April is the month to re-evaluate our skin after winter has taken its toll. Hopefully, you applied an SPF sunscreen daily during the winter months, even if the sun was a rare treat.

The money we invest in skin care is, frankly, wasted if we fail to use a good SPF protection. From April, I usually up my SPF factor from 30 to 50 until late autumn, as the sun is increasingly powerful in early spring into the summer months.

Skin damage can still occur with powerful UVA rays when driving, as it penetrates through windows. Your money will be well spent on you and your family with a good sunscreen. I like Ultra Sun as it is a once-a-day application and the range covers all areas of the body.

Experts and dermatologists also highly recommend La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 for the face – a hydrating and non-greasy sunscreen in SPF 50. It contains an exclusive MEXORYL400 filter technology and has gained a big following, selling in all the major chemists for around £19.

Whichever sunscreen you choose, ensure it has a 5 star UVA rating, and don’t overlook hands, tips of ears or bald spots.

Thinking beyond sun protection, good skin care does not have to be expensive – here are a couple of popular brands to look out for.

Revolution
This brand has certainly earned a top spot for offering affordable, vegan, made-in-the-UK products formulated to include hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C and niacinamide (a form of vitamin B) to name just a few ingredients.

Fragrance-wise it is very light but, being synthetic, it contains no irritating oils. The range includes a Clean Sheet Morning Cleanser for £10, Must-C Anytime Serum for £15, and Cream Drench Rich Anytime Moisturiser for £14.

The Ordinary
This is another great brand with an extensive range of products, from eye serums and facial cleansers to hair and scalp treatments. They also offer free delivery for orders over £25, and a 365-day return policy for items that are at least half full. (T&Cs apply).

Two products I incorporate into my skin care are their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (£13.90) – a hydrating serum that helps to plump and smooth your skin – and their Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (£9.90). The latter is a winner for targeting dryness and keeping the outer layer of your skin protected.

Consumers in the world of skin care often get a raw deal, with many well-known beauty ranges charging exorbitant prices and feeding off our insecurities about how we look. It’s refreshing to find companies that allow us to enjoy excellent skin care without breaking the bank.