There’s an ever-growing selection of sun protection products on the market which, when faced with, can cause confusion within the best of us – and that’s before we even get into the all-essential SPF/ star ratings/ IR/ HEV elements that we are now expected to be fully on board with.

Whether you’re staycationing or jetting off to more exotic climes this summer, the end game is about protecting skin as successfully as possible to prevent sun damage and even melanomas, and there certainly are products that can help you achieve this aim.

So what ingredients should you be looking out for? “Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are the physical filters in most physical SPFs. Oxybenzone and oxytinoxate are the chemical filters. The best SPFs will combine both chemical and physical filters,” reveals Claire Williams, Skincare Expert and Founder of WOW Facial.

Our favourite hybrid sunscreen ranges are La Roche Posay, Eucerin and Ultrasun.

Dawn Attewell, Aesthetics Nurse & Founder of Dawn Attewell Aesthetics, suggests looking for “SPF50 containing the powerful antioxidant Fernblock. Protecting the skin from UVA/UVB, this prevents cell death, protects the skin’s immune system, protects cell DNA and prevents damage.” Find this ingredient in the Heliocare range of sun protection.

If you want to avoid that post-application white residue often caused by high factor sunscreens, Williams recommends avoiding formulas containing zinc and titanium dioxide, as well as products with oil in them.

When it comes to selecting the right sun protection what do the experts recommend, and are there any new or lesser-known products worth adding to your arsenal?

“ZO Skin Health sunscreens are fantastic, as they not only protect you from sun damage, but are also great for overall skin health,” Attewell tells us.

Williams recommends Synergy 6 by Intradermology: “This has a combination of both chemical and physical filters, SPF50 and encapsulated chemical filters that offer extended protection, is easy to wear and has a very slight tint, meaning you can apply it all over your face and enjoy a glowing, dewy finish.”

Keep reading for our recommendations which we’ll be stocking up on over the next few weeks…

Hello Day Sun Prime  (johnbellcroyden.co.uk)

Used before and during sun exposure, this oral supplement supports the development of an even tan while minimising the time you need to spend in the sun. Ingredients include copper which helps to balance skin pigment, antioxidant vitamins A & E which support the skin barrier function, beta carotene, zinc, selenium and lycopene. Sun Prime is not a replacement for sunscreen and care should always be taken when exposed to sunlight.

SVR Sun Secure Fizzy Milk SPF50+ (lookfantastic.com)

This alcohol-free, invisible crackling lotion from French pharmacy brand SVR provides very high protection for skin that is hypersensitive to the sun, and can be used on the face and the body. As well as offering a completely new texture including UVA, UVB, infrared and visible light protection, it is also marine and reef safe, with negative impact on this fragile environment.

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Protective Sun Lotion SPF30

Even mainstream brands are getting in on the physical/ mineral suncare act: Hawaiian Tropic’s new range of mineral sun milks provide 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection with no chemical filters or parabens. Lightweight, hydrating, vegan and reef friendly, the PETA-certified formulas sink into the skin without a trace and are ideal for all skin types, particularly those with sensitive, acne or eczema prone skin. We also love the new brush on mineral SPF30 powder which is ideal for on-the-go touchups.

Avene Cleanance Very High Protection Tinted SPF50+ Sun Cream 

For effective protection with a hint of a tint, this facial SPF50+ is your new best friend. Ideal for oily, blemish-prone skin and containing innovative broad spectrum SPF50+ UVA, UVB, blue light HEV protection, the lightweight tinted formulation is sweat resistant, non-comedogenic and has an easy to apply texture which can help to cover scars. The active ingredients contain ocean-friendly sun filters which are respectful of marine biodiversity.

Eucerin Actinic Control MD SPF100

The first certified medical product with SPF100, this innovative product has been designed to help prevent actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancer. Providing those with sun sensitive, impaired or damaged skin with vital protection from sun-induced damage, the light, non-greasy formulation includes very high UVA/UVB and broad-spectrum filters for maximum protection.

Alive! Vitamin D3 Gummies (natures-way.com)

Most of us know by now that sun exposure is needed to produce vitamin D, one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in modern society. But if you are particularly sun sensitive, spend a lot of time indoors or live in a climate such as the UK where regular sun exposure is not guaranteed, why not try an easy to take supplement in the form of these vitamin D3 gummies, which contain 50 μg of vitamin D3 per dose, as well as calcium and phosphorus.