Why do we need SPF and what does it actually do for our skin?
When it comes to skincare, protecting your skin is one of the most important things you can do, especially when it comes to protecting it from the sun. The sun’s harmful UV rays can cause a variety of skin problems, including premature ageing, dehydration, wrinkles, sunburn and of course skin cancers.
One of the simplest and best ways to protect your skin from the sun is by using products with a high SPF rating in your daily routine. But what does SPF actually mean and how do you choose the right product for your skin?
What is SPF?
Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, is a measure of how well a product can protect your skin from harmful UV rays. The SPF rating of a product is determined by measuring the amount of UV radiation required to cause sunburn on skin that has been treated with the product compared to skin that has not been.
We all know that the higher the SPF, the better and stronger the product is, that’s because the higher the SPF rating is, the more protection your skin has against harmful UVB rays. Keep in mind however that SPF only measures protection against UVB rays (shorter wavelengths), not UVA rays (longer wavelengths) that can also cause skin damage.
The best way to ensure you have complete protection for your skin is to use a suitable broad-spectrum product that offers protection against both UVA and UVB.
Protecting your skin from harsh UV rays can help prevent signs of ageing and other skin issues.
Why is it Important?
Apart from the obvious, preventing sun burn and skin cancer such as melanoma, why is using a SPF product so important? Sun exposure can cause a variety of issues, some of which are obvious and others that are more gradual.
These issues include sunburn, premature ageing and wrinkles, skin dehydration, risk of skin cancer, irritation and causing flare up of other existing skin issues that affect all skin tones. Including a SPF product in your skincare routine can help keep your skin protected throughout the day, not just when you plan to spend time extended time in the sun, those pesky UV rays are chipping away at your skin every time you’re in the sun. Regularly using SPF protects your skin and will help prevent damage and help you maintain healthy, smooth skin for longer.
Including SPF in your Skincare Routine
Incorporating products with a sun protection factor (SPF) into your skincare routine year round is essential for ensuring you maintain healthy, youthful skin and preventing any unnecessary skin damage. Including SPF in your skincare routine doesn’t have to be slathering sunscreen on every day, it can be as simple as using a SPF product in place of moisturiser or on top of your moisturiser, to help protect your skin not just from the sun but from other external elements as well. This can be especially helpful for sensitive skin, working to reduce irritation and protect against any damaging effects.
Thanks to the innovation in skincare and sun protection there are now more and more options when it comes to SPF products, we no longer are limited to zincs and thick oily suncreams. There are many products that will easily factor into any skincare routine, and suit any skin type, that have a certified SPF, such as our broad-spectrum sunscreen, the Climate Defence Facial Cream SPF 30.
Incorporating SPF into your daily routine helps protect your skin throughout your day.
Repair and Prevent Sun Damage
Damage from sun exposure can be reduced and repaired in many ways, however it is always best to protect and prevent damage in the beginning. The effects of excessive sunlight often go beyond the skin's surface, causing deeper and longer lasting issues. If you have pre-existing sun damage or just feel dried out and need a little boost, we have a great range of moisturisers and face creams to help combat dry or flaky skin, irritaion and more. Products such as our Daily Renew Facial Cream and our Hydrate and Protect Facial Cream are great daily use products to help give your skin a boost.
To prevent sun damage its important to include SPF products in your daily routine, to ensure your never caught out in the sun's rays without some protection. Including it in your skincare routine will also ensure it becomes second nature and you won’t forget or be caught out unaware or put your health at risk. Daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF will help protect skin and prevent any short term or long term damage.
What Can I Use?
Climate Defence Facial Cream SPF 30
Climate Defence Facial Cream is an un-tinted, reef-friendly, non-nano Zinc Oxide-based SPF 30 face cream which provides broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB protection.
Lingonberry stem cells help protect the skin from the damaging effects of sun radiation and free radicals whilst improving skin texture. Prickly pear cactus extract deeply hydrates and soothes the skin from irritation and Hyaluronic acid helps promote a firmer, plumper appearance whilst locking moisture into the skin.
How To Use:
Apply two fingers of SPF face cream to your face and neck. Use during your morning routine in place of moisturiser.
Our Climate Defence Facial Cream SPF 30 is suitable for all skin types - £29
Sunless Glow Gradual Tanner
This rich organic self-tan body lotion is designed to give the body a gradual tan over a number of applications. It contains Organic Papaya to smooth the skin and prepare it for summer, Organic Aloe Vera to soothe any signs of redness or irritation and Shea Butter to nourish and replenish dry skin. This gradual tanning lotion has a subtle fresh scent and works without leaving the typical strong smell associated with self tanners.
How To Use:
Gently massage over the body, paying particular attention to knees, feet and elbows to avoid irregular shades.
Re-apply daily for a deeper tan.
Bio Retinol + C Booster
Our supercharged oil-based booster for your facial skin, designed to improve the appearance of dull and tired skin, and provide the nourishment needed to look radiant. With four incredible vitamins (A, C, F and E) blended into organic Rosehip oil, this hydrating, replenishing face oil is designed to deliver anti-ageing benefits, boost collagen production and hydration while increasing radiance and skin luminosity.
How To Use:
Apply 1-2 drops of our booster into your moisturiser before gently applying onto a cleansed face and neck.
Or, you could also apply 1-2 drops straight onto cleansed skin and gently massage into your face and neck.
For best results, use this booster in both your morning and evening skincare routines.
Our Bio Retinol + C Booster is suitable for all skin types - £28
Pro+ Ectoin Soothing Cream
Chaga mushrooms help to boost skin resilience, whilst Ectoin and Camellia Oil help to reduce redness, protect skin, restore moisture and bring relief to dry, flaky and sensitive skin.
Dermatologically tested on a sensitive skin panel, Pro+ Ectoin Soothing Cream is hypoallergenic and fragrance free.
How To Use:
Apply a small amount of our soothing sensitive cream to cleansed skin. Massage into your face and neck, taking care around the delicate eye area. For best results, use this moisturiser for sensitive skin in both your morning and evening skincare routines.
Tanning Right and Tanning Wrong
Tanning is an incredibly popular past time, especially over here in the UK, but there is a right way and a wrong way to go about getting that lovely summer glow. One of the safer ways to tan is to gradually expose your skin to sunlight whilst using proper sun protection and avoiding tanning during peak UV hours when the sun is at its strongest. Another safe way to get that glowing golden look is to use a sunless self-tanner, to avoid those harmful UVA and UVB rays and achieve a nice even tan in less time.
The more dangerous and damaging ways to turn such as prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds can lead to multiple issues, including wrinkles, dry skin, sunspots, discolouration, cancer and more. In order to preserve and protect your skin it wiser to follow sun safety, use SPF and final alternate ways of achieving your desired tan.
By practicing safe tanning habits and avoiding excess UV radiation you can maintain healthy, smooth, and clear skin while still enjoying that sun-kissed glow.
SPF Skincare
The use of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in your daily skincare routine can greatly benefit your skin no matter the time of year, protecting your skin from UV radiation as well as assisting the skins natural barrier and helping to give some more protection from the outside elements such as harsh winds and temperatures.
Damage from UV rays and sun exposure may not be evident straight away, this is why so many people tend to ignore the potential dangers and continue to practice unsafe UV exposure.
Treat your skin with kindness and make sure you protect it both in and out of the sun.
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