If you’ve seen SPF becoming more and more popular in skincare routines, you might have a few questions on how important it is, day to day. We’re sure that on a sunny day, you’re applying sunscreen under your makeup and all over your body, but would you do the same on a rainy or cloudy day?
Whilst applying sunscreen all over your body in the colder months isn’t necessarily needed as you're usually completely covered in warm winter clothes, SPF on the face and neck is recommended all year round.
A good skincare routine, including SPF, along with regular skin treatments at home or at a skin clinic like ours in Northampton, is the best way to maintain a youthful, healthy complexion. We have broken down the importance of wearing SPF everyday and what else you can be doing to protect your skin from sun exposure.
Do You Need To Wear SPF On Your Face When It’s Not A Warm Day?
As stated by the Skin Cancer Foundation, ‘Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent as well as can help prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun, including wrinkles, sagging and age spots.’
The ingredients in SPF protect your skin from a specific portion of ultraviolet (UV) light called UVB, which can cause skin cancer and premature skin ageing. A lot of people tend to use SPF in the last step of their morning routine, after moisturiser and before makeup.
SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect the skin from UV rays, so it's up to you to decide which will be the most effective for your day to day life. SPF 15 at a minimum and then judge what you do day to day and how powerful you'll need your SPF to be. For example, if you spend most of your time outside in the warmer months in the UK, then SPF 30 - SPF 50 would be a perfect match for you.
So How Do I Choose A Good SPF?
As recommended by the NHS, ‘You should see a star rating of up to 5 stars on UK sunscreens. The higher the star rating, the better. The letters "UVA" inside a circle is a European marking. This means the UVA protection is at least a third of the SPF value and meets EU recommendations.’
A good SPF is one that you want to use everyday. If you feel like one is too thick and doesn’t sit right under your makeup, it's best to switch before you just stop using it all together. There are many cosmetic based SPFs on the market, made to be a part of your daily skincare routine and to sit well underneath your makeup. If you prefer to just wear the same sunscreen as all over your body, then go for it! It’s whatever you’re happy to use and agrees with your skin type and the makeup you wear to keep your skin sun-safe.
How Do I Choose The Right SPF For My Skin Type?
There are a few recommendations out there for certain skin types. For example, oily skin types are advised to go for one marketed as lightweight, mattifying and non-absorbing as well as looking for non comedogenic sunscreens. These sunscreens contain ingredients that won't clog or block the pores on your skin.
For dry skin/sensitive skin, it's best to look for more nourishing and soothing sunscreens, which are oil-free, non comedogenic and fragrance free.
For combination skin you should be looking for a balance of both of the above. A sunscreen that has a more silky, lightweight texture, is non comedogenic, contains hydrating ingredients, non greasy and mattifying.
We stock the Ultrasun SPF at Bonds Skin Clinic in Northampton, if you’re coming in for treatments and would prefer to buy a product recommended by us.
5 Benefits Of Applying SPF Everyday
Reduces your risk of skin cancer
Protects your skin from painful sunburn
Slows the ageing process
Helps maintain an even skin tone
Can reduce inflammation on the skin
If you feel like your skin is feeling the effects of sun exposure and needs specialist attention, we offer a variety of expert skin treatments that can help prep your skin for the sun or rejuvenate it after sun exposure. Sun exposure without the right protection can really dry out your skin and cause it to feel tight and dehydrated. Our Hydracure Intense Hydration Facial with Peel uses a unique blend of ingredients to provide a boost of hydration and stimulate your skin's natural healing ability to retain moisture. If you have more sensitive skin and have recently been on holiday - chlorine, different sunscreens and a change in environment can really irritate your face. Our Be Calm Facial With Peel will provide relief and encourage regeneration to restore your complexion following sun exposure.
If you’re not already doing so, we hope this information encourages you to start wearing sunscreen every day to protect your skin and gain some amazing benefits from adding a simple step into your routine. If you’d like some extra help with protecting and rejuvenating your skin, browse our wider range of skin treatments - available at Bonds Skin Clinic in Northampton, or book a consultation with us.