Sunscreen has become one of the most talked-about products in skincare. From Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun to La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50+, social media has helped transform SPF from a summer essential into an everyday skincare staple.

And as an aesthetic doctor, that's a trend I'm pleased to see.

However, as the temperatures fall and we move into autumn and winter, it's easy to assume that sunscreen is no longer necessary. After all, if the sun isn't shining, do we really need SPF?

The answer is a little more nuanced than you might think.

While ultraviolet exposure is generally lower during the British winter, protecting our skin from the cumulative effects of sun exposure remains an important consideration, particularly if you're concerned about pigmentation, premature skin ageing or maintaining the results of your skincare treatments.

But with so many sunscreens available, how do you choose the right one?

Let's look at the science behind year-round sun protection, why certain sunscreens have become so popular and some other formulations I think deserve your attention.

Do You Really Need Sunscreen in Autumn and Winter?

One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is that sunscreen is only necessary during the summer months.

To understand why sun protection matters, we need to distinguish between two types of ultraviolet radiation.

UVA: The Ageing Rays

UVA radiation penetrates more deeply into the skin and contributes to photoageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and pigmentation.

Unlike UVB, UVA is relatively consistent throughout daylight hours and can penetrate ordinary window glass.

UVB: The Burning Rays

UVB radiation is primarily responsible for sunburn and plays an important role in the development of skin cancers. UVB exposure varies considerably with the season, time of day and geographical location.

Both UVA and UVB can damage skin cells and contribute to skin cancer.

My advice on wearing SPF throughout the year

As a GP and aesthetic doctor, I strongly encourage wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, throughout the year, regardless of the season.

Although UV levels are generally lower during the British winter, UVA radiation is still present during daylight hours, even on cloudy days, and can penetrate window glass. Over time, cumulative UV exposure contributes to premature skin ageing, pigmentation and skin damage.

I particularly emphasise the importance of daily SPF for patients managing pigmentation, using photosensitising medications or undergoing aesthetic treatments. However, I believe consistent sun protection is a valuable habit for everyone.

My recommendation is to make broad-spectrum SPF30–50+ the final step in your morning skincare routine, all year round.

Remember, the temperature outside is not an indication of how much UV radiation is reaching your skin. Sun protection shouldn't be something we only think about when the weather is warm.

For me, sunscreen isn't a seasonal skincare product. It's a year-round essential.

Why Has Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ Become So Popular?

Korean skincare has changed the way many people approach sunscreen.

Historically, some sunscreens were associated with thick textures, white residue and formulations that didn't always sit comfortably beneath makeup.

Korean sunscreens have helped challenge that perception, with an emphasis on elegant textures and everyday wearability.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ has become one of the most recognisable examples.

Its popularity is largely associated with its lightweight, moisturising texture and comfortable finish.

The formula contains rice-derived ingredients and offers high-factor UV protection.

My perspective

I can understand its appeal.

One of the most important factors in sunscreen compliance is how the product feels on your skin.

If your SPF is heavy, greasy or uncomfortable, you're less likely to apply it generously and consistently.

But while Beauty of Joseon may work beautifully for some people, it won't necessarily be everyone's ideal sunscreen.

Someone with oily, blemish-prone skin may prefer a more mattifying formulation, while someone managing pigmentation may want additional ingredients targeting uneven skin tone.

The best sunscreen isn't necessarily the one receiving the most attention. It's the one that offers appropriate protection and works with your individual skin needs.

What About La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50+?

Another sunscreen frequently recommended across social media is La Roche-Posay Anthelios, particularly the UVMune 400 SPF50+ range.

La Roche-Posay has developed a strong reputation for sun protection, and its UVMune 400 technology is particularly interesting.

The range incorporates Mexoryl 400, a UV filter designed to provide protection against ultra-long UVA wavelengths, including the 380–400 nm range.

Why does this matter?

UVA radiation plays an important role in photoageing and pigmentation, so comprehensive UVA protection is an important consideration when selecting sunscreen.

My perspective

La Roche-Posay Anthelios is a credible sunscreen range, and its focus on UVA protection is something I appreciate.

However, even within the Anthelios collection, different formulations are designed to meet different preferences.

Some people prefer a fluid, while others want something more moisturising, tinted or mattifying.

There is no single formulation that I would universally recommend to everyone.

And that's why I think it's worth looking beyond the products that dominate our social media feeds.

Beyond the Viral Sunscreens: Five SPFs Worth Discovering

At Villa Skincare, we believe sunscreen should be selected with the same consideration as the rest of your skincare routine.

