I’m the one who gets back from a sunny holiday and everyone assumes the weather was terrible. It’s not that I don’t tan it’s just I have to work really hard at it and after three cases of skin cancer in my family I can no longer justify going out to fry in the sun.

If you read my 20 things about me on Instagram recently you’ll also know I’m allergic to fake tan so other than a quick dousing of Rimmel Instant Tan every so often, I often look as though I’ve been sunbathing under the moon.

So this brings me on to sun protection. If I’m honest I don’t have a favourite brand to use. My cupboard is mostly full of Avon and Soltan lotions. I have bottles and bottles of the stuff which reminds me I need a purge as some of them must be nearing the expiry date.

Other than using a mineral suncreen on holiday when I’m more exposed to the sun I have to admit I’ve previously relied on the SPF in my moisturiser, primer and foundation to protect by face. I rarely venture in to the sun without a hat so up until now have found I never burn.

As you may have read I’ve started using acid toner and am seeing some really positive results now. My skin is smoother and brighter and my pores are beginning to shrink. However having devoured article after article from skincare guru, Caroline Hirons I’ve taken heed of her suggestion that SPF in moisturiser will only protect until around lunchtime. It’s heavily advised when using glycolic acid to use a separate SPF as they can make you more sensitive to sunlight.

Following on from your recommendations on my recent beauty post I recently bought the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine SPF50. I’ve used it a couple of times and so far I’m getting on really well with it.
It’s not the easiest to apply. You have to work really quickly to smother the skin in a few pumps of the runny formulation however this means it’s quickly absorbed. As I have an oily T-zone I’ve found a few squirts of this SPF are far better than any primer I’ve ever used for keeping my skin matte and oil-free. Thankfully there’s no white residue and it’s easy to apply my base over the top.
Overall my skin feels very ‘protected’ which also brings me on to my one concern. I’m yet to use this on a mega hot (and therefore sweaty day) but I wonder how locked in my skin is going to feel if that makes sense? If the product is stopping the rays getting in, will my skin be able breathe or will it feel clogged? Other reviews suggest it’ll be just fine but I’ll report back after my holidays too.

As also advised by the skincare gurus I’m now also double cleansing – one to remove the SPF and make-up and then another round to cleanse the skin. I’m sure that’s worthy of another post though.

What are you lovely ladies using on your face this year? Do you wear a sunscreen whatever the weather? For suncare for the little Lottie’s chatting high protection over on Rock My Family today.