Nr. 1 Tinted 

1. My Nr. 1 Sunscreen brand and recommend products

My number one recommended brand is Heliocare 360 - I've been using them for many years and I believe they are also the Nr. 1 recommended sunscreen brand by dermatologists and aestheticians in South Africa.

Heliocare is a Spanish brand and is developed by Cantabria Labs based in Spain.

As my requirements for what I want in a sunscreen developed I have found that their formulations give me what I need and they work well with, and for my skin.

Heliocare 360° Range: Advanced Protection for Specific Concerns

Heliocare is often the gold standard for comprehensive sun protection, largely due to their patented Fernblock® technology (antioxidant) and targeted solutions.

This range offers diverse textures and finishes while maintaining its core commitment to broad-spectrum defence.

Key Features Across the 360° Line:

• Broad Spectrum & High SPF:All 360° products offer SPF 50+ and PA++++, confirming superior UVA and UVB protection.

• Full-Spectrum Defence: Explicitly protects against UVB, UVA, Visible Light (including HE-VL/Blue Light), and Infrared-A (IR-A). This means they naturally cover the "Long UVA" spectrum.

• Advanced Antioxidant Protection: Contains the patented Fernblock®+ complex (or Fernblock® in some formulations), a powerful antioxidant derived from a fern, which not only provides photoprotection but also helps repair DNA damage. Many formulas also include additional antioxidants like Vitamins C & E.

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1.1 Heliocare 360° Mineral Fluid SPF 50+ (My Personal Nr.1)

• Description: This lightweight, 100% mineral fluid is specifically formulated for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin, making it an excellent choice for those who often experience irritation from chemical sunscreens. It blends easily, minimising white cast, and provides an invisible finish even on darker skin tones. It's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

• Protection: Offers full 360° mineral protection against UVA, UVB, Visible Light (including Blue Light), and IR-A, with SPF 50+ and PA++++.

• Key Ingredients & Benefits: Features Fernblock®+ for powerful antioxidant and DNA repair benefits, along with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide as its sole filters. It also includes additional antioxidants like Green Tea, Vitamins C & E, and Biomimetic Melanin for enhanced visible light protection.

• Filter Type: Mineral (Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide).

• Water Resistance: Water resistant.

1.2 Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-Free SPF 50

• Description: This award-winning, ultra-light, non-comedogenic gel is a top choice for those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. It dries quickly to a matte finish, making it excellent for daily use under makeup.

• Protection: Offers the full 360° spectrum protection (UVB, UVA, Visible Light, IR-A) with SPF 50+ and PA++++.

• Antioxidants: Features Fernblock®+ complex, along with additional antioxidants like Green Tea, Vitamins C & E.

• Filter Type: Primarily Chemical filters.

• Water Resistance: Water resistant.

1.3 Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF 50+

• Description: Known for its innovative "water gel" texture, this sunscreen provides intense hydration without feeling heavy. It absorbs quickly and is ideal for normal to dry skin types, or anyone preferring a more dewy finish. It's often praised for its "barely there" feel.

• Protection: Delivers comprehensive 360° protection (UVB, UVA, Visible Light, IR-A) with SPF 50+ and PA++++. Its "Hydraflex" technology ensures a comfortable, hydrating wear.

• Antioxidants: Contains Fernblock®+ complex and additional antioxidant protection.

• Filter Type: Primarily Chemical filters.

• Water Resistance: Very water resistant, making it suitable for active lifestyles.

1.4 Heliocare 360° Age Active Fluid SPF 50+

• Description: This lightweight fluid is designed for mature skin, offering both high-level protection and anti-aging benefits. It plumps and smooths fine lines with a "Soft Focus" complex to blur imperfections, leaving a subtle tint for an even complexion (Fitzpatrick I-IV). It's suitable for all skin types, particularly those concerned with lines, wrinkles, and elasticity.

• Protection: Provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, Visible Light, and IR-A with SPF 50+ and PA++++, along with anti-pollution and Blue Light protection.

• Key Ingredients & Benefits: Features Fernblock® FC/Fernblock®+ for antioxidant and DNA repair, combined with Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and plumping. It also includes Vitamins C & E, and Green Tea Extract for enhanced antioxidant support.

