The world has woken up to the importance of daily sun protection – and the industry has come a long way since the days of heavy creams and white casts. But, despite their increased availability, it’s still tricky to find the right facial SPF for your skin.
Having tried dozens of formulas over the years – from chemical to mineral, and from sticks to sprays – no product has stuck in my morning routine. That is, until now.
The relief sun probiotics SPF 50 from the viral K-beauty brand Beauty of Joseon has become my daily go-to. Lightweight, skin-nourishing and fast-drying, it’s just as good as any day cream – but with added sun protection.
“SPF should be worn every day, regardless of the season or weather. UV radiation is present throughout the year, and UVA rays, which are primarily responsible for premature ageing, can penetrate through clouds and even glass,” Dr Richard Devine, founder of Devine Clinic, explains.
“Daily SPF use is one of the most effective ways to prevent fine lines, pigmentation, collagen breakdown and skin cancer.”
While the immediate risk is obviously sunburn, the long-term consequences could be far worse. “Repeated UV exposure accelerates skin ageing, contributes to pigmentation, broken capillaries and loss of elasticity, and increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma,” Dr Devine says. “In fact, the majority of visible facial ageing is thought to be caused by cumulative sun exposure rather than the natural ageing process alone.”
I use the Beauty of Joseon SPF as the final step in my morning skincare routine. A useful guide is the two-finger rule, applying a line of SPF along the length of two fingers for the face and neck. “It should be applied around 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied throughout the day if you're spending time outdoors,” Dr Devine adds.
Read more: Meaco's new £69 fan is portable, powerful and rivals Dyson
Beauty of Joseon relief sun rice probiotics SPF50
Type: Cream
Skin types: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive; often tolerated by acne-prone skin
Texture: Lightweight, cream lotion
Sun protection factor: 50
Mineral or chemical: Chemical
Key ingredients: 30% rice extract, Niacinamide, chemical UV filters
★★★★★
What we love: Super lightweight, fast-drying and hydrating, this formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients – and provides sun protection.
Take note: It’s not water resistant, so it won’t protect you during exercise or in water, and those with oily complexions might find it too dewy.
Beauty of Joseon’s SPF is a cream-based product that looks like a traditional sunscreen. But don’t be fooled. The surprisingly lightweight formula sinks into skin effortlessly, leaving a non-greasy but dewy finish, à la your favourite day cream. There’s not a hint of white cast, and those with darker skin tones have praised its absorption, too.
Be sparing with application, as a little goes a long way (I’ve had my tube for nearly six months). Formulated with glycerin and rice extract to maintain skin hydration, the SPF softens and soothes dry-prone skin. I’ve often found SPF’s to just sit on the skin’s surface, but Beauty of Joseon’s formula works to support the skin’s barrier.
Make-up sits nicely over the top without any piling or a heavy feeling. Every SPF product needs to be topped up during the day, no matter how good it is. The Beauty of Joseon formula is lightweight enough to reapply when you don’t have any makeup on, but it can disturb your base if you have (I’d suggest an SPF spray instead).
A skincare cult buy for good reason, the SPF makes daily sun protection effortless – and at just £12, what more could you want?
Buy now £12.40, Lookfantastic.com
M&S’s £40 summer beauty bag is the best saving of the season
