Why is SPF so important?
Everyone is impacted by damage to the skin from the sun. In fact last in 2021 35% of people in the UK were burnt at least once, with 28% of those being burnt more than three times during the year.
The 3rd to 9th May 2021 is Sun Awareness week - the British Association of Dermatologists’ annual campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer.
The Sun Awareness Week campaign is a combination of prevention and detection advice. The first aim is to encourage people to regularly self-examine for skin cancer. The second, is to teach us about the dangers of sunburn and excessive tanning, as well as to discourage people from using sun-beds in light of the associated risks of skin cancer.
In addition to public education about the dangers of sunbed use, they are also involved in campaigning for legislation to regulate the sunbed industry and is continuing to push towards further and improved regulations. Its such an important subject, and one we wanted to share information on and support with awareness (in our own small way).
WHAT IS AN SPF?
SPF stands for ‘Sun protection factor’ and is a measure of how much protection a sunscreen will offer against UV rays.
The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to redden your skin if you apply the sunscreen exactly as directed compared with the amount of time without sunscreen. So, if you use an SPF 30 product properly, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you used no sunscreen.
UVB, UVA AND UVC RAYS
The sun exposes you to ultraviolet radiation, UV rays. UV rays are invisible and are classified by wavelength. The main types of UV rays are UVA, UVB, and UVC.
UVA rays have the longest wavelength, followed by UVB and UVC.
The shorter UV rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, so most of it is in the form of UVA and some UVB.
UVB rays only penetrate the outer layers of your skin, but UVA rays penetrate deeper layers, because of their longer wavelength.
UVB rays cause superficial inflammation and damage (like sunburn), and UVA rays can cause deeper damage with increased risks of cellular damage.
Up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds, making it just as important to apply SPF no matter the weather.
TYPES OF SUNSCREEN
The active ingredients in sunscreens work by creating UV filters that keep harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin. There are two types of sunscreens – mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Each type uses a combination of different ingredients for filtering out UV rays and protecting the skin from sun damage.
MINERAL SUNSCREENS
Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin’s surface, acting as a physical blocker by deflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin. Mineral sunscreens block UV rays at a surface level, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays. Also, because mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier, they are effective as soon as they are applied.
Mineral sunscreens tend to have a white-ish cast to them, and can be visible on the skin. Also, because they sit on the skin’s surface, mineral sunscreens can be rubbed off easily, which makes frequent re-application a must.
They also must be applied liberally to ensure protection. Mineral sunscreens typically contain the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide or a combination of the two.
CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS
Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into skin and tend to sit in the deeper layers. They absorb UV rays, change them into heat, and then release the heat from the skin.
Since UV rays must penetrate the skin to reach these chemicals, chemical sunscreens may not protect against all UVA rays, which still causes damage to the deeper layers of the skin.
Chemical sunscreens can take about 20 minutes to become fully effective. Direct light causes the chemicals to be used up more quickly, meaning re-application must be much more frequent when you are in direct sunlight. The heat-releasing nature of chemical sunscreens can sometimes cause problems for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, as well as those with hyperpigmentation.
The heated skin can cause an increase in existing brown spots. Chemical sunscreens can also clog pores and be problematic for acne-prone skin. Chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, octisalate, homosalate, or combinations.
SKINCARE ROUTINES WITH SPF
Your SPF should be applied after your moisturiser, and before any foundation. Make sure you are using a decent amount so it’s effective.
You should choose an SPF that works for your skin depending on your individual needs and lifestyle, and then incorporating it into your every day routine should be simple and easy.
TOP 3 REASONS FOR APPLYING SPF
Protects your skin from UV rays. The depletion of the ozone layer has increased the risk of sun damage from harmful UV rays. Using an SPF blocks these rays, reducing the chance of sunburn and even lowers your chances of skin cancer.
It prevents premature ageing of skin; sun damage over time causes the breakdown of collagen which in turn contributes to lines, wrinkles and sagging- Did you know the sun is responsible for up to 90% of ageing skin?
It helps maintain an even skin tone; Using an SPF daily helps prevent discolouration and dark spots from sun damage, helping you maintain a smooth and even skin tone.
SUPERGOOP!
Somewhat the ‘holy grail’ when it comes to ‘unseen sunscreen’. Supergoop! has revolutionised the mineral SPF by creating a product that is truly weightless, scentless and completely transparent.
It is also infused with skincare ingredients which help hydrate skin and even double up as a primer for makeup.
Not going to lie, we love Supergoop! Its a brand that works hard and is uncompromising in its product offering. 💕
HELLO SUNDAY
“The one that’s a serum”. This is a serum which has an SPF 45.
The super-lightweight, invisible formula is not only completely transparent but also doesn’t require any extra steps adding into your skincare regime.
EDUCATION AND INFLUENCERS
Recently, Gwyneth Paltrow shared her techniques of applying sunscreen as a ’highlighter’, causing dermatologists to speak up on why that’s not only incorrect, but dangerous given the risks around sun damage.
It goes without saying that Gwyneth Paltrow and her Goop empire are influential in the beauty and wellness world- having a reach of 7.5 million Instagram followers—which is why so many people are disappointed by her advice. Experts have taken to social channels to help educate and inform that 80-90% of all skin cancers are on the face and neck- meaning SPF is even more important and should be applied correctly to minimise damage and chances of developing skin cancer.
Thankfully, the amazing duo at @chemist.confessions are more on the ball and have again, been sharing their take on suncare products that are raising the bar, and asking followers which sunscreen works best for them so they can review and share the product love 💕.
The message is really clear and not really up for debate - experts agree that sunscreen should be applied (and re-applied) daily.
Let us know your thoughts on SPF - we would love to introduce you to some SPF product launch opportunities.
THE BEAUTY BRAND COACH