Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+

It is the Medik8 sunscreen made for it. The only UV filter is 12% non-nano zinc oxide, which sits on the skin's surface rather than being absorbed, so there are no chemical UV absorbers for reactive skin to object to, and the base is built from squalane, jojoba, hyaluronic acid, bisabolol and allantoin to hydrate and soothe. Patch test first if your skin is very reactive.

Medik8 no longer lists Physical Sunscreen on its own UK website, where its current sunscreens are the Advanced Day range (Total Protect, Ultimate Protect and Eye Protect). We continue to stock genuine Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+ while supplies last, for customers who specifically want a zinc-oxide-only mineral formula.

It is a zinc oxide formula, so a faint cast is possible until it is fully blended, and it is more noticeable on deeper skin tones. Apply in a thin, even layer, work it in well and let it set to its semi-matte finish; make-up on top covers any trace.

Yes - the pack states water resistant for 80 minutes. That means it holds its protection through swimming or sweating for up to 80 minutes, after which you should reapply; also reapply after towel drying and at least every 2 hours in the sun regardless. No sunscreen stays on indefinitely in water, which is why UK labelling says water resistant rather than anything stronger.

That is one of its main uses: a mineral filter that reflects UV from the surface, with no chemical absorbers, is what Becci suggests for freshly resurfaced skin, and the soothing base of bisabolol, allantoin and hyaluronic acid is kind to it. Always follow your own practitioner's instructions on when SPF can go back on after a procedure.

Apply liberally - a generous layer over the face, neck and décolletage - 15 minutes before going out, as the final step after moisturiser. Reapply at least every 2 hours, and sooner after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating or after towel drying. Using too little is the most common reason any sunscreen underperforms.

A physical, or mineral, sunscreen uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles that sit on the skin's surface and reflect and absorb UV. A chemical sunscreen uses filters that absorb UV within the skin's upper layer and convert it to heat. Both protect when used properly; mineral formulas are generally preferred for sensitive, reactive and post-procedure skin because there are no chemical absorbers to react to. Medik8 Physical Sunscreen uses zinc oxide only.

Yes to both. It dries to a semi-matte finish designed to work seamlessly with make-up - give it a few minutes to set first. In the morning, apply your vitamin C serum (C-Tetra or C-Tetra Luxe) after cleansing, then moisturiser, then the sunscreen as the final step.

Its only UV filter is zinc oxide, a mineral that sits on the skin's surface, and the formula contains no vitamin A and no exfoliating acids. Medik8 publishes no pregnancy or breastfeeding guidance for this product, and as a cosmetics company it does not advise on medical conditions, so please check the ingredient list with your midwife or GP before use.