We hear from skin experts that wearing a daily SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is essential and some of us follow that advice whether we understand why or not, but some of us don’t follow the advice, so after reading this, things will hopefully become a lot clearer and the choice of which SPF to add to your daily routine narrowed right down.

Why Wear a Daily SPF?

So let’s start at the beginning, and the reasons why wearing an SPF daily is so important. The bottom line is, that they help protect our skin against dangerous UV damage from the sun. This is the kind of damage that leads to early ageing (things like sunspots, thinning and dehydration,) to more hardcore things like skin cancer. By wearing an SPF, even if you start today, you are helping to protect your long-term health and precious skin from any more sun damage.

Essential Guide to Wearing SPF

We can all get on board with wearing an SPF while on holiday and in the summer months, but sun damage can happen all year round, even in the winter. Here are a few things we need to remember…

Ideally, wear nothing below a factor 30
Use a broad spectrum SPF (this means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays)
Apply your SPF 20 minutes before going out in the sun
Apply the equivalent of 2 tablespoons worth
Remember to apply it to your ears, neck, hands and feet.
Reapply every 2 hours

When to Apply Daily Facial SPF

After applying your morning moisturiser, apply your chosen facial SPF. Some skincare and makeup products contain added SPF but bear in mind that you need to be reapplying your SPF throughout the day, so a spray form may be beneficial if you have makeup on.

What Are UVA and UVB Rays?

Rays from the sun come through our atmosphere and get absorbed by our skin, these rays are called ultraviolet rays (UV) and provide our skin with some much-needed Vitamin D. Too much sun exposure is where the danger lies though, as these rays penetrate our skin and damage healthy skin cells, so protect your skin in the form of clothing or an SPF. You can check the levels of UV on your weather app, being super careful when it reads high, very high, or extreme.

UVA - These rays are not absorbed by the ever-thinning ozone layer, and invisibly penetrate deep into our skin, showing later signs of ageing and loss of elasticity.

UVB - These rays are partially blocked by the ozone layer (less so now) and are the culprit of our red sunburn and cancerous cells.

What Is the Difference Between Natural and Chemical Sunscreen?

Natural sunscreen, also known as mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that creates a barrier on the skin to reflect UV rays. They are less likely to cause skin irritation and are considered safe for our skin and the planet, as they don’t contain any chemicals associated with coral reef damage. The slight downside is that the zinc may leave a white layer on the skin, but this can be avoided if you mix it with a body tint. That white layer is a good identifier to see if a sunscreen is a natural/mineral sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreen contains ingredients such as avobenzone, octinoxate or oxybenzone. They don’t create a barrier on the skin, but instead absorb the UV rays, turning them into heat which is then released from the skin. Some of these ingredients have been proven to be detrimental to coral health.

Words Explained…

Here are some words you may find being used when talking about sunscreen

Non Nano - This refers to zinc oxide, a natural ingredient found in natural sunscreen. It means that the particle is larger than 100nm and therefore won't penetrate your skin, which is a good thing! It is the safest option for UV filters and has been shown to be the safest option for marine life and coral reefs.

Topical - This simply means it can be applied to the skin.

Broad Spectrum - Protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.