Beauty buzzwords are thrown around all the time; it can be hard to keep up and know what's worth exploring further. We're here to break down the industry's latest obsession by tackling the science, talking to skincare and makeup pros, and getting real about what works and what doesn’t.
We're told to wear SPF every day, and we know it prevents sun burn, skin damage, and the ageing process. But what exactly is SPF?
If you weren’t paying attention in science class, then SPF – sun protection factor – is probably something you’re vaguely aware you should be wearing, but not entirely sure why, or what it does.
A spokesperson from REN skincare explains: “Sunscreen products contain ingredients that help absorb UV rays and convert the sun’s radiation into heat energy, which acts as a physical sunscreen that help to deflect and to scatter the rays before they penetrate the skin. These products are formulated to provide various levels of protection from UVA, UVB, and IR rays.”
And how does factor 50 differ from factor 15?
“SPF refers to the ‘theoretical’ amount of time you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned after application”, Dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare, Dr Howard Murad, tells us. “For example, an SPF of 15 would allow you to stay in the sun 15 times longer than you could without protection”. So that explains why someone with sun-sensitive fair skin would need protection lasting up to 50 times longer in the heat. “It’s important to remember: the higher the SPF means the longer the protection; not the stronger the protection. So once that time period has elapsed, re-apply! And remember other factors may reduce the protection levels, like water, sand, clothes, perspiration – so if in doubt about your SPF protection, then reapply.”
REN’s spokesperson tells us, “The Sun Protection Factor rating system has been established by the Food and Drug Administration to measure primarily the amount of UVB sunburn protection the product will provide. No rating system has yet been established for measuring UVA protection.” So there’s a key difference between UVA and UVB and the suncreams that protect us from both. How do we protect ourselves from UVA then?
“The best protection from the sun is a product that is ‘broad spectrum’, which means it protects from both UVA ‘aging rays’ and UVB ‘burning rays’” A Skin Laundry spokesperson explained. So make sure your suncream is both wrinkle-busting and skin-protecting.
It’s a resounding yes for SPF. Skin is the body’s largest organ, so if you’re going to be purist about the cleanser you’re using or the green juices you’re drinking, it makes sense to be fanatical about skin protection too.
REN’s spokesperson says, “Everyone should use sun protection, even skin that tans easily and rarely burns, because like sunburn, a tan can result in DNA damage from exposure to the sun’s harmful UV radiation.”
Skin Laundry echoed this sentiment: “Using SPF daily should be as standard a part of our everyday routine as brushing our teeth. It is a habit that should begin as a child, and should last a lifetime. Even on cloudy, snowy or gray days, we need to protect our skin. Wearing SPF every single day is the smartest and safest way to keep your skin looking it’s youngest, healthiest and most beautiful!”
So now you know to use it every day – and we mean every day people, even if you’re nowhere near a beach – which should we go for? “I would recommend choosing an SPF that has added benefits for your skin”, Dr Murad tells us. “Sunscreens should always include hydrators, anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants, as these products will also help repair the skin’s barrier to make it better able to defend itself from the sun and other environmental aggressors, like bacteria and pollution.”
Clearing your skin post-suncream is just as key for skin health, Lisa Mammeri, Global Education Manager at Valmont skincare, advises us. “Cleansing and washing properly the skin after using a SPF product is a good recommendation to prevent breaking out, as some mineral sunscreens can clog the pores on some skin types.”
Lesson learned. Wear SPF all year round, and cleanse thoroughly to avoid breakouts. Click through to see our favourite skin-saving SPF products.
This day cream uses Vitamin C to help skin stay youthful, firm and illuminated. It also contains antioxidants to protect skin from harmful free radical damage, along with broad spectrum sun protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30, £55, available at Murad.
This broad spectrum moisturiser is lightweight, hydrating, and doesn't turn your face white like a lot of SPFs do (flashbacks to your mum spreading suncream on your nose on holiday).
Skin Laundry Advanced Protection Moisturiser SPF35, £24, available at Skin Laundry.
One sure fire way to protect your skin is to swap your regular products with those that have it built in already, like this BB Cream. It fights both UVA and UVB, and is silicone-free too.
REN Satin Perfection BB Cream, £28, available at REN.
Pixi's latest spring drop includes this lightweight mist. It's broad spectrum, with SPF 30 and chamomile and bamboo extracts, and is ideal for popping in your bag on sunny days.
Pixi Sun Mist, £18, available at Pixi.
Is the thought of adding yet another step in your beauty routine too much? This cleanser has SPF 30 to make your morning ritual more efficient.
Dr Russo SPF 30 Sun Protective Day Cleanser, £52, available at Dr Russo.
This mattifying sunscreen is ideal for oil-slicked skin and those who breakout at the first sign on sun protection.
Avene Cleanance Suncream SPF50+, £16, available at Boots.
Elemis' cult anti-wrinkle cream just got updated with much-asked-for SPF. There's a reason this hit product flies off shelves: it makes skin pillowy and bright, and now has broad spectrum protection to boot.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30, £82, available at Elemis.
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