Why sun protection could save your skin
TEach week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice
hink SPF is just for your summer holidays? Think again. Experts agree we should be applying an SPF30 or above every single day, even if the sun is firmly hiding behind the clouds.
SPF stands for sun protection factor and it measures the level of protection a product will give you from UVB – the sun’s burning rays.
SPF30 blocks 97 per cent of UVB, while SPF50 blocks 98 per cent. The higher you go the better.
A good SPF also contains protection from UVA rays, which are the damaging ones that cause skin to age prematurely. This is indicated on the label by a separate star rating, so when choosing a product to buy, make sure it has at least four stars.
And forget thick chalky white creams – today’s SPFs are effective, lightweight and barely detectable on the skin. What’s more, they come in many different forms, from sprays and gels to oils – so there’s sure to be one to suit you.
There are so many products to choose from it can be confusing, but we can help clear things up. Here we answer all your questions about SPFs.
Do I need to wear SPF on my whole face if I’m wearing a Covid mask?
Yes. Most masks are made of light cotton material, the equivalent of around SPF7, which is much less than the minimum recommended SPF. Plus, there will be times when you pull down your face mask, leaving your skin unprotected.
Does wearing SPF put you at risk of vitamin D deficiency?
It’s true that sunscreen blocks UVB rays, which are important for generating vitamin D in the skin.
However, 20 to 30 minutes of exposure to the sun two to three times a week is enough to top up your levels, after which you should wear sunscreen.
What’s the difference between chemical and mineral/physical sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreen contains ingredients that absorb UV rays and release them from the skin.
Mineral or physical sunscreens use ingredients such as zinc oxide which sit on top of the skin to deflect and scatter rays.
These ingredients used to be visible on the skin and hard to rub in, but advances in skincare technology mean this is no longer the case.
In fact, they are gentle on the skin and less irritating than chemical sunscreens. Most brands use a combination of both.
Do I need to use sunscreen if my foundation also has an SPF?
Foundation containing SPF is better than nothing, but is no substitute for a good sunscreen and most won’t protect against UVA rays.
You would also have to use it like a sunscreen and apply it every couple of hours for it to provide protection.
How much sunscreen should I apply?
The general rule is to apply sunscreen liberally and frequently.
Be very generous – allow at least a teaspoon for the face, neck and back of hands, plus one tablespoon each for the front of your body, back, legs and arms – so that
would be around six teaspoons in total.
Can I mix sunscreen with my moisturiser to make it last longer?
Sunscreen needs to be applied at a certain thickness to do the job. SPF30 is only SPF30 if you use it in the right amount.
When you mix sunscreen with moisturiser you dilute the formula, which means you have to use even more to get the required SPF.
Can I use last year’s sunscreen?
Check the label for its shelf life, as the average is six to 12 months. Look for the open jar symbol on the packaging which gives you the time frame once opened.
WHICH SPF IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The best sunscreen is the one you’re going to use. Do you like the feel and smell of it? Does it feel good on your skin? Check the label says “broad spectrum”, meaning it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Best for… SKIN CONCERNS
Eucerin Eucerin Actinic Control MD SPF100, £25 (Boots), is specifically formulated for those who are more vulnerable to the sun’s harsh UV rays.
Best for… BUDGET
PS Travel Size Sensitive Sun Cream SPF50, £2 (Primark), is light and a bargain.
Best for… FACE
Coola Mineral Face SPF30 Matte Tint,
£36 (cultbeauty.co.uk), contains vitamin C, rosehip oil, and blurs imperfections for a soft focus finish.
Best for… REDNESS/ROSACEA
Rosalique 3-in-1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50, £29.99 (rosalique.co.uk), uses ultra-fine colour pigments to mask and neutralise redness.
Best for… PERFORMANCE
SVR Sun Secure
Mist SPF50+, £19 (lookfantastic.com), protects against UVA and UVB with a combination of highperformance photostable organic filters that form a physical barrier on the surface of the skin.
Best for… BODY
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk SPF30, £10 (Superdrug), is an ocean-friendly formula that contains coconut to moisturise skin.
Best for… HANDS
Hello Sunday The One For Your Hands SPF30, £8, (hellosundayspf.com), is an ultra-light formula that protects from UVA and UVB. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, it moisturises and repairs.
Best for… NATURAL
Wild Science Lab Bright Start SPF30 Broad Spectrum UV Shield, £39 (wildsciencelab.com), contains stabilised vitamin C and antioxidant-rich vitamin E to maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
Best for… ECO
Soleil Toujours Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF30, £19 (Space NK), contains natural organic ingredients and is reef safe, so it’s great for sea swimming.
Best for… SENSITIVE
Avene Intense Protect 50+ Sunscreen, £20 (Boots), absorbs and reflects UVA/UVB rays as well as high-energy visible blue light and is suitable for the most sensitive skin.
For more of Lesley’s tips, visit lesleyreynolds.com