When it comes to SPF, the dos and donts, rights and wrongs are all up in the air! We’ve called upon the expertise of skincare expert Cecilia Ross, founder of Cecilia London, to set the record straight and debunk common SPF myths…
1. Darker skin doesn’t need SPF
Whether you tan easily, have olive toned or dark skin, we all need to apply a high factor SPF. All skin types are susceptible to sun damage, so regardless of your skin colour or how easily you tan, apply a high factor SPF 30 minutes before sun exposure and regularly throughout the day.
2. You only need to wear SPF in the summer or when in direct sunlight
It’s essential to apply SPF all year round, not just during the summer months or on holiday. Sun exposure throughout the year can contribute to premature skin ageing, including fine lines, loss of elasticity and pigmentation, as well as increased risk of skin cancer. Ensure you are protecting your skin throughout the year by applying SPF every day.
3. Foundations containing SPF is enough coverage
Often women believe that if they have an SPF in their foundation, this is enough, but you need to apply a dedicated sun protection product before your foundation as the last step in your routine for maximum protection. SPF if the ultimate anti-ager so should be a step in your routine that you never miss out.
4. Water-resistant SPF doesn’t need to be reapplied
A common misconception is that if a SPF is water resistant, then it doesn’t need to be reapplied. It’s water resistant- not water proof! So ensure you are reapplying whether you’ve been in the pool, sea or are just sweating on a hot day. SPF should be reapplied every two hours at least for maximum protection.
5. SPF prevents the body from absorbing vitamin D
We all need vitamin D for reasons such as keeping your bones strong and boosting the immune system. You can still maintain your vitamin D levels, whilst using a high spectrum SPF and if you’re worried about your vitamin D levels, you can also absorb this through a healthy diet and supplements, such as oily fish and egg yolks.
TOP PICKS: SPF creams recommended by our editors
Grace Alexandra – My Soho Times beauty editor
Hello Sunday ‘THE ONE FOR YOUR HANDS’ Nourishing Hand Cream: SPF30 (£9.00)
Your hands are usually exposed to UV Rays as often as your face is, which is why it’s so important that they’re protected too!
Furthermore, your hands are at more risk if you get gel manicures, due to the use of the UV lamp! This can in turn cause premature hand ageing and skin cancer. It’s important to apply SPF before your nail appointment to help keep your hands protected, and reapply every 2 hours or after washing your hands. Hello Sunday Nourishing Hand Cream is handbag-friendly – perfect for when you’re on the go!
Kai Lutterodt – My Soho Times editor-in-chief
Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF 50+ Ultralight Skinscreen (£37.00)
I’m all for dispelling the myth that melanin-rich, dark skin doesn’t need SPF – it does! However, traditionally, SPF 50 leaves me in the likeness of a ghost… not a look I’d ever go for except on Halloween – maybe! Well, Ultra Violette’s newest innovation, Fave Fluid, is their lightest SPF consistency yet, and blends seamlessly into the skin whilst offering maximum protection and a subtle glow!
KEY INGREDIENTS
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to balance oil production and improve skin texture whilst also supporting skin barrier and increasing its overall resilience.
- BEAUACTIVE®:A hotshot new active designed to increase collagen, and reduce the production of dark-spots.
- Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C): acts as a very effective antioxidant to brighten the skin tone, and reduces visible signs of aging.
- Vitamin E: A top-notch antioxidant that combats free-radical damage, moisturises, and strengthens the skin barrier.
- Uvinul T 150 & Tinosorb S: The latest and greater UV filters! More effective than their predecessors, they put the ’SCREEN’ in SKINSCREENS™.
Perfect for all skin types!
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