
5 affordable SPF serums for your skincare routine if you're over face creams
There's an easier way apply sun cream to your face - and it's not in a face cream. The newest sun block on the block comes in serum form and it's everywhere. With so many brands offering different types of SPF face creams, SPF serums are taking over - but what's the difference?
If you'd rather avoid a thick SPF face cream, an SPF serum offers a great alternative, and could incorporate into your makeup routine a lot easier too, thanks to its lightweight texture.
According to consultant dermatologist, Dr Derrick Phillips, there are a number benefits of using a serum SPF. He said: "SPF serums usually have less chance of leaving a white cast than traditional sunscreen formulations, because their formulations minimise the visible residue that most sunscreens are associated with.
"They're also lightweight and fast-absorbing, and often contain additional ingredients that benefit the skin, such as vitamins and antioxidants. Some also include ingredients that offer additional benefits, such as helping to address premature ageing, as well as brightening and hydrating the skin," as reported by Who What Wear.
Beauty brands such as Nivea, L'Oreal, The Ordinary and Hello Sunday to name a few have joined the hype and delivered sun protection packed with skin-loving benefits. These new products promise hydration and brightening as well as sun protection.
Sunscreen acts as a shield for your skin cells and protects your skin from damage, and a high factor gives you the best chance of protection. Dr Phillips added: "Serum SPF can be as effective as a traditional SPF formula, especially if you choose one with a high factor.
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"Like traditional SPFs, you do need to ensure you are applying and reapplying enough product to get the full UV protective benefits. Serum SPF should be the last step in your skincare routine [they are under-makeup SPFs], and applied liberally to the face and neck."
We've handpicked a few of the most popular SPF serums out there...
Nivea Sun Face 2in1 Daily Primer Face Serum SPF50+
Nivea Sun Face 2in1 Daily Primer Face Serum SPF50+ promises immediate protection against UVA/UVB rays, providing noticeably smooth skin and preparing it for a flawless and prolonged make-up finish, as it also acts as a primer, making it the perfect base for makeup.
The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum - £12.64, was 15.80
With a sheer, blendable finish, The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum shields your skin from harmful UV exposure, while delivering a smooth, radiant glow. Infused with a blend of hydrators, the serum quenches your complexion to leave it feeling super soft.
Hello Sunday SPF 50 Hydrating and Brightening Vitamin C Serum - £18.40, was £23.00
Designed to simplify your daily skincare routine, the Hello Sunday SPF 50 Hydrating and Brightening Vitamin C Serum combines your daily serum, moisturiser and sunscreen, all in one. Enriched with antioxidants, brightening Vitamin C and hydrating Hyaluronic acid, it targets dullness, moisture loss and premature signs of aging, for plumper, nourished and more radiant skin, instantly and over time.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Skinscreen Serum- £38
Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Skinscreen Serum is an ultra-lightweight product that melts seamlessly into the skin to deliver a radiant glow and shield from damaging UV rays. Bursting with complexion-caring ingredients, it's packed with pink algae extract which increases firmness, smooths and reduces the appearance of dark spots alongside brightening vitamin C.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Super Uv Invisible Face Serum SPF 50+ - £6.99 was £14
Garnier Ambre Solaire Super Uv Invisible Face Serum SPF 50+ offers comfortable daily wear with very high SPF 50+ protection against UVB, UVA & long UVA. Developed for sensitive skin, it helps fight against external aggressions and skin pollution.
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BBC News
19 hours ago
- BBC News
Why so many young men dey struggle wit mental health, and no dey ask for help?
