It’s officially season. While wearing sunscreen is an essential all year round, it is now – as the days get lighter and brighter and we spend more time outside – that many of us begin to rethink what we’re using on our skin, SPF included. When it comes to sun protection, there is often confusion over things like the best formula to use, or how much you should be applying and even whether you should be applying it at all.
(You should – ignore what you see on some social media accounts.) British asked dermatologist for the five key dos and don’ts of SPF – so you can absorb that much-needed vitamin D with confidence. Do: Choose a broad spectrum SPF To protect skin against both UVA and UVB light – both of which cause damage to the skin – broad spectrum SPF is a must.
“What’s really crucial when we’re talking about a good skincare routine is blocking the daily UVA rays which are present all year round,” explains Dr Bunting. “They can come through glass and actually form the bulk (95 per cent) of UV light that reaches the earth.” While UVB is the UV light responsible for the (more visible) burn – and tends to be the one we focus on more because the damage is seen quickly – it’s really important to ensure your SPF protects against UVA too.
UVA damage leads to fine lines, , uneven skin texture, big , coarsening of the skin and loss of collagen – all the bad stuff. “Beach holidays aren’t so much the problem. It’s the everyday, half an hour o.