• Filter Type: Hybrid (Chemical & Mineral filters).

• Water Resistance: Water resistant.

1.5 Heliocare 360º MD A-R Emulsion SPF50+

• Description: Specifically formulated for sensitive skin prone to redness, rosacea, or irritation, this emulsion provides a subtle tint to unify skin tone (Fitzpatrick I-IV) while reducing redness and soothing the skin. It has a hydrating, creamy texture.

• Protection: Offers broad-spectrum SPF50+ & PA++++, protecting against photoaging.

• Key Ingredients & Benefits: Contains Fernblock®+ for photoimmunoprotection, along with an AR System (Physavie, Rosabora, Glutathione) for anti-redness and soothing. It also includes mineral sun filters (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide) and Vitamin E as an antioxidant.

• Filter Type: Mineral (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide).

• Water Resistance: Water & sweat resistant, and non-irritating to eyes. It's also non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and vegan.

1.6 Heliocare Ultra UVB/UVA SPF 90 Cream

• Description: This cream offers very high broad-spectrum protection, ideal for fair skin or those needing intense sun exposure defence. It has reparative and antioxidant properties, protecting against photoaging.

• Protection: Provides exceptionally high broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB) with SPF 90.

• Key Ingredients & Benefits: Features Fernblock® to protect skin health and DNA repair enzymes to actively repair sun damage. It also contains Green Tea Extract as an antioxidant.

• Filter Type: Primarily Chemical filters.

• Water Resistance: Not explicitly listed, but generally consistent with Heliocare cream formulations. (It's always recommended to verify on the physical product packaging for certainty.)

1.7 Heliocare 360º Pigment Solution Fluid SPF 50+

• Description: Designed to prevent and correct hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or uneven skin tone, this fluid has nude pigments to effectively even skin tone. It is suitable for all skin types with pigmentation concerns.

• Protection: Offers broad-spectrum SPF50+ & PA++++, protecting against reactive oxygen species.

• Key Ingredients & Benefits: Features Fernblock®+ for photoimmunoprotection, DNA Repair Enzymes to repair sun damage, and Niacinamide to even tone and strengthen the skin barrier. Ellagic Acid helps reduce melanin production, and Iron Oxide pigments reinforce UVA & visible light protection. Includes additional antioxidants (Vitamin C, E).

• Filter Type: Hybrid (Chemical & Mineral filters).

• Water Resistance: Water & sweat resistant. UVA Circle Symbol: As a leading European brand, their products adhere to stringent EU standards.

2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Range

A significant breakthrough in sun protection, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 line specifically targets the elusive ultra-long UVA rays, offering unprecedented defense against deeper skin damage.

Key Features Across the UVMune 400 Line:

• Broad Spectrum & High SPF: All UVMune 400 products are SPF 50+ and boast a very high PA++++ rating for robust UVA protection.

• Revolutionary Ultra-Long UVA Filter: The standout innovation is Mexoryl 400 (or MCE), a new and exclusive UV filter that provides enhanced protection against ultra-long UVA rays (380-400 nm), which were previously difficult to filter effectively. This directly addresses your "Long UVA" criterion, protecting against deep cellular damage.

• XL-Protect Patented Filtering Technology: Beyond Mexoryl 400, these formulas incorporate a powerful filtering system that provides very high broad-spectrum UVB/UVA protection and helps protect against damage caused by pollution and infrared.

• NETLOCK Technology: This advanced technology ensures a very high protection in an invisible, non-greasy, and non-sticky texture. It forms a strong, homogenous, and highly resistant protective film on the skin surface.

• HE-VL / Blue Light Protection: While not always as heavily emphasised as Heliocare or Colorescience, the inclusion of Mexoryl 400 and XL-Protect provides broader spectrum coverage that inherently offers improved protection against visible light (including blue light) and infrared.

• Antioxidant Support: Formulas are enriched with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, known for its soothing and antioxidant properties. Some also include Glycerin for hydration.

• UVA Circle Symbol: As a leading European dermo-cosmetic brand, these products adhere to and often exceed stringent EU standards.