For recent years, di world don wake up to a growing youth mental health problem, and one group dey particularly vulnerable: boys and young men. Decades of research don establishe say men dey less likely dan women to seek support for dia mental health – 40% less likely, one 2023 US study find. But we still sabi little about how – or wen – teenage boys and young men ask for help. "Dis dey cause worry," a 2024 review for di European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry journal, "as adolescent boys and young men get high suicide rates but a low take-up of services." Wetin dey drive dis disconnect – and how schools, parents and policymakers fit step in to help? Suffer in silence Globally, one in seven adolescents between di ages of 10 and 19 experience a mental disorder, according to World Health (WHO) research last year. E find say depression, anxiety, and behavioural conditions na di most common disorders, and suicide remains di third leading cause of death among dose wey dey age 15–29. According to The Lancet Psychiatry Commission, up to 75% of all mental health conditions begin bifor di age of 25, wit di peak onset at just 15 years. While young pipo dey physically healthier dan eva, mentally dem dey struggle, and di numbers dey rise, making dis "a dangerous phase" for youth mental health. Yet despite di need, many boys and young men no dey use di mental health services available. "Ova di last 15 to 20 years, we don see an alarming rise for di prevalence of mental health conditions for both boys and girls, but help-seeking dey much less common among young men," sas Professor Patrick McGorry, psychiatrist and executive director of Orygen - Australia's National Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health tok Dat stronghead dey sometimes mean say young men dey only reach out wen dem dey for crisis. Social norms around emotional toughness and self-reliance dey often discourage boys to seek help, sabi pipo tell di BBC, adding dat studies consistently show say boys internalise di message wey say to dey show vulnerability na sign of weakness. Dr John Ogrodniczuk, a professor of psychiatry for di University of British Columbia in Canada and di director of HeadsUpGuys, a mental health resource for men, explain say many boys still dey equate seeking help wit failure. "If we tok about masculine socialisation, e get a lot of prescriptions about wetin men gatz do or not do: be stoic, strong, in kontrol, no show any weakness or vulnerability, figure stuff out on your own," e say. "You fit see how a lot of dis tins serve as barriers to form a connection to your own emotional life and asking for help if you need am." Dr Ogrodniczuk note say wen support dey tailored to men – for tone, language and approach – engagement dey increase. Informal approach Recent research don identify several oda themes beside di social norms and di stigma of showing weakness wey dey shape how boys view mental health support. Many boys no recognise dia symptoms or sabi how to seek help, and dem often no feel comfortable for formal clinical settings. Boys and young men dey often prefer informal help, like conversations wit friends, or anonymous, online support, and male-friendly messaging wey aligns help-seeking wit strength, responsibility and action get more impact. Dis don lead to some youth services ditching traditional clinical models. For Australia, for instance, di youth mental health organisation Orygen co-designed spaces wit young pipo wey dey offer "soft entry" – informal settings wia conversations fit happun. "Young men fit no dey as amenable to sitting in a consulting room for dia first contact. Dem fit no wan sit down for interview," Orygen executive director Patrick McGorry tok. "Maybe dem go rada get a more laid-back conversation, while dem dey do sometingelse - like going for a walk or maybe playing a game of pool or table tennis." Social media: na friend or enemy? Social media na double-edged sword: e fit connect isolated teens and provide valuable information, but also expose dem to harmful content and toxic ideals of masculinity. "Di majority of young men now dey connect wit men and masculinity influencer content," according to Dr Simon Rice, clinical psychologist and global director of di Movember Institute of Men Health. Movember research find say many young men wey dey engage wit "manosphere" content report worse mental health dan dia peers. But Rice stress say no be all content dey negative, and social media fit also be a useful tool to improve mental health. "We wan make sure say we fit harness di positive aspects of social media to bring communities togeda, to provide good health and mental health information, while minimising di possibilities for harm." Howeva, e say dat di working of social media algorithms dey present a serious challenge as dem dey designed to distribute content wey dey more likely to be viral for nature, and e dey hard for positive, health-oriented content to "win di algorithm". Professor Mina Fazel, Chair of Adolescent Psychiatry for Oxford University, agree say e dey crucial to teach teenagers and parents how social media algorithms work, pointing to soon-to-be-published research wey find say a third