How to pick the perfect sunscreen for your travels

You know about SPF and PA++++, but your needs are so much more complicated than just keeping UVB and UVA rays out.

Here's a guide to picking out the perfect sunscreen for your next vacation.

Let's get this out of the way: coming back from a holiday looking like a cooked lobster is NOT a badge of honour.

With so many different types of sunscreens available on the market, you really don't have an excuse to not use one.

Whether it's a weekend shopping trip to Hong Kong or that annual ski holiday in Niseko, you need to protect your skin from the sun's deadly rays.

Not sure what to look out for?

Here's a checklist that will come in handy.

1. Climate: what's it going to be like?

Is it going to be hot and humid or is it going to be cool and dry?

Knowing the climate of the place you're visiting will help you decide the texture and the strength of your chosen sunscreen.

For instance, you can get sunburnt on the ski slopes because the snow reflects the sun's rays back to you.

Hence, you'll need something that's creamy (for the dryness) and with a high SPF.

2. Itinerary: what will you be doing?

Lounging in the pool or hiking through the mountains? A sunscreen that stays put even when you're sweaty or wet is a must.

You will also need to find one that doesn't sting should sweat trickles into your eyes.

If you're spending most of your time in the city, get a sunscreen that protects you from the pollution and has a texture that makes it a breeze to reapply while you're on the go.

3. Makeup: will you look ridiculous wearing it?

We know what you're thinking: celebrities wear makeup everywhere.

But if you're going to be surrounded by bare-faced babes with naturally radiant complexions, like in a yoga retreat, a full face of war-paint can make you look like you're trying too hard.

Why not try a sunscreen with a little tint so at least your skin wouldn't look so sallow?

Wearing makeup?

Go for a sunscreen with a watery texture so it doesn't feel you are wearing too much makeup after the foundation or BB cream goes on.

4. Skin: any concerns?

Sunscreen does not give you acne or sensitive skin.

Your skin's underlying collagen and elastin structure is damaged because you did not protect it from sun exposure earlier on.

But it's not too late.

If acne is a concern, choose a sunscreen that is anti-acnegenic.

Want something that gives additional skincare benefits?

Go for a sunscreen with anti-ageing ingredient.

And the best sunscreens approved by Go Away …

YSL Or Rouge UV Protection SPF 50/ PA+++

1. Creamy texture but feels light on the skin, making it great for humid climes too

2. Slightly tinted so you can go without foundation if you want

3. Contains crocin, a saffron glycan for anti-ageing benefits

Laneige All Day Anti-Pollution Defensor SPF 30 PA++

1. Creamy texture but does not leave an oily residue on the skin

2. Protects skin from fine dust

3. Has additional skin whitening effects

Orbis Sunscreen Freence SPF 30 PA+++

1. Watery texture that works well if you are going to stay relatively dry

2. Has a hydrating veil to lock moisture in skin all day

3. Melts into the skin so you can layer makeup on top

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++

1. Lightly tinted to give some coverage to skin

2. Lotion texture

3. 100% mineral based so it's great for sensitive and acne-prone skin

Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution Day Screen Multi-Protection SPF 50 Neutral

1. Watery texture. Sweat-resistant so it's great for humid cities

2. Protects skin from pollution and has anti-ageing benefits

3. Works great layered under foundation

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