Dispatches from the world of high-perfomance, science-driven skincare, every week 

It’s the skincare equivalent of drinking a green juice (in that it’s both irritatingly good for you and impossible to sustain for long periods of time). But, news just in from the science-driven world of hi-tech skincare: SPF has experienced something of an overhaul for 2013. For the first time, it’s been given the same care and attention by the big brands as an anti-ageing serum or daily moisturiser. Making it, actually, pretty pleasurable to use. Thereby, potentially diminishing the quite frankly, astounding number of us that still don't use it (that'll be 40%). 

And by god is it vital. At every skincare launch I attend, it’s a given that there will be a noted dermatologist present, endorsing SPF as the holy grail of skin that ages well. There’s no getting away from it: protecting your skin from the sun’s rays (and yes that always means being responsible in the sun by not directing your face at it for hours on ends) is still the number one path in maintaining healthy looking, happy skin free from those odd blotches that begin as freckles and end up as… odd blotches.

So, forget all notions of unctuous white emulsion paste-like formulas and welcome one of the new light as air, clever sprays, gels and colour correcting lotions into your daily skin repertoire.  And yes, they are a bit sexy. They make your skin look better. Genuinely. 

Click the gallery for this year's best.