2.1 La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+

• Description: This is the flagship product of the UVMune 400 range, beloved for its ultra-light, non-greasy texture that leaves an invisible finish with no white cast. It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin, and can be applied around the eyes without stinging.

• Protection: Offers ultimate broad-spectrum protection against UVB, UVA, and specifically Ultra Long UVA (up to 400nm) with SPF 50+ and PA++++. It leverages Mexoryl 400, XL-Protect, and NETLOCK Technology for superior defense.

• Key Ingredients & Benefits: Features Mexoryl 400 as the key filter, combined with other chemical filters (e.g., Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Tinosorb S, Mexoryl SX) and Glycerin for hydration.

• Filter Type: Primarily Chemical filters.

• Water Resistance: Ultra-resistant to water, sweat, and sand.

2.2 La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Hydrating Cream SPF 50+

• Description: This creamy, hydrating formula is perfect for normal to dry skin types, or anyone seeking a more comfortable and moisturising finish without feeling heavy or sticky. Like the fluid, it's designed for sensitive and reactive skin and is anti-eye stinging.

• Protection: Delivers the same ultimate broad-spectrum protection against UVB, UVA, and Ultra Long UVA (up to 400nm) with SPF 50+ and PA++++, powered by Mexoryl 400, XL-Protect, and NETLOCK Technology.

• Key Ingredients & Benefits: Contains Mexoryl 400 and a blend of other chemical filters for comprehensive UV protection. Glycerin provides deep hydration, contributing to its comfortable feel.

• Filter Type: Primarily Chemical filters.

• Water Resistance: Ultra-resistant to water, sweat, and sand.

3. ISDIN Fotoprotector Range

ISDIN, a Spanish pharmaceutical company, is renowned for its innovative dermatology products and sunscreens that often feature advanced technologies, luxurious textures, and holistic protection against various environmental aggressors.

Key Features Across the Fotoprotector Line:

• Broad Spectrum & High SPF: Many of their popular options are SPF 50+ and commonly carry a PA++++ rating.

• Full Spectrum Protection: ISDIN products often focus on providing "Full Spectrum" defense, including against HEVL (High-Energy Visible Light/Blue Light) and IR-A (Infrared-A), indicating robust coverage against longer wavelengths beyond just traditional UVA/UVB.

• Antioxidant Support: They often include robust antioxidant complexes to combat free radical damage.

• UVA Circle Symbol: Being a European brand, they typically meet this standard, signifying strong UVA protection.

3.1 ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water MAGIC SPF 50 (UVA PA++++ HE-VL)

• Description: This ultra-light, water-phased facial sunscreen is a true game-changer, celebrated for its "magic" ability to blend seamlessly into the skin with immediate absorption and no white cast. It leaves a silky, non-greasy finish, making it an excellent makeup base and a daily go-to for all skin types, including sensitive and even oily skin (it's non-comedogenic and oil-free). Its "Safe-Eye Technology" ensures it doesn't sting the eyes, perfect for active individuals.

• Protection: Provides very high SPF 50+ protection against UVB and UVA rays (with PA++++), along with explicit protection against HEVL (Blue Light) and IR-A. This comprehensive shield helps prevent sun damage and visible signs of photoaging.

• Key Ingredients & Benefits: Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid for intense, long-lasting hydration, Vitamin E for powerful antioxidant action against free radicals, and Mediterranean Alga Extract to help maintain cellular structure and stimulate natural skin defenses. It also incorporates a blend of advanced chemical UV filters (e.g., Avobenzone, Tinosorb S, Uvinul T 150) to achieve its broad-spectrum efficacy.

• Filter Type: Primarily Chemical filters.

• Water Resistance: Water-resistant, making it suitable for daily use and various outdoor activities.

3.2 ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+ 

• Description: An all-mineral option that goes beyond basic protection by actively promoting DNA repair. This lightweight fluid is ideal for those seeking comprehensive mineral sun protection, particularly individuals with sun-damaged skin or those at higher risk of actinic damage.

• Protection: Offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB mineral protection with SPF 50+. It also helps protect against Blue Light and IR-A.