Whether you're concerned about pigmentation, oiliness, sensitivity or simply finding an SPF that feels comfortable beneath makeup, the formulation matters.

Here are six sunscreens worth exploring.

1. Toskani Sun Shiel-D Fluid Cream SPF50+

For everyday sun protection with a hydrating finish.

Toskani is a brand I believe deserves greater recognition, particularly among those interested in science-led skincare.

Its Sun Shiel-D Fluid Cream SPF50+ combines very high UV protection with a lightweight formulation designed for everyday use.

The formula contains Lithops Cell Nectar, a biotechnological ingredient associated with hydration and skin-conditioning benefits.

Toskani also positions the formulation as offering protection against infrared radiation and high-energy visible light, alongside UVA and UVB.

Why I would consider it

For someone looking for a comfortable daily sunscreen that incorporates additional skincare ingredients, Toskani offers an interesting alternative to more widely recognised SPF brands.

I particularly like the emphasis on combining high sun protection with a lightweight, hydrating formulation.

It's a sunscreen worth discovering if you enjoy the skincare-focused approach of Korean SPFs but want to explore specialist European skincare.

2. FILLMED Skin Perfusion UV Skin Protect SPF50+

For lightweight protection, particularly beneath makeup.

FILLMED Skin Perfusion is another specialist skincare range worth knowing about.

Its UV Skin Protect SPF50+ has been developed to provide high broad-spectrum sun protection in a lightweight formulation.

The updated product contains antioxidant ingredients, including vitamin E, and has been designed with a mattifying finish.

It is also positioned by the manufacturer for use following certain professional aesthetic treatments, although post-procedure skincare should always follow the treating practitioner's instructions.

Why I would consider it

Texture is often what determines whether someone consistently uses sunscreen.

For those who dislike heavier creams, FILLMED offers a fluid alternative designed to absorb comfortably and sit beneath makeup.

I also like the inclusion of antioxidants, which can complement UV filters by helping address oxidative stress.

However, antioxidants should never be considered a substitute for adequate UVA and UVB protection.

SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50

For pigmentation, dark spots and uneven skin tone.

If pigmentation is one of your main skin concerns, your choice of sunscreen deserves particular attention.

UV exposure can stimulate melanocyte activity and contribute to the development or persistence of hyperpigmentation.

SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 combines broad-spectrum sun protection with two ingredients of particular interest:

1% Tranexamic Acid: An ingredient used in skincare formulations targeting the appearance of uneven pigmentation.

2% Niacinamide: A multifunctional ingredient that can help improve uneven skin tone while supporting the skin barrier.

Why I would consider it

This is a formulation I find particularly interesting because it approaches pigmentation from two directions: helping protect against further UV-induced discolouration while incorporating ingredients that target existing uneven skin tone.

For patients managing pigmentation, I often explain that even the most sophisticated brightening serum will have limited success if UV protection is neglected.

One additional consideration is visible light. In people with melasma or persistent pigmentation, particularly those with darker skin tones, tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides may offer useful additional protection.

Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-Free SPF50

For oily, combination and blemish-prone skin.

One of the most common complaints I hear about sunscreen is that it makes the skin feel greasy.

For those with oily or blemish-prone skin, this can be enough to discourage daily application.

Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-Free SPF50 is designed to provide high sun protection in an oil-free formulation with a lighter, more mattifying finish.

The Heliocare 360° range also incorporates antioxidant technology, including Fernblock, a fern-derived ingredient.

Why I would consider it

If your skin becomes shiny throughout the day or you find traditional sunscreens uncomfortable, this is an option worth exploring.

An oil-free sunscreen isn't necessarily essential for everyone with acne, but finding a formulation that feels comfortable and works with your moisturiser and makeup can make daily SPF use much easier.

iS Clinical Eclipse SPF50+

For those who prefer a mineral sunscreen.

Mineral sunscreens are another option worth considering when selecting daily sun protection.

iS Clinical Eclipse SPF50+ uses mineral UV filters, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, to provide broad-spectrum protection.

These filters work predominantly by absorbing UV radiation, with some reflection and scattering.

Why I would consider it

Some people prefer mineral-based sunscreens, particularly when exploring alternatives to organic UV-filter formulations.

However, mineral sunscreen isn't automatically better for sensitive skin.

The overall formulation, including additional ingredients, texture and individual tolerance, is what matters.

It's also important to consider whether a mineral sunscreen leaves a visible cast, particularly on deeper skin tones.

