Your Guide to SPF

Protecting your skin from UV rays and the sun is something that you should always have on your mind. Whether you’re jetting off to a sunny beach somewhere or just planning to be outside day to day; your skin needs a protective layer of SPF for a whole array of reasons. Even when the weather seems overcast, you will be surprised at the amount of  exposure you skin endures. To ensure your skin stays safe in the sun, follow our tips with your guide to SPF to avoid premature aging and ending the day looking like a fresh lobster straight out of the pot.

Why is SPF Important?

Wearing SPF protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, prevents sunburn and prevents the development of more serious skin conditions. The radiation from the suns’ rays lead to mutations of the skin cells which can lead to skin cancer. This means that even if you don’t tan quickly, your skin is still vulnerable and you need to wear skin protection. Not only that, but being exposed to the sun also promotes premature skin ageing, causing lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.

Regardless of your skin type, you will still see the benefits of applying an SPF daily, especially in the long term. A quick and simple application of a sunscreen can prevent so much to protect your looks and health, it’s worth spending those few extra minutes of getting ready and applying SPF.

You will also find that SPF is a must if you've been delving in to skincare that contains Glycolic Acid. As glycolic acid can make your skin extra sensitive to UV rays the days following use, you will want to opt for additional protection.

What to Look Out For:

When purchasing an SPF product, it is always worth making sure that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays; especially if you are going to warmer, sunnier climates. This will make sure that your skin is fully protected from the suns harmful rays. It’s also important to check the SPF Factor on the sun screen which you purchase, as different skin types will require slightly different needs. For example, an SPF 15 filters out 93% of UVB rays whilst a SPF 50 protects against 98%. You may think this difference is small, but if you're fair skinned you would definitely see additional benefits for opting for the stronger SPF number.

It is also advisable that you check that the bottle states ‘broad-spectrum protection’ to ensure it also protects adequately against UVA. Finally, if you take any medications which can increase your photosensitivity, it’s important to wear a strong SPF and aim to sit in the shade, especially between 11am-3pm, when the sun is at its strongest.

Don't forget that it's not just sun creams and lotions that will provide you will SPF protection. A lot of daily facial moisturisers and products will provide some protection. These lighter weight formulas are great for use on a daily basis, as you get all the benefits of your daily skincare routine, alongside the additional sun protection!

SPF Application Tips:

• Choose a water resistance SPF to protect from both the pool and perspiration.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun to make sure that it has fully absorbed into the skin.
• Ensure to re-apply your sun protection every 2-4 hours, SPF doesn’t effectively last all day.
• Re-apply your sun screen immediately after swimming.