• Key Ingredients & Benefits: Features 100% mineral filters (Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide) combined with DNA Repairsomes® (photolyase enzymes encapsulated in liposomes) that help repair existing sun damage at a cellular level. Vitamin E provides additional antioxidant benefits.

• Filter Type: Mineral.

• Water Resistance: Water resistant.

4. Tinted Sunscreens

Tinted sunscreens have revolutionised daily sun protection, seamlessly blending skincare and light makeup coverage.

I love a tinted sunscreen especially when on holiday and any other time when I just want some coverage but don't want the faff or hassle of applying a full face of foundation.

It's also a great re-application option when you're out and about.

Why Tinted Sunscreens?

• Invisible Finish: They often eliminate the dreaded white cast common with some mineral sunscreens, making them ideal for all skin tones - of course make sure to pick the right shade. 

• Even Complexion: The tint provides light coverage, blurring imperfections and evening out skin tone, often allowing you to skip foundation.

• Enhanced Protection: Many tinted mineral sunscreens contain Iron Oxides, which provide additional protection against Visible Light (VL), including blue light, a crucial benefit for those prone to hyperpigmentation like melasma.

• Streamlined Routine: They combine SPF and a cosmetic tint, saving time in your morning routine. This is always a win for me! 

My Go-To Tinted Sunscreen: Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

This product is a game-changer!

For me it exemplifies everything a modern, multi-tasking tinted sunscreen should be and it has colour-adjusting technology that blends in with the tone of your skin.

It is available in 6 different skin tones to make it easier to get one that fits your particular skin tone. I use the Medium shade. 

Key Features:

• 100% Mineral SPF 50: Uses Zinc Oxide as its active ingredient, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

• Patented EnviroScreen® Technology: Offers comprehensive defence against UVA/UVB, Pollution, Blue Light, and Infrared Radiation – truly full-spectrum protection.

• Tone-Adapting Pigments: Features innovative, encapsulated iron oxide pigments that "bloom" at your fingertips, adjusting to your skin's natural tone for a seamless, buildable coverage with a demi-matte finish. This is magic to watch!

• Hydrating & Antioxidant-Rich: Infused with beneficial ingredients for long-term skin health.

• Water/Sweat Resistant (40 minutes): Great for active lifestyles.

• Non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, oil-free, fragrance-free, chemical-free actives.

Key Ingredients:

• Zinc Oxide (12%): Mineral UV filter.

• Encapsulated Iron Oxides: Provides adaptive tint and additional protection against visible light.

• Niacinamide: Soothes skin, aids barrier function, and helps balance sebum.

• LIPOCHROMAN™: Powerful antioxidant for pollution protection.

• Bisabolol, Vital ET™, Silver Ear Mushroom Extract, Infraguard: Additional soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant benefits.

Sunscreen Type: Mineral

Best For:

• Anyone looking for broad-spectrum, advanced environmental protection.

• Those who prefer a light to medium coverage to even out skin tone and blur imperfections without heavy makeup.

• Individuals concerned about hyperpigmentation (melasma) due to its added visible light protection from iron oxides.

• Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin seeking a non-irritating mineral formula.

• Anyone wanting to streamline their morning routine with a dual-purpose product.

5. Other Personal Favourites and Recommendations

Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Sun Water SPF50+ 150ml - my personal go-to

For the body, I love something easy to apply and luxurious. This spray offers high SPF protection in a delightful, non-greasy formula, making reapplication a breeze. I also do love the smell.  

6. Application (and Re-application) Matters - Maximise Your Protection 

I know you might have heard this a 1000 times by now, but it's true - even if it's not always convenient: the best sunscreen can't work if it's not applied correctly.

I certainly don't this perfectly right every single day - but to get the maximum benefits:

• Apply Generously: Use at least ½ teaspoon for your face and neck alone. Don't skimp! For the body, it's about a shot glass full for an adult.

• Reapply Consistently: Reapply every 2 hours when in direct or strong sun exposure. This is crucial as sunscreen effectiveness wears off over time, especially with sweating or rubbing.

• Reapply After Activities: Always reapply immediately after sweating heavily, swimming, or towel-drying your face/body.

• Don't Let Your Sunscreen Expire: If it's past the use-by date, make sure to replace it.