Women's Health (UK)

02 SUNSCREEN OR SPF-LOADED MOISTURISE­R?

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What’s the difference? Both of these products offer protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

The difference lies in their purpose, explains Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Skin Clinics. ‘The primary aim of a moisturise­r is to hydrate the skin and the SPF protection is a secondary goal, while an SPF is used to protect the skin from UV rays, first and foremost.’ Also, an SPF is a comprehens­ive product designed to protect you from all types of visible light. It will contain filters to block UVA and UVB, and possibly also blue (HEV) light. ‘Moisturise­rs with SPF tend to only contain UVB protection, which is usually minimal, and definitely not comprehens­ively protective,’ adds Dr Shotter, who advises using a standalone SPF, since UVA radiation is the single greatest extrinsic factor that damages your DNA, increases your cancer risk and ages your skin.

How to use them: SPF is always the last step in your AM skincare routine. If you tend to stay indoors and aren’t exposed to direct sunlight, your SPF should remain effective. But if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, swimming or sweating, you should reapply it throughout the day, around every two to three hours.

WH picks: Ultrasun Face SPF50+ Moisturisi­ng Anti-ageing & AntiPigmen­tation Sun Protection, £32; Skinceutic­als Advanced Brightenin­g UV Defense Sunscreen SPF50,

£45; Caudalie Anti-wrinkle Face Suncare SPF50, £9.50

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