Arguably, the most essential part of any summer skincare routine (or any season, if we’re being honest) is wearing SPF. But on top of that, remembering to apply it regularly and everywhere that may get exposed to those harmful UV rays, is essential.

Whenever we have quizzed beauty experts – be they dermatologists, aestheticians or cosmetic surgeons – for their pick when it comes to skincare that stops premature ageing in its tracks, they all agree that the most important thing you can do is wear sunscreen. Daily. No arguments, no forgetting on a cloudy day. Add to that the fact that an estimated 90 per cent of all melanomas in Australasia are caused by direct sunlight, making daily sunscreen use an absolute no brainer.

For skin health professionals, an individualised approach is essential, and many of the industry’s most innovative brands now offer a suite of SPF options to cover a plethora of skin issues, wants and needs.

Founded in 1990 by plastic surgeon Dr. Harry Fallick, TiZO was developed to meet the needs of patients with high photosensitivity who were unable to tolerate conventional sunscreens, and their impressive work continues today. Dr. Fallick and his team have become leaders in mineral sunscreen, continuously setting the benchmark for safe and effective sun care.

Each formula is developed by TiZO’s expert chemists and rigorously tested by accredited third-party laboratories, underscoring the brand’s commitment to safety and quality. TiZO’s formulations are also photostable and free from chemical sunscreen filters, dyes, fragrances, oils and preservatives, with sensitivity in mind.

Their US-formulated mineral sunscreens are what made their storied reputation, but the brand is continuing to innovate and recently introduced a range of Tinted Moisturising Serums SPF 30+ ($85 RRP ), available in five shades. Enriched with Zinc Oxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Vitamins C and E, this fresh innovation is extending the brand’s legacy of combining protection, performance, and skin health. Distributed in New Zealand via Boutique Beauty Brands.

Top sun protection picks from the offering at Caci nationwide include Murad’s bestselling Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat Broad Spectrum SPF 50 and Skinsmiths Daily Mineral Defence SPF40, and for a multitasking powerhouse clients can’t help but love, Murad Superactive Moisturiser SPF 50: Brightening is a 3-in-1 formula that infuses skin with all-day hydration, targets UV-damaged skin and dark spots, while delivering a high level SPF 50.

Founded in 1985 in Barcelona, mesoestetic®’s scientifically advanced products and treatments are available in over 110 countries, including New Zealand. Their best-selling mesoprotech® range has recently benefitted from the brand’s commitment to constant innovation with the development of a new patented technology: PHOTON. PHOTON technology is activated by solar radiation, increasing protective efficacy and preventing skin damage to defend the skin against occasional and cumulative sun exposure.

The range includes four sunscreens with active ingredients and textures to suit all skin types, developed using carefully selected ingredients to optimise sun protection and adapt it to the needs and demands of different skin. The four very different formulas combine the highest solar protection with specific ingredients to provide maximum effectiveness and cosmetic benefits, and include the mesoprotech hydra cream SPF50 for dry and dehydrated skin, and mesoprotech melan 130 pigment control SPF50, a best-selling, lightweight tinted emulsion for all skin types but especially those prone to pigmentation. The water-resistant formula provides a natural tint and helps to soften the appearance of imperfections to reveal a more visibly even tone.

One of the most awarded skincare brands in spas around the globe, IMAGE Skincare is also famous for its highly efficacious suncare innovations, which are the dream both post-procedure and as an essential part of any regimen. They offer several formulations under the DAILY PREVENTION umbrella, all of which utilise patent-pending technology for the ultimate in anti-ageing hydration and unparalleled sun protection. All are multi-functional moisturisers with sunscreen that feature the aforementioned proprietary, patent-pending XOSM™ Technology, which optimises the delivery and penetration of potent antioxidants like highly stable vitamin C – the ultimate add on for sun protection and repair.

Popular picks include the DAILY PREVENTION advanced smartblend mineral moisturizer SPF 50, a colour-correcting daily moisturiser that soothes, neutralises redness and boosts hydration to reinforce the skin’s barrier while providing broad-spectrum protection for compromised or sensitive skin, and the ultra defense moisturizer SPF 50, which delivers advanced antioxidant protection with a luminous veil of hydration.