The truth about SPF 100 and clever sunscreens to buy now

The sun has made a welcome reappearance and our previously shrouded skin is emerging from hibernation—isn’t that just the best feeling? So if you’ve not already ticked it off the list, now’s the time to make sure your sunscreen of choice is fully qualified to protect your skin from damaging UV rays (yes, even when it’s overcast or cloudy).

“Sunscreen used to be thick, greasy and leave a white cast on the skin—sunscreen today is much lighter, more breathable, and designed to feel like skincare,” says Dr Emma Cunningham, Aesthetic Doctor and Founder, Dr Emma Clinics.
 
“You can now buy sunscreen that combines SPF with skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants,” she continues. “This makes sunscreen not only protect but also hydrate, soothe, and brighten the complexion. Formulas are also more inclusive! You can now get sheer or tinted options for all skin tones.

“With rising global temperatures and higher UV levels, our skin now faces more environmental stress than before. Sun exposure is the number one cause of premature ageing, leading to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and pigmentation issues. Unprotected sun exposure can also significantly increase the risk of skin cancers.”

According to Google Search data, searches for factor 100 sunscreen are currently at breakout, but is such a high number really necessary?

"Consistent sun protection is important for preventing premature ageing, and SPF 100 helps reduce the risk of wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation caused by sun exposure,” shares Cosmetic Doctor, GP Derm and Founder of Dr Nyla Medispa, Dr Nyla. “I always protect my face from the sun—I'll wear the biggest hat possible, because the damaging rays from the sun are not forgiving. You need to cover up, both to protect the skin with SPF and physically with clothing to shade yourself, as no sunscreen can block 100 per cent of UV radiation."

SPF measures the amount of UVB radiation that reaches your skin, and an SPF 100 blocks about 99 per cent of UVB rays, whereas lower SPFs like 30 or 50 block approximately 97-98 per cent. It's a small difference, but for those who are very sensitive to sunburn (e.g. you burn after 10 minutes of sun exposure) or have fair skin, SPF 100 provides an extra layer of protection and reassurance.

“If you spend long hours in the sun or have sensitive skin, SPF 100 will protect you for longer,” Dr Nyla continues. “Theoretically, SPF 100 allows you stay in the sun for 1000 minutes before burning, although reapplication is still crucial, with every two hours recommended, particularly if you are swimming, sweating, towel drying, at the beach or hiking outdoors for long periods."

Dr Nyla reveals that while SPF 100 sounds like it may offer a higher level of protection initially, the actual effectiveness depends on how thoroughly and how often you reapply it. "Those who will benefit most are those who have a history of skin cancer, sensitive skin, fair skin and those spending long periods of time outdoors."

Read on to discover some of our favourite hard working sunscreens.

Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

We’re starting strong with a product that features an innovative and very clever formula—Colorescience Face Shield Flex SPF 50 offers broad spectrum UV, blue light (HEV) and IR defence, while encapsulated iron oxides provide tone adapting, buildable coverage for perfect skin.

And don’t just take our word for it, as it’s highly rated by aesthetic professionals too: aesthetic doctor and dermatology GP, Dr Tash Kanagasabai believes Colorescience Flex represents a real innovation in the world of mineral SPF, especially for those with skin of colour.

“I wear it myself every day and frequently recommend it to my patients,” she shares. “The brilliance of this product lies in its tinted formula—it blends seamlessly into the skin, providing a radiant, even finish while eliminating the need for extra foundation.

“What makes it truly innovative is how it combines high-level broad-spectrum defence with colour match technology and a lightweight, non-comedogenic texture. My patients with pigmentation, rosacea, acne, or post-procedure sensitivity often struggle with the white cast left by traditional mineral  sunscreens—particularly those with deeper skin tones. Flex solves that issue beautifully. Its water resistance, glowing finish, and skin-soothing properties make it ideal for daily wear, outdoor activities, or holidays.”

What we love: The way the product melts into the skin, and the demi-matte natural coverage it provides.

Heliocare 360° Invisible Spray SPF 50+

Here at EV, we’re big fans of Heliocare suncare, and it seems we’re not the only ones, as it’s also loved by many an aesthetic pro. Aesthetic nurse practitioner and skincare specialist, Emily West from Creo Clinic in London, is passionate about recommending sunscreens that don’t just protect but also support overall skin health.

“One of my go-to SPF’s that I regularly recommend to my clients is Heliocare 360° Invisible Spray SPF 50+,” she reveals. “This is the perfect body SPF—it’s light, non-greasy, and invisible on all skin tones. The spray makes reapplication easy, and the added antioxidants help shield the skin from environmental damage. It’s perfect for holidays or anyone who’s always on the go outdoors.”

Ingredients-wise, the spray includes the natural plant extract fernblock which provides strong antioxidant activity and shields against UV damage while reducing redness, plus antioxidant vitamins C and E.  

 What we love: Its ability to absorb in a flash, leaving a non-greasy finish – you can spray it from any angle and even apply to wet skin.

Neova SilcSheer SPF 50

Neova SilcSheer SPF 50 is the latest smart broad spectrum sunscreen that will supercharge your skin protection and help to reverse sun damage. This physical sunscreen includes titanium and zinc oxide, alongside DNA repair technology including endosomes—a liposome encapsulated extract that is extremely UV resistant; photolysomes derived from plankton which reduce the visible signs of UV-induced damage; and l-ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative damage caused by free radical activity.

“Around 22 per cent of UK adults are applying sunscreen daily,” says award-winning Aesthetic Doctor, Dr Sophie Shotter. “I look for a sunscreen that has a broad spectrum UVA and SPF 50 coverage, as well as being in a formulation which is nice to use. What grabbed my attention about Neova SilcSheer SPF 50, was the added benefits it has, not just protecting skin from DNA damage, but helping to repair it through DNA repair enzymes—this helps to reverse sun damage, not just prevent it.”

What we love: Two DNA repair enzymes work to prevent today’s skin exposure from becoming tomorrow’s lines.

NOON Aesthetics’ MultiVit Sun Protector SPF 30

Formulated for dermatologists and aesthetic professionals, NOON MultiVit Sun Protector SPF 30 is a new generation anti-ageing sunblock offering high-performance, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB, HEV and IR protection in a lightweight, non-greasy formula.

Enriched with Vitamins B (niacinamide), C, and E, and powered by ectoin and encapsulated UV filters that provide protection as the UV filter is prevented from coming into direct contact with the skin’s surface, it defends skin from sun damage, environmental aggressors, and premature ageing, all while nourishing and supporting a radiant complexion. Apply as the final step of your morning skincare routine.

What we love: Skincare star ectoin reduces the formation of sunburn cells and the damage provoked by UVA-irradiation.