Spring skincare: 5 of the best day creams with sun protection

A lightweight moisturiser with SPF is a seasonal essential, says Katie Wright.

woman looking at mirror at home

As every beauty buff knows, sunscreen is important all year round, even when it’s cloudy outside. UVA rays can cause skin damage (and wrinkles) even in winter, but it’s from April to October that UVB rays (the kind that cause sunburn) are most prevalent.

So, a broad spectrum moisturiser with a high SPF (sun protection factor) is essential for spring. That doesn’t mean you have to slather on the same thick sunblock you use on the beach, however. These days, you can get powerful protection in day creams that are light in texture and melt into your skin – and there’s one to suit every budget,

Here are five beauty editor-approved SPF moisturisers to add to your spring skincare routine…

YourGoodSkin SPF 30 Anti-Oxidant Day Cream

1. YourGoodSkin SPF 30 Anti-Oxidant Day Cream, £8, Boots

A highly hydrating formula that’s easily absorbed and provides SPF 30 protection, this long-lasting tube is excellent value for money.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield SPF25

2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield SPF 25, £12.99, LookFantastic

From the much-loved Hydro Boost range, this is an oil-free SPF 25 day cream infused with hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin soak up more moisture.

Nivea Cellular Luminous 630 Anti-Dark Spot Day Cream Face Moisturiser SPF50

3. Nivea Cellular Luminous 630 Anti-Dark Spot Day Fluid SPF 50, £17.99 (was £26.99), Boots

New from Nivea, not only does this moisturiser give you powerful SPF 50 protection, it also contains an innovative ingredient which helps to reduce dark spots caused by the sun.

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50

4. Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50, £24.99, Face the Future

Ideal for acne-prone complexions, this oil-free gel protects against UVA, UVB and even infrared rays, and is packed with antioxidants, which help repair sun damage.

Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50

5. Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, £60

A mineral sunscreen that tackles UVA, UVB and infrared rays, as well as blue light (from phones and computer screens) and even pollution, this little bottle does it all. And yet the formula remains beautifully fluid and leaves a subtle glow on your skin.