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Even when I speak to my friends and family members, some still aren’t religious when it comes to their SPF habits – which yes, irritates me more than you can imagine…
But according to recent searches on Google, some of the most commonly asked questions were slightly worrying – and more so than people simply thinking that their foundation contains an ample amount of SPF for the day.
FYI, it does not.
If you ever speak to anyone who’s religious with applying SPF, spend loads on seeing a dermatologist or any skin expert, they’ll all say that applying at least ‘two fingers’ is the best prevention when it comes to skin cancer, ageing, hyperpigmentation like brown spots and the rest…
After speaking with numerous experts in the field, our beauty expert is here to debunk the myths, set the record straight with the most googled questions around SPF and suggest some that will keep your skin protected all year round – because yes, you should be wearing it all year (even when it’s cloudy).
Talking of which, one of the questions we asked our experts was: ‘Do you need sunscreen in the shade?’
Dr Nevianna Bordet MB ChB FRCP Consultant Dermatologist at The Day Clinic says: ‘Yes, it is still advisable to use sunscreen even when you are in the shade.’
UV rays can reflect off surfaces and reach you even in the shade, and indirect sunlight can still expose your skin to UV rays.
UV exposure accumulates over time, causing skin damage, so regular sunscreen use is essential.
We need to remember that there are two types of UV rays: UVA (penetrates clouds and shade, causes aging and cancer) and UVB (more intense, also penetrates shade). Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ for protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
As for how long sunscreen lasts before reapplying? Well, Dr Catriona Maybury Medical Lead at Dermatica and Consultant Dermatologist said: ‘For full protection, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.’
Something we always want to know is ‘can you tan through sunscreen?’ and you’ll be pleased to hear that you can.
Charlotte Vøhtz, organic beauty expert and founder of Green People said: ‘Yes! SPF15 blocks out 93% of sun rays, while SPF30 blocks out 97%, meaning the sun can still tan your skin. You can also help develop your tan by using an SPF with a tan accelerator.’
Phewww…
When it comes to protecting your children and babies in the sunshine, what age can children wear SPF? Charlotte also said: ‘Babies younger than 6 months should be shaded from direct sunlight and always avoid being in the sun during the hottest hours of the day (11am – 3pm).’
And for those of us who think they have plenty of sunscreen from last year, and ‘there’s no need to buy anymore’, you’d be wrong.
Another common googled question was ‘how long does suncream last once opened?’, and Dr Nevianna says: ‘Sunscreen typically lasts for about three years, but it’s important to check the expiration date printed on the bottle. Factors like exposure to heat, sunlight, and moisture can affect its effectiveness over time. If the sunscreen changes in colour, consistency, or smell, it’s best to discard it, even if it’s within the three-year period.’
Well that’s us told then.
Organic Children Lavender Sun Cream SPF50
Protect your little ones, old and young from the sun with SPF50, offering 98% UVB protection. Plus it's safe for babies and children over 6 months old.
SPF 50 Photodamage Defence Sunscreen
Protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays with Dermatica SPF 50 Photodamage Defence Sunscreen. Its weightless, quick-absorbing formula helps prevent photoaging, pigmentation, and sun damage. Enriched with glycerin, panthenol, and vitamin E, it hydrates and protects against fine lines and wrinkles. The sunscreen is streak-free, leaves no white residue, and works well under makeup. Dermatologist-designed to complement active ingredients in your skincare routine, and it’s fragrance-free.
No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF 50
No7 Future Renew Defence Shield UV SPF 50 is designed to protect against visible signs of sun damage, such as uneven skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness. This lightweight day cream provides SPF 50 protection, hydrates the skin, and leaves no white cast, making it suitable for all skin tones and a great base for makeup. With 80% of premature skin aging caused by the sun, this formula helps defend against daily incidental sun damage using age-defying peptide technology and hydrating Sodium Hyaluronate.
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Super UV Invisible Face Serum
Discover Garnier’s Ambre Solaire Super UV Invisible Serum, a lightweight facial serum that provides daily protection against UVB, UVA, and long UVA rays. This water-resistant formula is enriched with ceramides to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin’s natural barrier. Suitable for all skin tones and types, including sensitive skin, it applies with a non-sticky, invisible finish, making it an ideal base for makeup.
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Spray SPF 50
Sol de Janeiro’s Rio Radiance Body Spray SPF 50 offers UV protection and a luminous glow with the sun-warmed scent of Cheirosa 87. Enriched with niacinamide, pongamia seed, and pitanga extract, it defends against pollutants and brightens skin tone. Coconut water adds hydration and a refreshing sensation. The spray features the iconic Rio Radiance fragrance with notes of leite de coco, solar tuberose, and creamy vanilla. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure for broad-spectrum protection, a mood-boosting aroma, and a pearly finish.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF50+
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+ is a lightweight, moisturising facial lotion that offers high-factor sun protection. Suitable for all skin types, it contains vitamin C-rich kakadu plum to protect against free radicals and environmental stressors. Peptide dragosine plus shields the skin from the sun’s full spectrum and blue light from screens, promoting plump, hydrated skin. This sunscreen leaves a satin finish without a white cast, making the skin feel soft and refreshed while priming it for makeup.
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