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 can cause premature skin ageing, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tones. Dr Thivi Maruthappu Consultant Dermatologist at The Skin Health Alliance explains, “UV light is the number one cause of fine lines and wrinkles and so it makes total sense why we recommend wearing factor 30 SPF on a daily basis, even if you are spending time indoors as the light still passes through window glass. Think of it as part of your regular morning routine, like brushing your teeth.
” Dr Sam adds, “These rays are present all year round and penetrate through glass which is why I advocate daily use of sunscreen, rain or shine”. “A tan is our skin’s defence mechanism against the damaging effect of UV rays, so there is no such thing as a safe tan”, says Dr Sam. “I encourage patients to seek shade, cover up and use sunscreen as a complete approach to protecting against the sun’s rays.
I also recommend taking a vitamin D supplement all year round so there is no need to expose oneself to the sun for this essential hormone”. “Look for broad spectrum protection when choosing your sunscreen”, recommends Dr Sam Bunting. “A high Sun Protection Factor of at least SPF30 indicates good protection against UVB rays which can burn the skin and good UVA protection protects against the more deeply penetrating rays that cause accelerated collagen breakdown and pigmentation”.
This depends. As a general rule, it is advised to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or you’ve been swimming. It is not essential to have two different products for the body and the face but these are often created with different ingredients.
For example, you are likely to find more complexion-loving skincare ingredients in an SPF for the face that are more gentle, more easily absorbed and lighter weight. Gone are the days in which sun creams are sticky, chalky and laborious. Innovation in suncare protection has come on leaps and bounds with second skin-like formulas that feel lightweight and don’t leave residue or a white cast – so you can focus on what really matters; sun, sea and sangria.
We have tried and tested the best SPFs for your face with high-factor protection and quick and easy absorption..
