Whether you are a sun worshipper, shade hogger or outdoor adventurer, we cannot stress enough the importance of adding sunscreen to your warm weather plans this summer and beyond. A reliable sun cream should be one of the most important items on your holiday checklist - no matter if you’re basking in the British sunshine on a staycation or jetting off to far-flung destinations (here’s hoping!). While coating our complexions in lotions and potions during the warmer weather has been stressed since we were children, it should play a staple part in your skincare regime come rain or shine.
The acronym stands for Sun Protection Factor. It’s a common misconception that this refers to the level of shielding that the cream provides and instead is a measurement of time that it will protect your complexion and body from ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you burn in just one minute of sun exposure, SPF50 will give you 50 minutes until you need to reapply.
The lower the SPF, the more frequently you need to reapply. London-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting explains, “Using sunscreen has been shown to prevent both skin cancer and premature ageing so it should be the first daily “anti-ageing” step in any skincare routine”. These formulas act as a barrier between the sun and your skin and are important for preventing serious skin conditions like cancer.
Apply half a teaspoon each day to give your skin sufficient coverage from harmful UVA and UVB rays as well as blue light that.