Sunscreen Specialists

Sunscreen is core to Medik8's CSA philosophy, which is why we work tirelessly to create innovative formulations that embrace cutting-edge science. Our collection of high-performance sunscreens are expertly formulated using premium UV filters, in a range of beautiful textures that are 100% vegan.

80% of all signs of skin ageing are caused by sun exposure.[1] The first step to any anti-ageing skincare routine should start with a high protection sunscreen applied every day, even when it’s cloudy. UVB rays from the sun target the upper layers of the skin, causing sunburn and even skin cancer; while UVA rays penetrate deeper, devastating collagen and creating harmful free radicals which cause premature skin ageing.

The Rating

All sunscreens have an SPF rating that corresponds to their level of protection against UVB rays. But SPF is not the only rating you need to look for on your skincare labels. ‘Broad spectrum’ and the star rating system allow you to gauge the level of protection against UVA rays too. A ‘broad spectrum’ classification indicates that the UVA protection is at least one third of the UVB protection. The star system indicates various ratios of UVA to UVB protection. All Medik8 sunscreens are at least broad spectrum, with the Advanced range of day creams all hitting the highest 5* rating of Ultra UVA protection.

Chemical vs Physical

There are 2 main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Both chemical and physical sunscreens work by absorbing UV light and converting it into heat. Physical sunscreens can actually absorb up to 95% of the UV rays they are protecting you from.^[2]

The only difference between physical and chemical is that physical sunscreens can scatter a small amount of the UV spectrum, around 5%.

Top Tips for Sunscreens

1. Apply at least a ¼ of a teaspoon of sunscreen to your face, adding more for the neck and décolletage.

2. If in high strength sun, reapply every 2 hours for optimal protection.

3. Sweating, physical contact and water can all affect the amount of protection you are getting. Reapply frequently..

4. Be sure not to miss inconspicuous areas like the ears and the back of the neck.

5. For optimum protection, leave at least 20 minutes for your sunscreen to dry down before heading out into the sun.

Physical Sunscreens

Based on physical, inorganic filters like zinc oxide, physical sunscreens both reflect and absorb UV rays. Physical Sunscreen is a nourishing physical sunscreen for everyday protection and skin barrier support. Crafted with non-nano zinc oxide and anti-pollution technology, the broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen glides over the complexion to provide daily environmental defence.

Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens are based on organic, chemical UV filters which absorb UV light. They are usually invisible and lightweight on the skin. In our chemical sunscreens, we use a carefully chosen trio of chemical filters - Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S and Uvinul T 150. Combined at precise levels, these next-generation filters provide high level protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Exceptionally stable in the sun, kind to the skin and offering high protection, we think we’ve hit the jackpot in the perfect chemical sunscreen formulation. Find these filters in our Advanced range and Daily Radiance Vitamin C™. You wouldn’t even guess they were sunscreens.

Need help choosing your sunscreen?

Take a look at our handy guide.

	Physical Sunscreen (Available in clinics only)	Daily Radiance Vitamin C™	Advanced Day Total Protect ™	Advanced Day Eye Protect ™	Advanced Day Ultimate Protect ™


PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL	Physical	Chemical	Chemical	Chemical	Chemical
TYPE OF PRODUCT	Sunscreen	Moisturiser	Moisturiser	Eye Cream	Moisturiser
SPF RATING	SPF 50	SPF 30	SPF 30	SPF 30	SPF 50
UVA RATING	Broad Spectrum	Broad Spectrum	5*	5*	PA++++
ADDITIONAL BENEFIT	Water Resistant, Skin Barrier Support, Anti-pollution	Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid	Anti-pollution, Anti-A.G.E, Anti-infrared,Blue Light Defence	Anti-pollution, Anti-A.G.E, Anti-infrared, Blue Light Defence	Encapsulated photolyase, Anti-pollution, Anti-A.G.E, Anti-infrared, Blue Light Shield

References:
[1] F. Flament et al., Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2013, 6, pp 221-232
[2] C. Cole et al, Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 2015, 32(1), pp 5-10

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