No matter the weather or the season it's important that you're aware of the benefits of daily SPF use and how it can best protect your skin. Whether you notice it or not, your skin is constantly exposed to harmful UV rays from the sun which can cause a variety of issues to your skin as you age. Using an SPF daily can protect your skin from health risks and help prevent premature ageing of the skin. It's advised for men, women and children over the age of 6 months to wear SPF everyday no matter the season, the weather or whether or not you tan easily - exposure is still damaging every single day.
At Hogies online we believe that the best SPF product is simply the one that you are most likely to use daily, for many that is an SPF that can easily be a part of an everyday routine. Choosing a broad spectrum product with an SPF of 15 or more will provide safe and effective protection everyday. Although there are many skin care moisturisers that include broad spectrum SPF, in order to properly protect your skin from harmful rays it is essential to also wear an SPF on top of your usual skincare products. In the summer months or on holiday it is essential that you are regularly applying a broad spectrum SPF every two hours in order to effectively protect your skin from the harsh UV rays.
What does SPF mean?
Simply put, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and refers to how well the product will protect you against the UVB and UVA rays from the sun and in turn how effective it will be to stop you from getting a sunburn. UVA rays cause skin damage that leads to you getting a tan but can also cause sunburn, skin ageing and wrinkles. UVB rays are the ones which are the main causes of sunburn and exposure can pose health risks.
When looking to buy an SPF moisturiser or sunscreen, it is important to choose one that includes the term '_x0098_broad spectrum' as this refers to the product being effective at protecting against both UVA and UVB rays.
What does the SPF number mean?
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the SPF number is there to tell you how long the sun's radiation will take to redden your skin with the sunscreen on versus how long it would take without it. For example if you were to choose a product that included SPF 30, this means that it will take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren't wearing sunscreen.
It's crucial to note that the number simply reflects how frequently you should apply the product, not how much it protects you - a product with SPF 2 and SPF 30 protects your skin the same amount, except the SPF 2 would need to be applied a lot more frequently. You should be re-applying your SPF at least every two hours unless you have been swimming or sweating, then it should be re-applied more frequently.
Why is SPF important in skincare?
SPF is probably the most vital step in your skincare routine. It's important to wear SPF all year-round, even on days when you're indoors or even when it's cloudy and the sun is not visible - it's still there and can still damage your skin. Many people think that it's not necessary to wear an SPF throughout the winter months, however although the low UVB rays are unlikely to cause sunburn, the UVA rays can still seep through the clouds and can cause long-term skin damage such as hyper pigmentation and premature ageing.
Skin can be damaged by the sun in winter due to the dryness of your skin also. The harsh winter weather causes dry skin which when it flakes off brings regenerated young skin cells to the surface, making the skin more delicate and more susceptible to damage. That's why it is still recommended to apply an SPF moisturiser so that your skin continues to be protected.
If you're going on holiday to a country with higher temperatures, then it's vital that you wear a sunscreen with a high SPF as well as an SPF moisturiser in your skincare routine in order to protect your skin as much as possible. The UVA and UVB rays are more harsh in warmer countries and so it's important that you don't just rely on SPF in your skincare to protect you. The amount of product in an SPF moisturiser does not provide as much protection as a broad spectrum sunscreen. However, in the evenings when the sun is setting, using an SPF moisturiser or a foundation with SPF may have enough effectiveness as the UV rays will not be as harsh.
A factor that some may not know is that your skin can also be susceptible to damage when travelling, especially on an aeroplane. If you usually choose a window seat on the aeroplane then it's imperative that you're wearing SPF throughout the journey. As cited by skincare experts on The Cut, an aeroplane travels closer to the ozone layer and in turn the sun rays are more damaging to skin than when you're on the ground. Most plane windows will block UVB rays however the UVA rays can still penetrate through the layers of glass. Therefore it's important to wear SPF at all times of the day, on all occasions, not just when you're in direct sunlight.
What are the best ways to apply SPF?
The most effective way to use SPF as part of your daily routine is to apply it as the final step in your skincare regime, before applying makeup. Ideally if you're layering up your skincare allow the base layers of products to absorb into the skin 20 minutes before you apply your SPF in order for it to be most effective.
As cited by The Skin Cancer Foundation, the amount of SPF you should be applying to your face and body should equate to two tablespoons and should be re-applied at least every two hours for adequate protection. Remember to always use a broad spectrum SPF to protect against both UVA and UVB and ensure that you're always using SPF15 or higher so that your skin is sufficiently protected.
If you're choosing to apply make-up, be aware that although a lot of foundations state that they include a number of SPF, they do not provide adequate protection on their own and should be used in addition to an SPF. A number of SPF based foundations can be found on the Hogies website if you're interested in adding them into your SPF routine.
Remember, your lips are just as significant to protect from UV rays as the rest of your skin. The area on your face around your lips and your lips themselves are delicate, prone to wrinkling and can easily become sunburned if not cared for. Therefore it's key to protect them from the sun with an SPF lip balm to prevent any damage and discomfort.
What SPF should I use daily?
Incorporating SPF into your daily routine can be made easy with a selection of products sold at Hogies Online. Choosing an SPF that works with your individual skin type and making sure it meets the requirements you need is essential. Whether you're looking for a simple everyday moisturiser, a reliable sunscreen to see you through the summer months or a moisturising lip balm, we've got you covered.
Clinique Smart Custom Repair Moisturiser SPF15 £44.90 (RRP £55) Save £10.10
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Face Cream £51.99 (Save £25.01)
A light SPF15 moisturiser is an easy-to-use everyday SPF skincare option. The Clinique Smart SPF15 moisturiser is an oil-free cream designed for those with dry, or combination skin to help hydrate your complexion, repair fine lines and provide some protection against UVA and UVB rays. The Shiseido Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream with SPF25 is also a great lightweight option for those who want something that feels more luxurious whilst working to make their complexion plump, hydrated and youthful when protecting their skin from harsh UV rays.
For those wanting a higher coverage SPF for everyday use, choosing a moisturiser that includes SPF30 or 50 is a great way to protect your skin. Elizabeth Arden City Smart lotion is ideal for those who wish to keep their skin looking younger and brighter, whilst also protecting against pollution and harsh UVA and UVB rays with its SPF50 formula.
American Crew Acumen Multi Defence Face Lotion SPF35 50ml £22.99 (RRP £37.00) Save £14.01 Riemann P20 Once A Day Sun Lotion SPF 20 (Blemished Box) £13.99 (RRP £20) Save £6.01
If you're looking for an SPF skincare product that also includes essential vitamins and anti-ageing ingredients, The American Crew Multi Defence lotion can help protect your skin against environmental aggressors with anti-ageing, pollution and sunlight protection with vitamin B5, vitamin E and SPF35. The Riemann P20 Sun Protection lotion is also a great all-round, unisex product to incorporate once a day into your daily routine with its quick-drying, water-resistant SPF20 properties.
As mentioned previously, it's vital to also remember to protect your lips against potential sun damage too. If you're looking for more of a tint to your everyday lip balm, the Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment is a nourishing, pink-tinted balm to help replenish and protect lips against UV rays with SPF30.
Ready to take on the day with SPF?
Wearing an SPF everyday is essential in the long-term health of your skin. Whether you're looking to include a new SPF moisturiser, sunscreen or protective lip balm to your daily regime, find the right SPF product for you at Hogies.