Day Creams with SPF 30 and SPF 50

A day cream with SPF does two things at once: it hydrates and protects against UV radiation. That saves a step, which is exactly why people actually use it every day. UV radiation is the biggest cause of premature skin aging and reaches your skin even on a cloudy day. In this collection you'll find day creams with SPF 30 and SPF 50, mineral and standard formulas, with and without tint.

Which day cream with SPF suits your skin?

• Dry or sensitive skin. A mineral filter stays as a particle on the skin instead of absorbing into it, so it's often better tolerated. A mineral hydrating moisturizer with SPF 30 combines that with hyaluronic acid and squalane.
• Oily or combination skin. Choose something with a matte finish that doesn't add shine, such as the Image Skincare Sheer Matte Moisturizer SPF 30.
• Highest protection. For SPF 50, choose a moisturizer with SPF 50 and zinc oxide. A sensible choice if you burn easily, spend a lot of time outdoors or are working on pigmentation.
• Some coverage too. A tinted version replaces your foundation on quiet days.

What to look for when choosing

• Apply enough. Follow the two-finger rule: a line of product along the full length of your index and middle finger is enough for your face and neck. A thin layer won't give you the factor printed on the bottle.
• SPF goes on last, after your serum and cream, underneath your make-up.
• Mineral versus standard is mostly about tolerance. Mineral filters can leave a white cast; standard filters absorb faster.
• SPF 30 versus 50. The difference is smaller than the numbers suggest. What matters more: every day, and enough of it.
• All year round. UVA radiation, linked to skin aging, still reaches you in winter and through glass.

Not sure? Take our SkinQuiz.

Advice from our skin therapist