Is SPF50 Better Than SPF30?

Both SPF30 and SPF50 can provide effective sun protection when applied correctly.

SPF primarily describes protection against UVB-induced sunburn under standardised testing conditions.

In laboratory testing:

• SPF30 filters approximately 96.7% of UVB radiation.

• SPF50 filters approximately 98% of UVB radiation.

Although the percentage difference may appear small, SPF50 allows approximately 40% less UVB radiation through than SPF30 when both are applied at the tested thickness.

However, SPF alone doesn't tell you everything about UVA protection.

When choosing sunscreen, look for broad-spectrum protection and appropriate UVA labelling.

In the UK, the UVA circle logo indicates that the product meets the European recommendation for UVA protection relative to its SPF.

Does Expensive Sunscreen Mean Better Sunscreen?

Not necessarily.

A sunscreen doesn't have to be expensive to provide excellent protection.

What you may find with specialist skincare formulations is a greater emphasis on cosmetic elegance, additional skincare ingredients, specific skin concerns or particular textures.

However, price alone doesn't determine the level of protection.

I would always prioritise adequate broad-spectrum protection, suitability for your skin and correct application over branding or popularity.

How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply?

Even the best sunscreen won't deliver its labelled level of protection if you're applying too little.

Most people underestimate the amount required.

Sunscreen SPF ratings are tested at an application thickness of 2 mg per square centimetre of skin.

For the face and neck, the amount required varies according to the size of the area and the formulation. The commonly recommended two-finger method can be a useful reminder, but it isn't an exact measurement.

For effective protection:

• Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas, including your ears and neck.

• Choose broad-spectrum SPF30 or higher, with adequate UVA protection.

• Reapply at least every two hours when spending time outdoors, and after swimming, sweating or towel-drying.

• Don't rely on the SPF in your foundation alone.

• Remember that UVA can penetrate ordinary window glass.

• Use shade, protective clothing and sunglasses alongside sunscreen.

And if you're using tretinoin or undergoing certain skin treatments, discuss appropriate sun protection and aftercare with your clinician.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunscreen

Should I wear SPF50 every day in winter?

Yes. As a GP and aesthetic doctor, I strongly recommend wearing broad-spectrum SPF30–50+ every day, throughout the year. UVA radiation is present even on cloudy winter days and contributes to premature skin ageing, pigmentation and cumulative skin damage. For me, SPF is a year-round skincare essential.

Is Beauty of Joseon better than La Roche-Posay?

Neither is universally better. Both offer high-protection sunscreens, but the formulations, textures and UV-filter technologies differ. The right choice depends on your skin's needs, preferences and how you use the product.

Is Korean sunscreen as effective as European sunscreen?

Sunscreens that meet the relevant regulatory and testing requirements can provide effective protection regardless of where the brand originates. The important factors are the tested SPF, UVA protection, formulation and correct application.

Can sunscreen help prevent wrinkles?

Consistent sun protection can help reduce UV-induced skin damage, which contributes to fine lines, wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity. It is one of the most evidence-supported measures for preventing premature photoageing.

Should I wear sunscreen if I have pigmentation?

Yes. Appropriate sun protection is a fundamental part of managing many pigmentation concerns. For melasma and some forms of hyperpigmentation, tinted sunscreen with iron oxides may provide additional benefits by protecting against visible light.

My Final Thoughts: Look Beyond the Viral SPF

I welcome the attention that sunscreens such as Beauty of Joseon and La Roche-Posay have brought to daily sun protection.

Anything that encourages people to take a more considered approach to protecting their skin is a positive development.

But I also think it's important to look beyond what is trending.

The most suitable sunscreen for someone with oily, blemish-prone skin may be very different from the formulation I would suggest for someone managing pigmentation or seeking a more hydrating finish.

Brands such as Toskani, FILLMED Skin Perfusion, SkinCeuticals, Heliocare and iS Clinical offer interesting options that deserve consideration alongside the products we see repeatedly on social media.

My advice is simple: choose sunscreen based on your skin, not simply on its popularity.

And don't let the change in season mean that sun protection disappears from your skincare routine. Consider your exposure, your individual skin concerns and the role SPF can play in maintaining long-term skin health.

Explore our collection of sunscreens and daily SPF at Villa Skincare and discover formulations suited to different skin types and concerns.

Dr Ahmed
Aesthetic Doctor & Founder, Villa Skincare
NHS Doctor with 17+ Years’ Medical Experience

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