Stand in the sunshine for just a moment, and you can feel how powerful the sun is. Exposure to the most important star in the universe delivers healthy benefits like vitamin D, but the sun also emits unhealthy ultraviolet radiation that can lead to sunburn, sun damage, skin cancer, and signs of visible aging like wrinkles, discoloration, and leathery skin. Add the power of pollution and dry weather, and you have a triple whammy that dehydrates and dulls the skin.
Sun protection is an essential component of a skincare routine, no matter what Skin Type you have. Even if you tan easily, even if you've never gotten a sunburn, whether you're young or mature—you are not immune to the sun's harsh rays.
That's why it's so important to educate yourself on the effects of SPF and UV rays from the sun and brush up on the best products for your unique skin. Gain confidence when it comes to protecting your skin health by learning how sun exposure impacts the body's largest organ, why sunscreen matters, and what can happen if sunscreen protection is not prioritised.
Why sun protection matters (and how to fit it into your routine)
How does the sun affect our skin?
It's well-known that excessive sun exposure can accelerate skin aging and heighten the likelihood of skin cancer development. Sun-induced skin damage accumulates over time, regardless of whether sunburn is evident or not.
And although our skin possesses a natural ability to repair sun-related damage, it cannot tackle everything at once. Over time, this damage can manifest as premature aging, including wrinkles, discolorations, and a leathery appearance, and may also increase the risk of skin cancer.
What are UVA and UVB?
Both UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer; both wavelengths of light are responsible for skin damage. The easiest way to remember the definition of the acronyms is through their last letter. UVA – A is for aging; UVB – B is for burning.
- UVA rays: Ultraviolet A rays are long wavelengths of sunlight that cause sunburn or a tan. The action occurs slowly, but rays penetrate the skin deeply and can break down collagen and elastin.
- UVB rays: Ultraviolet B rays are short wavelengths of sunlight that work quickly and are responsible for burning the skin. The damage they cause is primarily on the epidermal layer.
How does sunscreen work?
Sunscreen ingredients absorb, scatter, or reflect ultraviolet light. They can be classified as chemical (a compound that absorbs the energy of light) or physical (acts as a shield between the sun and your skin and reflects rays before they penetrate).
Sun Protection Factor (SPF), that big number featured on bottles of moisturizer and sunscreen, indicates how well a sunscreen protects the skin from UVB rays. Pep Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50 are even safe for use around the eye area.
Applying a minimum of SPF 15 daily to shield against casual sun exposure is a must; for extended periods in the sun, opt for a higher SPF. The FDA recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours, wearing protective clothing, and restricting sun exposure during the peak sun hours of 10am and 2pm.
Superdefense City Block SPF 30 Daily Energy + Face Protector
One of our favorites is the daily face protector Superdefense City Block SPF 30 Daily Energy + Face Protector, which provides such sheer and weightless coverage with a hint of tint.
What's the importance of SPF in moisturiser?
Even Better Clinical™ Brightening Moisturizer, Smart Clinical Repair™ SPF 15 Wrinkle Correcting Cream
It's important to select a sunscreen that's right for your skin's unique composition. Choosing a daily moisturiser that contains SPF is a great way to give your skin a foundational boost of protection to get your day started.
If you're seeking deep hydration and to visibly reduce dark spots, Even Better Clinical™ Brightening Moisturizer is power-boosted with UP302, Clinique's proprietary brightening molecule, and glucosamine, Vitamin C, and soothing green tea extract. It also includes hyaluronic acid, a moisture-binding ingredient that creates a "moisture reservoir" for ideal hydration.
And for those looking to visibly repair wrinkles while protecting skin with SPF to help prevent future damage, Smart Clinical Repair™ SPF 15 Wrinkle Correcting Cream is a lightweight SPF moisturiser designed to do just that. This moisturiser with SPF includes hyaluronic acid for instant and lasting hydration, while peptides help enhance skin strength and help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles; SPF guards against UV rays, which can lead to further visible lines and wrinkles.
Do I need to wear sunscreen every day?
Don't abandon sun protection because you aren't sure how to use it or aren't sure what's best for your skin. Sun damage from sun exposure is cumulative, so every time you skip the coverage on your face, harmful effects build up, whether you get a sunburn or not.
You want your skin to look and feel healthy, and sunscreen makes this possible. However, you may also have a designation of dry, oily, or combination skin to contend with. If you use the wrong product, you can be left with a breakout, dry patches, or oily spots, so like with everything you put on your face, make sure that you carefully select the SPF product that is right for your skin.
