One thing all skin experts agree on, is that SPF is a non-negotiable part of your daily routine!
Everyone should be wearing SPF every day
Prevention is always, always better than cure, and even more so when it comes to your skin. The repercussions of leaving the house without SPF might not show in your 20’s or even in your 30’s but later on your skin will show it. Over the years I have had so many skin consultations with customers and it’s crazy the amount of people who want to reduce wrinkles but none of them wear SPF daily?
If you don't protect your skin from the sun, fine lines and wrinkles will catch up with you all eventually.
Everyone should be wearing a broad-spectrum SPF of at least factor 30 every day – no matter your skin tone, skin type or age. Yep, every day. UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so you’re still at risk of damage on gloomy winter days. Broad spectrum means that the formula protects against two key types of UV rays: UVB, which causes burning, and UVA which is responsible for premature ageing. SPF needs to be applied generously (at least half a teaspoon for your face and neck) and reapplied regularly throughout the day – especially if you have been swimming or sweating.
Why is daily SPF so important?
Daily SPF is crucial for three key reasons:
- Reduces the risk of skin cancer
- Keeps skin fresh and bright looking
- Prevents premature ageing
Let's dive into these a little more...
SPF reduces the risk of skin cancer
UV exposure is the main cause of skin cancer. The rays travel from the sun, into our skin, where they can cause damage to the DNA in our skin cells. There are particular factors that can make us more susceptible to developing skin cancer, which include, but are not limited to:
- If you have lots of moles
- If you have a pale skin tone that burns easily
- If you have red or blonde hair
- If you have previously had serious sunburn
In these cases, monitoring your skin and paying particular attention to your SPF application is especially important. Using tanning beds or sun lamps, which emit artificial light, can also increase your risk of skin cancer.
SPF keeps skin fresh and bright looking
Wearing SPF daily will also keep pigmentation, dark patches and sun spots away leaving your complexion clear and fresh looking.
Whenever our skin is exposed to the sun, it starts to produce extra melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its colour. In some cases, our melanocytes (the cells that make melanin) go into overdrive, creating extra pigment. Think of it like a malfunctioning machine in a factory, suddenly firing out way more product than is needed. Using SPF will help to prevent this from happening. If you already have existing sun spots, regular gentle exfoliation with Radiance Face Scrub will help to fade over time and adding vitamin C to your skincare routine will also help to brighten your skin.
SPF prevents premature ageing
If you want to hold off the botox and fillers then wear SPF! 80-90% of premature ageing is caused by the sun! When we’re younger, collagen and elastin are in high supply, giving our skin its bounce and plumpness. Their levels naturally deplete as we age, but exposing our skin to the sun can cause them to break down at a much faster rate. Think of it like eating an ice-cream on a warm day. It’ll melt with increasing speed if you’re sitting outside in the blazing sun. Without collagen for support and elastin for elasticity, skin begins to sag, with fine lines and wrinkles becoming more prominent.