You’re probably using the wrong sunscreen on holiday: Here’s what a derm says to pack (from $20)

On the plane 

Credit: Getty Images

1/15

Your sun protection should start from the beginning of your journey and that includes your plane ride, especially if you’re seated near the window. 

“When you choose a window seat on a plane, you will realise that the sun feels more intense through the window pane,” Dr Tay shares. “This is because a higher altitude translates to greater exposure to UVA/B visible light. I would choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA/ UVB/ visible light protection, but it does not have to be water or sweat-resistant.”

Krave Beauty Beet The Sun SPF, $35

Credit: Krave Beauty

2/15

This lightweight sunscreen is so comfortable, it feels like second skin. It delivers broad-spectrum protection with no white cast and keeps skin suitably hydrated. Upcycled beetroot extract is a key ingredient that fights oxidative stress, while other ingredients like beta oat glucan hydrates strengthen the skin barrier. 

SEKKISEI Skincare UV Defense Essence Mist, $20

Credit: Kose

3/15

This easy-to-use mist gives on-the-go sun protection and leaves skin feeling refreshed and moisturised. Ingredients include three types of Job’s tears, white lotus extract and rose myrtle extract. Best of all, it’s non-sticky and designed to be applied over makeup without leaving any white residue. 

Beach holiday

Credit: Getty Images

4/15

Going on a sunny beach holiday? You might need to ramp up your sun protection. Dr Tay reveals that water and sand reflect an additional 10 percent and 30 percent of UV rays respectively. 

You’ll need water-resistant sunscreen for a day at the beach – SPF 50 and above, with UVA protection. Dr Tay also recommends using a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

“For water sports, use water-resistant sunscreen – at least four hours if possible – SPF 50 and above with UVA protection,” says Dr Tay. “Also consider additional UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing such as UV protection masks or UV patches if you’ll be spending prolonged periods in the water. 

“You can also think about taking oral supplements for additional secondary protection from sun exposure but it cannot replace sunscreen use,” she adds. 

Bioderma Photoderm XDefense SPF50+, $46.90 

Credit: Bioderma

5/15

This sunscreen is ideal for anyone going on a tropical holiday as it has a melt-into-skin texture that will not make you feel extra sticky when it’s hot. It also absorbs quickly, so fast application as you’re on the go is possible, and it leaves your skin looking radiant while protecting it from environmental stressors. There are minimal solar filters in the formula and include skin-identical ingredients like glycerine, which are compounds naturally present in the skin structure.  

RE:ERTH Phytobright+, $135

Credit: Re:Erth

6/15

A powerful blend of colourless carotenoids from tomato oil, cherry blossom extract, L-Cystine, and Japanese turmeric, this oral supplement strengthens your skin’s defences against UVA and UVB rays, supports collagen production, and helps inhibit melanin formation. The result? Stronger, more radiant skin from within. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and made from 100 percent natural ingredients.

Outdoor or hiking adventure

Credit: Getty Images

7/15

When spending most of your time outdoors, Dr Tay recommends sunscreen of SPF 50 and above, as well as UVA protection. 

“Use water-resistant sunscreen (at least four hours if possible), especially if you’re expecting a lot of perspiration,” she says. “Consider additional UPF clothing such as UV protection masks, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.”

Dr Tay also suggests frequent re-applications for long hikes, ideally every two hours.

RE:ERTH Radiance Defense, $65

Credit: Re:Erth

8/15

Ensure powerful sun protection and skin health benefits with RE:ERTH’s first sunscreen. The powerful formula provides five layers of protection and has been successfully tested – in an onsen – for its water resistance. What’s more, it is infused with ingredients such as mandarin orange peel extract that refines skin’s texture and rose myrtle which helps prevent accelerated skin ageing. It also blends effortlessly with makeup. 

Takami Soothing UV Protection, $55

Credit: Takami

9/15

This formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue and delivers long-lasting protection with SPF 50+ PA+++. Its photostable filters resist degradation under sunlight, ensuring consistent coverage. Gentle and non-irritating, the milk-in-essence texture is free from silicones, fragrance, and oil, making it especially suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.

Urban escape

Credit: Getty Images

10/15

“Use broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 and above with UVA and visible light protection,” says Dr Tay. “Re-apply frequently if you’re outdoors.”

Sisley Sunleÿa Anti-Aging Sun Care SPF50+, $350

Credit: Sisley

11/15

Sunleÿa believes in protection and correction, which means it is not just about shielding your skin from the effects of sun exposure but also reducing the appearance of wrinkles, improving elasticity and preventing dark spots. The multi-tasker contains the G+ Complex, an efficacious blend of natural origin key ingredients such as red algae extract, which slows down photoageing. 

Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum UV Fluid SPF 50+ PA++++, $88

Credit: Bobbi Brown

12/15

This lightweight, milky formula not only protects your skin from the sun, but also nourishes it with brightening cordyceps and ginseng, while plumping it with narcissus tazetta bulb extract and Argireline peptide.

Winter wonderland

Credit: Getty Images

13/15

Don’t be fooled by the cooler weather; you’ll still need sun protection here. Dr Tay reveals that snow reflects an additional 80 percent of UV rays, and coupled with windy conditions at high altitudes, actually accounts for a lot of UV exposure.  

“Use water-resistant sunscreen (at least four hours if possible) and you can even consider sunscreen sticks that are not rubbed off as easily,” says Dr Tay. 

She suggests SPF 50 and above with UVA protection and to consider masks and ski goggles with good UPF. Remember to reapply frequently between ski runs. You could also take oral heliocare as an adjunct for additional secondary protection from UV damage – but this does not replace sunscreen use. 

SHISEIDO’s Global Suncare range, from $45

Credit: Shiseido

14/15

This new range goes beyond providing sun protection – it also actively strengthens and repairs your skin throughout the day. Featuring an upgraded formulation powered by the brand’s SynchroShieldRepair Technology, there are four skincare-infused sunscreens in the range – Perfect Sun Protector Lotion, Perfect Sun Protector Lotion Sensitive, Perfect Sun Protector Clear Stick and Perfect Sun Protector Hydro Gel Cream. The ingredients used include five types of algae extract and glycerine, which help to prevent dryness and give off a delightful glow.

The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum, $34

Credit: The Ordinary

15/15

This sunscreen’s brand-new formulation offers broad-spectrum SPF protection against sun damage and premature skin ageing, effectively blocking about 98 percent of UVB rays—only slightly less than the 98.3 percent blocked by SPF 50. With no heavy texture or white cast, this sunscreen serum ensures daily wearability, while being gentle on sensitive skin. Ceramides keep hydration locked in while chemical UV filters provide broad-spectrum protection. Plus, it’s also easy to layer with makeup and skincare.