The Effects of Sun Damage 

High protection sunscreen should be a non-negotiable step in every anti-ageing skincare routine, even on cloudy days. This is because UV rays can easily penetrate through the clouds as well as glass. A high performance sunscreen not only shields the skin against the visible signs of premature ageing (such as wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of firmness) but also protects against the other harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays are mostly responsible for premature skin ageing as they can penetrate deep into the skin and deplete collagen levels. UVB rays attack the upper layers of the skin, causing sunburn. Both types of rays can cause tanning, and both have the potential, in the long term, to cause skin cancer.

What About SPF Ratings?

You’ll probably have noticed that all sunscreens come with an SPF rating. This corresponds to their level of protection against UVB rays. In a nutshell, the higher the SPF rating, the higher the protection against sunburn and the risk of skin cancer.

However, the SPF rating is not the only rating you should be looking out for when choosing a sunscreen. ‘Broad spectrum’, star rating, and PA ratings systems are also vital in helping you to gauge the protection level against UVA rays (those responsible for premature ageing) as well as UVB rays (which cause sunburn). A ‘broad spectrum’ classification indicates that the UVA protection is at least one third of the UVB protection, while a star-rated system indicates various ratios of UVA to UVB protection. A PA rating (in a similar way to how SPF is measured) measures how long it takes for a darkening / tanning effect to occur. A sunscreen’s PA rating is followed by a certain number of pluses, depending on its level of protection. Much like with SPF, the more pluses, the higher the level of protection. PA++++ (4 pluses) offers extremely high UVA protection and is the maximum rating a sunscreen can achieve.

So, always opt for a high SPF rating and ‘broad spectrum’ formula wherever you can, as well as the highest star rating (5*) and PA rating possible to ensure high performance protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

All Medik8 sunscreens deliver high SPF and ‘broad spectrum’ protection, with our Advanced range also meeting the highest 5* rating of Ultra UVA protection. Advanced Day Ultimate Protect additionally offers the highest rating of PA++++ protection.

Premium Sunscreens At Medik8

Our range of high-performance sunscreens boast beautifully lightweight, non-greasy textures and only feature premium, stable UV filters. When combined at precise levels, these filters deliver powerful protection against both UVA and UVB rays. All of our sunscreens are also multifunctional, combining all the nourishment of a daily moisturiser with the all-encompassing UV protection your skin needs, plus an invisible finish. You wouldn’t even guess they were sunscreens.

Advanced Day Ultimate Protect

What does it do?

Delivers our highest level of protection (SPF 50+ PA++++) against UV damage and signs of ageing

Deeply hydrates the complexion

Minimises the appearance of dark spots over time

Gives an invisible, non-greasy finish

Stand-out features

DNA repair enzymes : to support the skin’s natural repair mechanisms after UV exposure

360° environmental shield : to help prevent future signs of premature ageing cause by blue light and pollution

Who’s it for?

Anyone wanting powerful, all-encompassing protection against UV rays and signs of premature ageing

Advanced Day Total Protect

What does it do?

Provides broad spectrum SPF 30 5* UVA protection against UV damage and signs of ageing

Hydrates the skin

Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles

Stand-out features

Lightweight, non-greasy and invisible finish : the perfect smoothing base for makeup

360° environmental shield : defends against pollution, infrared, blue light and glycation

Who’s it for?

Those wanting a lightweight yet effective sunscreen, that sits effortlessly under makeup

Advanced Day Eye Protect

What does it do?

Delivers SPF 30 5* UVA protection, optimised for the delicate eye area

Nourishes and hydrates

Combats visible signs of ageing around the eyes

Promotes a more youthful-looking eye area

Stand-out features

Anti-A.G.E technologies : to combat environment-induced signs of ageing

Caffeine & hesperidin : to help reduce the look of puffiness and dark circles

Fragrance-free formula : to prevent irritation around the delicate eye area

Who’s it for?

Those wanting gentle yet effective UV protection, specifically for the delicate eye area

Daily Radiance Vitamin C

What does it do?

Provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection plus vitamin C power

Prevents and visibly improves signs of premature ageing

Boosts skin radiance

Gives a lightweight, non-greasy and cashmere-soft finish

Stand-out features

Stabilised vitamin C : for effective brightening power and antioxidant protection against environmental stressors

Hyaluronic acid : Leaves the complexion nourished and visibly supple

Who’s it for?

Those wanting a concise AM skincare regime

Those looking for the perfect introduction to Medik8’s CSA Philosophy

Discover CSA

Enhance the visible benefits of daily UV protection by adding vitamin C and vitamin A to your regular skincare routine. This powerhouse trio is the holy grail to achieving more youthful-looking skin and makes up Medik8’s pioneering CSA Philosophy: vitamin C plus sunscreen by day, vitamin A by night. Follow this simple, clinically proven approach and discover Beautiful Skin for Life.

^{[1]F. Flament et al., Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2013, 6, pp 221-232}