The best SPF moisturisers for older skin

Recently, I was chatting to a friend on the phone about her husband’s unbearable snoring habit when she suddenly said, in a slightly outraged tone, “Are you brushing your teeth while talking to me?”

Reader, I totally was. But I wasn’t about to let a small detail like the truth stand in the way of my dignity. “Absolutely not!” I insisted.

Mercifully, I remembered the mute function, which allowed me to continue doing all manner of things during that call, entirely free from judgement.

Technology has let me turn multi-tasking into an Olympic sport: I’ve googled “why is shih-tzu sulking with me?” while participating in a Zoom panel discussion on being present in the moment; I’ve offered relationship advice to a friend while downloading bank statements for my accountant; and I’ve completed an entire Duolingo French lesson during a phone call to the pharmacy about my HRT prescription.

So, it’s no wonder we’re also in search of beauty products that can multitask like a boss. Show me a product that does two jobs at once, and I’ll show you a woman who’ll put a ring on it immediately.

That’s why I’m now evangelical about SPF moisturisers. We’ve all read the memo – for any sort of prolonged sun exposure a hardcore dedicated SPF is a non-negotiable.

But when you live in a country with a temperate climate, it’s easy to forget that UV rays penetrate even on a cloudy day. So, you need a baseline level of defence for your skin 365 days a year.

Think of SPF moisturisers as your basic daily insurance policy against sun damage:you get the skincare benefits of a moisturiser with the added bonus of some sun damage protection all in one bottle.

1. Elf Skin Holy Hydration Face Cream SPF 30

RRP: £13

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This could well be the best money you’ll ever spend on your skin. The skincare properties are next level – it’s packed with moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid and peptides to plump and firm.

And as a broad spectrum, it protects skin from both UVB and UVA rays. For a powerful moisturiser that delivers on the protection front, it’s also fabulously lightweight and left my skin looking wonderfully dewy.

2. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+

RRP: £34

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Aussie brand Ultra Violette arrived early to the skincare-meets-suncare party. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+ offers an impressive level of sun protection fused with an antioxidant-rich moisturiser that both hydrates and brightens.

Its beautifully silky texture, with no trace of sticky SPF residue, makes it ideal under make-up. My new ride or die.

3. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SP50

RRP: £17

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Dermatologists rave about cult US skincare brand CeraVe and I’m totally with them. The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 is loaded with broad spectrum SPF and its super-gentle, ceramide based formula delivers long-lasting hydration.

CeraVe’s products are also great for sensitive, easily irritated skin, so if SPFs cause you to break out, this is all your dreams come true.

4. Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50

RRP: £39

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This had me at ‘youth-extending’. Offering a powerful defence to UVA and UVB rays, it’s also packed with green tea extract to help reduce fine lines and restore your glow.

Reassuringly non-greasy, it dries to a satin matte finish with not a hint of SPF shine. Paula, we salute you.

5. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Rosaliac AR SPF30

 RRP: £26.50

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Finally, if, like me, you suffer from the occasional red blotch outbreak, it’s time to call in the cavalry in the form of La Roche-Posay Toleriane Rosaliac AR SPF30.

Not only does it boast a sun-protective shield but it’s also formulated with thermal spring water to gently soothe and reduce redness. A hydrating powerhouse and a miraculous little multitasker.

Enjoy your SPF moisturisers. I’m off to call my energy company about my tariff while giving my chin hairs a quick tweeze.