Expert says SPF serum is best alternative if you're tired of common skincare issue

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+ 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.

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.

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 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+ 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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