The Best Sunscreens for 40+ Skin

SPF
Suncare should be a priority in any skincare routine, but it’s especially important as you go into perimenopause. Reduced oestrogen levels mean less melatonin is being produced, which is what protects you from UV rays. Thankfully SPF has come a long way since the days of thick, greasy creams - here’s our pick of the best.

What makes a product right for a Hylda woman?

Here’s how we choose… Our beauty writers are experts in their field and have years of experience writing about the best in beauty. They will only recommend products that they know will make a difference and help with the symptoms caused by the fluctuations of the menopause years. Our reviews are honest – they are not paid for by the brands. We might earn some affiliate commission if you choose to buy the product, but we are not paid by the brands to put them in the article. Never ever. Picked by experts and chosen just for you, that’s our Hylda promise.

Top 6 sunscreens for 40+ skin…

Best for applying before makeup: Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50, £40. Buy it now.

Best for dark spots: Dr Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, £46. Buy it now.

Best for city dwellers: Elemis Daily Defence Shield High Protection Sunscreen SPF 30, £46. Buy it now.

Best for hydration: Dermalogica AGE Smart Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50, £69. Buy it now.

Best for cooling: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Face Mist SPF 50+, £11.60. Buy it now.

Best for plumping: Perricone MD Photo-Brightening Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, £61. Buy it now.

Best for applying before makeup: Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50, £40

SPF_Kiehls

Why it’s a great buy: An easy way to incorporate SPF into your skincare routine is by using a moisturiser with a high level of sun protection. This one is lightweight and non-greasy with SPF 50.

What we love about it: It has a glowy finish and is a great base for makeup.

What we don’t love quite so much: It may irritate very sensitive skin.

Best for dark spots: Dr Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, £46

SPF_DrGross

Why it’s a great buy: Menopausal skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation, aka age spots, due to that pesky lack of melatonin. Dr Gross has created a product that both protects from the free-radicals that cause age spots, fades previous damage and is one of best sunscreens for 40+ skin.

What we love about it: He’s also added hero ingredients, hyaluronic acid and evening primrose oil, for a huge dose of nourishment.

What we don’t love quite so much: Some reviews say it left a white cast on darker skin tones.

Best for city dwellers: Elemis Daily Defence Shield High Protection Sunscreen SPF 30, £46

SPF_Elemis

Why it’s a great buy: If you live in a city, protection from environmental stresses like pollution can be as important as SPF. This formula has both.

What we love about it: It feels cooling on application and comes in a compact size, which is ideal to carry on the commute.

What we don’t love quite so much: A higher strength SPF would be more suitable for most people during the summer months.

Best for hydration: Dermalogica AGE Smart Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50, £69

SPF_Dermalogica

Why it’s a great buy: This vegan formula is specifically designed for older skin.

What we love about it: Ceramides that act as cement in the skin’s barrier reduce over time causing dryness and irritation, and this offers long-lasting hydration while soothing sensitive complexions.

What we don’t love quite so much: It’s pricey.

Best for cooling: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Face Mist SPF 50+, £11.60

SPF_LaRochePosay

Why it’s a great buy: If you’re all about being low maintenance, this La Roche-Posay face mist is for you. A quick spritz (or five) over makeup and you’ll reap the benefits of SPF 50+.

What we love about it: It’s cooling, too – perfect for those heatwave days.

What we don’t love quite so much: A couple of reviews say you have to spray a lot to get a good coverage.

Best for plumping: Perricone MD Photo-Brightening Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30, £61

SPF_PerriconeMD

Why it’s a great buy: Many women experience a significant loss of collagen during menopause, and this formula works hard to combat it by smoothing, brightening and plumping the skin.

What we love about it: It contains SPF 30, but feels weightless and fast-absorbing.

What we don’t love quite so much: Some reviews say it’s not suitable for very dry skin.

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