It’s been scientifically proven time and time again that wearing SPF is the single most important thing you can do for your skin ☀️
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰:
LINKS TO AGEING
The sun’s rays are responsible for 80-90% of signs of ageing i.e. fine lines, wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity.
LINKS TO SKIN CONCERNS
Got large pores? Dull skin? Pigmentation? Post spot redness? Acne scars? All of these will worsen when exposed to the sun’s rays. Prevention is better than treatment!
UVA vs UVB
UVB causes sunburning/ redness, UVA penetrates the skin deeper. Try to remember UVA = Ageing; UVB = Burning
WEAR IT INDOORS TOO
The sun’s rays can still penetrate through clouds and windows, meaning if you’re out and about, driving or if you spend a lot of time near the windows in your home, the UVA rays can still penetrate through and damage your skin. Including days where the sun’s not out and it’s raining.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Your SPF should be a broad spectrum that offers protection against UVA & UVB light. When buying a sunscreen, UVB protection is denoted by the SPF; UVA protection is denoted by a UVA star rating or the letters UVA inside a circle – that’s how you know the standard is high enough has been approved by the EU.
SPF should be minimum 30-50, but 15-30 is fine if you have olive/ dark skin.
WEAR A HAT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT
85% of the sun’s rays reflect off ice, sand, water and the pavement meaning that simply wearing a hat to protect yourself isn’t enough.
WHAT ABOUT SPF IN MAKEUP/ SKINCARE?
Although some moisturisers/ makeup contain SPF, we most likely don’t use anywhere near enough of the product to achieve the same SPF coverage as using a sunscreen. This means it won’t be as effective and your skin won’t have as much protection. You are best using SPF as a stand-alone product so you can judge how much of it you are applying.
SKIN-TYPE SPECIFICS
Oily skin types should go for mattifying gels/ fluids and dry skin types should go for rich and hydrating creams/ balms.
SPF usually has a moisturising base, so if you have oily skin you don’t necessarily need another layer of moisturiser (but judge this for yourself).
USING A SPRAY ON SPF
If you use a spray-on sunscreen, make sure you apply it liberally and rub it in; they don’t usually provide enough coverage. Spray on SPF’s are good if you tend to wear makeup as you have to re-apply SPF every two hours to get the full benefits.
WHEN WEARING MAKEUP
SPF should be the last product applied before primer/ makeup. Leave it to absorb for at least 5 mins before putting your makeup on.
CLEANSING
Make sure to double cleanse your skin in the evening to ensure your sunscreen is removed properly and doesn’t clog your pores or cause spots.
RELATIONS TO SKIN CANCER
I don’t even have to say anything about this as it’s something we are all aware of. This one is close to my heart as my Grandad passed away with skin cancer (perhaps one of the reasons I am so pro-SPF).
It’s better to spend £10-20 on a good SPF than £1,000’s down the line trying to fix problems that could have easily been prevented ❤️
Top Facial SPF Picks
Recommended for Dry/ Normal skin types:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shake Fluid Cream SPF 50
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Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration, Air Soft Face SPF 50
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Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Sun Defence SPF 50
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Nuxe Sun Emulsion SPF 30
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Recommended for Combination/ Oily Skin Types:
La Roche-Posay Invisible Sun Spray SPF 50
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REN Clean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF 30
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Soap & Glory Sunshield Superfluid SPF 50
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Mist SPF 55
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La Roche-Posay Anti-Imperfections with Salicylic Acid SPF 50 (spot prone)
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Nivea Shine Control SPF 50
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Vichy Ideal Soleil Mattifying Sun Cream SPF 30
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