With the weather warming up and many of swapping out our jumpers for summer attire, it’s time to make sure we are being serious about our suncare! And yes, you should be wearing SPF protection all year round come rain, hail or shine, but it’s the spring and summer months that can really do the most damage to our skin due to an increase in sun exposure and UVA and UVB intensity.
With so many sunscreen options out there though, it’s easy to feel confused about which one to choose, how much to apply, and why it’s so important in the first place. Keep reading as we explain why SPF is non-negotiable for anyone who cares about their skin and how to choose the best sunscreen for you.
Firstly, why is sunscreen so important?
As much as we all love the sun, it sadly emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can do serious damage to our skin, leading to premature ageing and in some cases skin cancer. These UV rays come in two main forms: UVA and UVB, and they both affect our skin in different ways. A daily SPF acts as a protective barrier, preventing these rays from damaging our skin.
UVA verses UVB rays
When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, understanding the difference between UVA and UVB rays is essential for choosing the right sunscreen.
UVB rays affect the surface of your skin and are primarily responsible for sunburn. They also play a significant role in developing skin cancer. UVB rays vary in intensity depending on the season, but they’re dangerous year-round.
UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin and are responsible for premature ageing, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. UVA rays can also contribute to skin cancer. They are present year-round, even on cloudy days, and can even penetrate through windows! Scary stuff!
To protect against both UVA and UVB rays you need a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
What does SPF stand for and what does it actually mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it’s a measure of how long your skin is protected from UVB rays only, before it starts to burn. For example, SPF 30 means your skin is protected 30 times longer than it would be without sunscreen. However, this doesn’t mean that higher SPF numbers offer exponentially more protection. Here’s how it breaks down:
SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays.
SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays.
While SPF 100 might seem like overkill, there’s only a slight increase in protection from SPF 50 to SPF 100, so don’t stress too much about going over SPF 50. What matters most is that you’re applying enough sunscreen and reapplying it regularly.
How does SPF work?
SPF doesn’t create an impenetrable shield but rather extends the amount of time you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, applying SPF 30 theoretically extends that time by 30 times, giving you about 300 minutes (or 5 hours) of protection. This can vary based on factors like skin type, intensity of sunlight, and amount of sunscreen applied.
There are two main types of sunscreens - physical (mineral) and chemical sunscreen:
Physical or mineral-based sunscreens are formulated with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which create a barrier on your skin’s surface that reflects UV rays. They’re great for sensitive skin and are often less irritating.
Chemical sunscreens formulated with ingredients like homosalate, avobenzone and oxybenzone, work by absorbing UV rays before they can damage your skin. They’re often lighter in texture but may irritate sensitive skin.
How long does SPF really last for?
Even though the SPF number indicates extended protection, sunscreens typically last only 2 hours before they need to be reapplied. This is especially true if you’re swimming, sweating, or towelling off. Water-resistant sunscreens can help, but they still need to be reapplied frequently to maintain their effectiveness.
Additional application tips:
Be sure to apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of your skin, and don’t forget often-missed spots like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet. The key to effective sun protection is consistency—whether it’s sunny or cloudy, always include sunscreen in your daily skincare routine, it’s THE most important step!
Choosing the right SPF:
For daily use, an SPF 30 sunscreen is generally sufficient, as it blocks about 97% of UVB rays. However, if you have fair skin, are prone to burning, or spend a lot of time outdoors, consider an SPF 50 or higher for additional protection. Keep in mind that no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, so reapplication every two hours, or after swimming or sweating, is crucial.
What is the best sunscreen for you?
The first thing you want to do when selecting your sunscreen is to know your skin type. If you have oily skin, you’ll want to look for a non-comedogenic, oil-free formulations that won’t clog pores.
Dry skin? Opt for a sunscreen with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens are your best bet, as they’re less likely to cause irritation.
For daily use under makeup, a lightweight, mattifying sunscreen might be more suitable.
Some sunscreen products can be specially formulated to provide other benefits to the skin, such as extra moisture, and may contain beneficial ingredients like soothing niacinamide and ceramides to restore your skin’s natural protective barrier.
Our sunscreen recommendations;
Hubislab Post Rays UV Protect Sun Block SPF50+ PA+++
This amazing multi-tasking sun block provides complete UV and antioxidant protection for ageing or stressed-out skin! Its non-irritating, has an SPF of 50+ and protects the skin against UV radiation, preventing dryness, dullness and signs of premature ageing including hyperpigmentation.
Rich in peptides and collagen it keeps skin nourished, healthy and elastic and the invisible matte formula applies smoothly and stays on all day.
With zinc oxide as its main ingredient, there is zero irritation, so it is ideal for all skin types including those with extremely sensitive and/or ageing skin.
Medicalia Sunscreen SPF 40 with Blue Light Shield
The one and only reason why so many people are reluctant to use sunscreen (despite knowing how important it is) is because they can’t stand the texture or smell. Well with this outstanding tinted formulation there is no thick white paste or unruly sunscreen smell in sight! It feels like a lightweight moisturiser, smells divine, is loaded with anti-ageing goodies and it won’t cause itchiness thanks to its mineral formulation including both zinc and iron oxides. Very slightly tinted (though most of the tint disappears once it’s absorbed) it leaves your skin looking smoother and calmer. Oh and it protects skin against not only UVA and UVB rays (yes it provides skin with broad spectrum protection) but pollution and blue light damage omitted from our screens too! What’s more the formula is reef-safe and works for all skin types and tones too! Its outstanding!
Vie Collection Mela White Protective Sunscreen SPF 30
This is not only an amazing daily sunscreen to protect skin from UV rays, but it’s also formulated with two high-tech ingredients that act against hyperpigmentation and free radicals. Day after day, with daily use of course! Dark spots are less visible, skin is unified, smoothed and better protected. It’s a fantastic option for those who are after a great sun protection but are already suffering from sun damage.
ELES Blue Light Radiant BB Cream 30
If you are looking for an SPF product that is your makeup and daily moisturiser in one, look no further than this best-selling BB Cream with SPF 30 from ELES. The ultimate multi-tasker, this radiance boosting, de-ageing BB Cream is your morning moisturiser, foundation and sun protection all in one.
Formulated with potent ingredients including peptides, beta-carotene, amino acids, vitamin c, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin e and vitamin c, it nourishes, brightens and protects skin against UVA, UVB, blue light and free radical damage! Genius!
What’s more it provides light, buildable coverage, evening out skin tone while minimising the appearance of fine lines and imperfections for a truly natural, luminous finish!
Just remember, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll use consistently, so find a formula that feels comfortable on your skin and fits seamlessly into your routine. Just be sure its labelled as broad-spectrum so you have comprehensive coverage against both harmful rays.