of young pipo don see content wey dey related to self-harm on social media for di past month. But Professor Fazel add say social media alone no dey to blame and broader changes for society fit dey considered as well. "Family and community structures dey change dramatically, and social media potentially fit play a supportive role for a lot of young pipo," she say. Loneliness factor One of di most serious challenges wey dem dey sometimes overlooked na loneliness. According to a Gallup survey wey dem publish for May, 25% of US men age 15 to 34 say dem don feel lonely for a significant potion of di previous day, higher dan di national average of 18% and di total for young women, also 18%. Dr Ogrodniczuk say dat di data for HeadsUpGuys show say loneliness and a lack of purpose na two of di most common stressors among young men. Sabi pipo underline di need to provide safe spaces wia boys fit build friendships and tok openly – no be just for designated therapy sessions, but for everyday interactions. Dat fit mean mentorship programmes, peer support groups or simply to retink how we tok about mental health for classrooms. Role of schools "E get quite a positive trend say wen young boys do seek help, dem dey usually find am helpful," Professor Mina Fazel tok. "E fit no actually matter wia dat help dey deliva: it fit be for school, e fit be for social services, e fit be for di community." E also get a growing evidence say school culture play a role for boys wellbeing. Academic pressure, particularly in contexts wia boys dey fall behind girls, fit fuel anxiety, frustration and disengagement. Professor Fazel believe schools need to dey redesigned to work better for boys. "Di majority of di world children get access to schools," she say, "so maybe dis na di place wia we really need to tink about not only di academic education of children, but a broader offer of wetin e mean to develop as adolescents - especially for boys."


Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Best facial sunscreens for summer, tested and reviewed
Experts recommend that we protect our skin from both UVA and UVB rays - here are some facial SPFs to consider Every skin specialist will concur that the sun is the most harmful external stressor for the skin, leading to ageing signs, loss of elasticity and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, incorporating sunscreen into our skincare routine is absolutely essential. Skin Health Alliance experts advise that our skin needs protection from both UVA and UVB rays. This means a sunscreen with a sufficiently high SPF and a good UVA star rating is vital. In the UK, sunscreens are sold with two ratings - the SPF rating measures their protection against UVB, while the 5-star rating assesses their protection against UVA. There is a wide variety of sunscreens available on the market, catering to different needs for various skin types and, of course, at different price points, reports the Express. Best facial SPFs Ultra Violette Future Fluid, £30.40 (was £38) This ultra-lightweight mineral sunscreen is packed with vitamin E and squalane to hydrate the skin, niacinamide to balance oil production and improve skin texture, as well as vitamin C to brighten the complexion and minimise the appearance of dark spots. It's like a serum with sun protection, making reapplication a breeze. Following the standard two-finger rule, I apply the Future Fluid to my face and neck. The light-beige colour almost acts as a skin tint, offering a mild concealing effect to blur pores and provide light coverage for blemishes. The twist and squeeze design of this sunscreen is straightforward to use, but it can leave residue on the applicator, making re-application a bit messy when you're out and about. You can snap up the sunscreen from SpaceNK, where it is currently reduced to £30.40. Clarins UV Plus Multi-Protection SPF50 Moisturising Fluid, £28 (was £34) Tailored for city dwellers who spend their days in the hustle and bustle of the city, this beloved sun cream has earned the title of 'Amazon's Choice' product. Infused with organic mango leaf extract, it not only bestows a delightful mango scent upon application but also provides a formidable defence against five prevalent pollutants: atmospheric, indoor, pollen, blue light, and photo-pollution. Amazon shoppers are over the moon with Clarins' sunscreen, praising its ultra-light, quick-absorbing texture that 'works well with makeup' without leaving any oily or white cast behind. Its potent ingredients have been shown to enhance the skin's natural protective barriers by 64%, locking in hydration for extended periods. Yet, one ardent Clarins enthusiast was disappointed to find the Moisturising Fluid's formula had changed, sharing their frustration: "It is no longer a light, thin, almost watery product (in the best way possible) but now more like a traditional sun screen product - thicker and stickier to apply. I found I had to use more product than usual as it didn't 'spread' across the skin as freely." Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50, £15.99 For an affordable SPF, I highly recommend the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50. Biore is a popular brand in Japan and other South East Asian countries, with their sun care range consistently topping the sales charts at drugstores - and for good reason. The formula, made in Japan, offers a lightweight cream that absorbs into the skin instantly without leaving any white residue. I used up the entire tube within two months and it worked seamlessly with my foundation - meaning there was no rubbery residue on my face and it didn't leave my skin looking overly pale. However, I wasn't a fan of the applicator and found it difficult to get two lines of suncream on my fingers without it splurging onto my hand. I found it easier to use without the applicator. With a formulation that includes Hyaluronic acid and micro defence technology, the Biore SPF is oil-free, won't clog pores and blends into all skin tones for a cast-free finish. Charlotte Tilbury XL Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer SPF50++++ Shield, £65 This product combines sunscreen and primer in one bottle. The sunscreen primer is enriched with hyaluronic acid, pollution defence and SPF 50 PA++++ to protect, hydrate and prime skin. The Flawless Poreless Primer was previously only available in one size, but Charlotte has now launched a larger 60ml version. Customers are raving about how the primer sunscreen sits "beautifully underneath makeup" and imparts a soft-focus glow. The founder, Charlotte, shared her thoughts: "I always say you can't have a beautiful painting without a beautiful canvas - and this primer creates the perfect flawless, poreless looking base for makeup. The way it smooths and blurs the look of skin is unlike any other SPF I've tried. I apply daily after moisturising with Charlotte's Magic Cream for the perfect skin prep." Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF45 PA+++, £73.60 (was £92) This luxury French staple is a multitasking, one-step complexion enhancer that contains stabilised sun filters which block both UVA and UVB rays over time with minimal degradation or breakdown of the filter molecules. In simpler terms, it provides longer-lasting protection without the need for frequent reapplication. It boasts ingredients like carnosine, which helps promote a firmer and more toned appearance while softening the appearance of wrinkles. Applying SPF should be a daily routine, so using the Chantecaille SPF not only protects your skin but also acts as an anti-ageing shield over time, thanks to high-quality pure botanicals including cherry blossom, lemon balm and white tea extract. Carnosine also works to promote a firmer and toned appearance and soften the looks of wrinkles. La Roche-Posay UVMUNE Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+ 50ml, £15.98 (was £20) Designed for sensitive skin, the high protection, broad spectrum sun cream is a fluid formula that's resistant to water, sweat, and even sand – ideal for those blissful beach days. Boasting their exclusive Mexoryl 400 filter, it offers robust protection against ultra long UVA rays, while the netlock technology ensures a strong, non-migrating shield. The sleek bottle design makes it a breeze to carry and pack, perfect for jet-setters. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios range has undergone rigorous dermatological testing on sensitive skin and for those who wear contact lenses. Currently, with a 20% discount at Superdrug, this sunscreen is flying off the shelves, earning praise as a "no nonsense SPF" from a five-star reviewer who said: "It took a bit of getting used to the very runny liquid but it sinks in quick and makeup sits on top great with no pilling." Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick, £27 Glow Recipe has captured the hearts of the internet with its Watermelon Glow line, even catching the attention of actress Sienna Miller, who adores their tinted Hue Drops, available for £32 at Cult Beauty. Expanding into sun care, the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick promises fuss-free application and clean hands for touch-ups throughout the day. Their new Watermelon Glow Dew Shield Hydrating Fluid, priced at £32, provides lightweight sun protection with clinically proven results to hydrate skin without any unwanted oiliness, thanks to the watermelon seed oil, vitamin E and niacinamide. Both the Sunscreen Stick and the Dew Shield are scented, so they might not be suitable for certain shoppers. EviDenS de Beaute's The Total Shield SPF 50 PA++++ Anti-Pollution Treatment, £95 The EviDenS de Beaute The Total Shield not only delivers superior sun protection but also keeps the skin hydrated, preventing sun spots and hyperpigmentation. We're aware that wearing high SPF can delay signs of ageing and acts as a preventative measure against skin cancer. The EviDenS de Beaute product enhances its formula with an exclusive anti-ageing ingredient - Triple Collagen - to protect skin from the harmful effects of sunrays and pollutant particles. What sets the EviDenS de Beaute SPF apart from others on the market is the precious La Foux Spring Water, which originates in the south of France and is known for its incredible moisturising and curative properties. It's lightweight and quick to absorb, and the subtle white floral scent adds a bit of luxury.


Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Covid strain in the UK could cause new 'wave of infection'
The XFG strain of Covid, known as Stratus, has quickly become one of the most dominant variants in the UK. An expert has warned that a new variant of Covid could cause another 'wave of infection'. The XFG variants, which are also known as 'Stratus', have already become the most dominant variant in the UK. The most recent figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicate that the XFG strain, known as Stratus, is swiftly proliferating across England, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) alerting to its "rapidly growing" presence worldwide. As of May, the Stratus variant constituted 10 per cent of Covid-19 cases in England. Presently, the XFG and its derivative, XFG.3, are responsible for approximately 40 per cent of infections, according to UKHSA statistics. In the period spanning May 26 to June 8, 28.9 per cent of cases were identified as the XFG. 3 variant, while 11.4 per cent were attributed to XFG. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, both belong to the Stratus family, with XFG being the original and XFG. 3 its offshoot. Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time. UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports. "Based on the available information so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them." This update follows closely on the heels of the WHO's disclosure of a new "more transmissible" variant named Nimbus, or NB. 1.8.1, which is also under observation. The latest figures indicate that the Nimbus strain of Covid is on a downward trend in the UK, now accounting for just 7.19 per cent of cases in England under classification NB. 1.8.1. The Stratus variant has surpassed Nimbus to become the most prevalent variant in England. Virologist Professor Lawrence Young of Warwick University revealed to MailOnline the worrying rise of the Stratus variant and its forms XFG and XFG. 3: "The increased competitiveness of XFG and XFG.3 is likely due to new spike mutations which make these variants more able to evade the immune response." He sounded an alarm over waning immunity among the public, as a result of declining uptake of the spring booster vaccination and receding Covid infection numbers recently. Prof Young warned: "This could lead to a new wave of infection but it's difficult to predict the extent of this wave." Expressing concerns about the behaviour of the Stratus variant to Cosmopolitan UK, Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, said: "Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations." Dr Khan described the Stratus strain as an offshoot of the Omicron variant, known for its high transmissibility and first detected in November 2021. As we look at the situation in May 2025, reports show that XFG constitutes roughly 25 per cent of the global Covid case count. Dr Khan remarked: "Despite this, it is important to mention that Stratus seems to be no worse than earlier Omicron variants in terms of illness, hospitalisations, or deaths." The World Health Organisation (WHO) has cautioned that the XFG strain is proliferating swiftly on a global scale. The organisation reported that cases surged within a month, from accounting for seven per cent of worldwide instances to reaching 23 per cent as of June 1. Nevertheless, WHO has evaluated the threat level of this variant as "low". It maintains that there is no current evidence indicating that XFG presents additional health risks relative to prior variants of the virus. Symptoms The most recent COVID-19 variants, frequently casually referred to as "Frankenstein" variants, usually present with symptoms akin to previous Omicron subvariants. Such symptoms commonly include upper respiratory tract problems such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing. Further symptoms like fatigue, headache, muscle pains, and decreased appetite are typically reported as well. It's worth mentioning that the once distinctive symptom of loss of smell or taste appears to be less prevalent with Omicron infections.