We know that sunlight can have a positive effect on our wellbeing, mood and vitamin D levels, but it’s no secret that too much sun exposure can be damaging to skin, causing what dermatologists and skin specialists refer to as photoageing or sun damage.

Along with covering up and heading for shade in the hottest part of the day, a good sunscreen is essential for protecting skin from UV rays that can cause burning, ageing, pigmentation, depleted collagen and age spots.

Gone are the days when slathering on SPF15 was seen as acceptable – the gold standard in facial sun protection is now SPF30 and SPF50. However, it’s traditionally been a challenge to make a product with this level of protection deliver, both on performance and how it actually feels and looks on the skin.

This is especially true of mineral or physical sun protection products, ie. those which sit on the skin’s surface and work by physically blocking UVA and UVB, blue light and IR (infrared), thanks to ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

But as we know, skincare technology advances at the speed of light, and the new breed of mineral sunscreens are formulated to ensure no white or chalky residue on application, akin to some mineral-based products of the not-so-distant past. They’re ideal for everyone, but especially children and those with sensitive skin.

Enter Colorscience’s new Sunforgettable Total Protection No-Show Mineral Sunscreen SPF50, which provides all-mineral active broad-spectrum protection. The formula includes untinted, no-show zinc oxide 10% – one of the most effective sun protectors available. 

But you don’t need to be at the beach for this sunscreen to come into its own. Whether you’re in the city, on an aircraft, at high altitude or even at home, UV light can penetrate through clouds and reflect off sand, water, snow and concrete.

However, the product’s EnviroScreen Technology has you covered – along with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection, it also provides comprehensive defence from environmental aggressors including 38.2 per cent of blue light emanating from your devices, pollution and infrared radiation (IR).

The ultra-lightweight lotion is said to be ‘the sheerest of the sheer,’ with the invisible result achieved through particle size, distribution and dispersion. While I did notice an initial slight whiteness on first application, this quickly melted into the skin for an undetectable, non-tacky finish. 

Dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic and water/sweat resistant (40 minutes), it’s also packed with antioxidants, leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated – makeup also applied perfectly on top.

Ideal for all skin types, tones and genders, simply shake well before use and apply liberally and evenly 15 minutes prior to sun and environmental exposure. Reapply at least every two hours. The product can also be applied to the body, scalp and parting.

Pro tip: When applying a mineral sunscreen, it helps to start from the centre of the face and blend outwards and upwards in a single direction, rather than back and forth or in circular motions.