We trust them with our faces, bodies and skin, so we have total faith in their judgement when it comes to credible SPF protection against harmful UV and infrared rays.

So what sunscreens do our favourite aesthetics professionals use on their own skin and why? We get the lowdown and glean some excellent tips from them to boot…

Julie Scott, Clinical Director, Facial Aesthetics, Essex

For me, a sunscreen has to tick quite a few boxes. It’s a given that it should offer broad spectrum protection, but that’s not enough – it also has to feel elegant on the skin so that my patients look forward to putting it on.

With that said, some patients need a boost of hydration, others don’t want any added oils, and some want their sunscreen to provide luminosity.

One hero of mine is Heliocare Oil Free Gel which is loved by my younger, acne-prone skin patients. It absorbs quickly and the matte formula is perfect for oily skin. Heliocare Invisible Spray is perfect for the body because its spray formula is so easy to use.

However, ZO Skin Health sunscreens are to me, truly elegant. Particular favourites are Smart Tone because of its amazing quality to blend into every skin tone and give a little colour; I also love Sunscreen Primer – it’s velvet in a bottle and will keep your makeup in place all day. ZO sunscreens are fantastic because they provide HEV protection as well as UVA and UVB.

Overall, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to sunscreen – it’s about finding what texture and tone works for you.

Anna Hemming, Founder and Medical Director, Thames Skin Clinic, Surrey

My sunscreen of choice is ZO Skin Health SFP 30 + Primer, which is a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects the skin from damaging UVA, UVB, HEV and Infrared light rays.

The sunscreen is a physical block and works immediately on the skin’s surface to protect. It contains natural melanin which is photo protective, a specialist ZOX-12 complex and vitamin E, both full of antioxidants to quench free radicals and guard against photo damage – so also helps with your skincare to diminish fine lines and smooth the skin.

The finish is soft, silky and matt – it can be worn alone or under makeup for more even and longer-lasting application.

This is one of my everyday hero products, and works synergistically with ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defence which protects the living keratinocytes in the epidermis.

Dr Nestor Demosthenous, Dr Nestor’s Medical & Cosmetic Centre, Edinburgh

My favourite sunscreen is Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50. Having recently become a father, I have been doing a lot of research into the best sunscreens for children.

Research suggests that you can start using sunscreen on children when they are six months old, and before the age of three, children should wear a physical sunscreen and not a chemical product.

Heliocare is an ideal choice. Offering protection against the damaging UVA and UVB rays from the sun, it is also formulated so that even those with the most sensitive and delicate skin can use it.

Dr Emmaline Ashley, Founder, Ashley Aesthetics, London 

My favourite medical-grade sunscreen is Epionce’s Daily Shield Tinted SPF50. I’ve yet to find a sunscreen that blends so well into my skin while feeling comfortable to wear all day.

I don't even tend to use foundation or anything else on my skin when I have it on. It contains lots of gorgeous botanicals and antioxidants, and most importantly is broad-spectrum to provide complete cover.
 
It's a great option for sensitive skin as well, as the dermatologist who helped to formulate it is the king of skin barrier repair.

Sean White, Sean White Aesthetics, London

Here at Sean White Aesthetics, the one product we always advise and encourage our patients to use is SPF. SPF is so important due to genetic factors coming in to play, UVA and UVB exposure significantly increases the risk of developing melanoma, squamous cell skin cancer and basal cell skin cancer – consistent, daily application of SPF even on cloudy days is absolutely vital for healthy, protected skin.

We use Heliocare 360 and absolutely love it. Heliocare provides maximum protection against UVA, UVB, visible light, infrared-A, free radicals and DNA damage.

At the same time, it also defends the skin from within with the powerful antioxidant Fernblock FC. With nourishing and elegant formulations, each one will give you the ultimate daily defence you need for tomorrow while keeping skin radiant and healthy.

Gemma Clare, Holistic Skincare & Wellbeing Expert, London

As a holistic aesthetician I use and recommend a 100 per cent physical (mineral), non-nano sunscreen which sits on the skin’s surface and reflects UV rays, as well as providing HEV/blue light, IR and pollution protection.

This is much safer and better tolerated by the skin and body long term than chemical sunscreens, which absorb and transform UV rays into heat and contain chemicals linked with endocrine disruption, skin sensitivity and coral reef damage, as well as aggravating skin conditions such as melasma.

Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen containing antioxidants which will help to defend against free radical damage, and active ingredients of zinc oxide, titanium oxide or iron oxide. I like AlumierMD Clear Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 42) which is oil free and non-comedogenic. Containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and antioxidants glutathione and resveratrol, it is ideal for all skin types especially oily, redness and acne/blemish prone skin.

I also like Skinbetter Science Sunbetter Tone Smart Sunscreen (SPF 50), which has  hint of blendable colour and protection from HEV/IR light and pollution, and Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex (SPF 50), a hydrating sunscreen with a demi-matte finish that comes in four shades. It protects against UVA/UVB, HEV/IR light and pollution and is excellent for darker skins.

SK, Skinfluencer, London

 I love iS Clinical sunscreens – they have a few different options to suit all skin types. They are all non comedogenic so you will not break out and are broad spectrum, ensuring maximum protection against UV rays which is essential after treatments as well as in summer.

iS Clinical® Extreme Protect is one of my favourites as it contains a patented DNA repair enzyme, which is excellent for anti ageing and healing. It’s also a moisturiser making it a two-in-one product, ideal for anyone low maintenance or who wants to simplify their skincare routine.

Anna Baker, Aesthetic Nurse, East Sussex

For the face, I like Viscoderm® Photoprotection SPF 50+ from IBSA. This is a highly moisturising and soothing cream with high broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection, and combines the latest generation photo-sensitive sun filters and MSM (methylsulfonlymethane), which has many benefits for skin.

As a lightweight tinted option, particularly for the face, I’m a fan of the Skinbetter Science Sunbetter Tonesmart SPF 50 compact. This delivers high broad spectrum UVA/UVB & visible light coverage in a tone-adapting compact with blendable coverage, and can be worn on it’s own, or under makeup.

For the body, one of my favourite SPF’s is a light oil-free spray from Cosmedix, called Protect UV. It contains niacinamide, D-Trehalose and green tea extract with no residue after use.