This week’s burst of sunshine serves as a preview of the upcoming summer season. However, before you rush outside to bathe in the sun’s rays, don’t forget to grab the SPF (and a hat)! According to a skin health survey conducted by the UK’s rapidly growing online beauty retailer, Face the Future, over half (55%) of the UK population only applies SPF when the weather is sunny, and only 8% re-apply their SPF throughout the day. Additionally, the study uncovered that while 68% of the UK population express concern about sunburn, merely 61% are worried about the risk of skin cancer. Daily application of SPF is a vital aspect of safeguarding your skin against sun damage.
The beauty standards of seeking a “healthy tan” currently outweigh attitudes of worrying about the possibility of skin cancer, and almost half of the population is unfamiliar with the symptoms of skin cancer. In an effort to raise more awareness and education around the importance of using SPF regularly and the potential risks of sun exposure, this year Face the Future has embarked on a mission to transform consumer perceptions of sun exposure and skin safety. Forget the occasional sunscreen slathering reserved for your summer holidays, Face the Future wants to make daily sunscreen a habit with the launch of their 366 Days of SPF campaign (2024 is a leap year, hence 366 days).
A burning issue
Amy Callaghan MP‘s VAT Burn campaign calls on the UK government to remove VAT from sunscreen products that have a health benefit, making SPF more affordable, accessible, and a necessary product to reduce the number of skin cancer cases. Callaghan shared; “I’m delighted to be partnering with Face the Future to support their 366 days of SPF campaign. Too many people still don’t protect their skin from the sun, as their research has found, putting them at risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. It’s high time the UK government took note of these stats and enacted meaningful action to reduce deaths from melanoma and other skin cancers.”
A large proportion of people find SPF to be expensive (64%), which is putting their skin health at risk. Face the Future is combatting the SPF squeeze, by cutting VAT on SPF products as part of the campaign.
“We believe that everyone in the UK has the right to sun safety and skin health. At Face the Future, we have SPF and suncare products at all price points to ensure that we remain accessible to everyone. However, to further support consumers in their choices, as part of the 366 Days of SPF campaign, we will be cutting VAT on all SPF products for from 14th March – 31st May 2024. We hope that this additional 20% saving will encourage UK consumers to begin or continue their SPF journey.” shared Director and Co-Owner at Face the Future, Julia Barcoe-Thompson.
Kimberley Medd, Head of Clinic, Face the Future, added; “No matter the weather, the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays are ever-present throughout the year, causing damage to the DNA in your skin cells that can result in premature ageing, skin cancer and a host of other skin-related issues. Because of this, it’s important to wear your shield of UV protection every day to protect your skin against the likes of melanoma skin cancer.”
SPF Skincare Picks from Face the Future
Heliocare 360 Fluid Cream SPF 50+ 50ml
The Heliocare 360 Fluid Cream SPF 50+ is a rapidly absorbed gel suitable for all skin types. It offers high protection against UVA, UVB, infra-red, and high energy visible light, helping to prevent premature aging. Additionally, it is non-comedogenic, paraben-free, dermatologically tested, and suitable for all skin types.
RRP: £24.80 £31.00 available here.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 50ml
With a medium-weight formula, this broad-spectrum SPF50 moisturiser combats the appearance of skin ageing. It contains antioxidant white tea, rich in polyphenols, along with a unique polypeptide that helps improve the appearance of photoaged skin. The formula blends smoothly over the skin and works to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
RRP: £60.00 £75.00 available here.
Eucerin Sun Face Pigment Control SPF50+ 50ml
Suited to all skin types, Eucerin Sun Face Pigment Control SPF50+ helps prevent sun-induced hyperpigmentation. This superior facial sunscreen effectively reduces the appearance of dark spots and prevents them from re-appearing. Formulated with Glycyrrhetinic Acid to support the skin’s own DNA repair mechanism, while Thiamidol reduces dark spots over time and prevents their reappearance when used regularly.
RRP: £15.60 £24.00 available here.
Coco & Eve Daily Watergel SPF50 60ml
This SPF50+ sunscreen is ultra-hydrating, lightweight, and made with nourishing ingredients to protect and nourish the skin. It provides protection against photoageing, UVA and UVB rays, and is formulated with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and antioxidants. The fragrance-free cream is perfect for daily use.
RRP: £18.40 £23.00 available here.
Hello Sunday The One For Your Lips SPF50 Lip Balm 15ml
This fragrance-free, transparent lip balm contains shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and SPF to hydrate and protect the lips. Vitamin E is added for antioxidant protection and to nourish the skin barrier for long-lasting hydration.
RRP: £5.60 £7.00 available here.
Avène Very High Protection Fluid for Sensitive Skin SPF50+ 50ml
Avène’s Very High Protection Fluid for Sensitive Skin SPF50+ is expertly formulated for normal, combination, and sensitive skin. This lightweight facial sunscreen provides long-lasting protection against UVB/UVA and Blue Light HEV, with an invisible finish and resistance to water, sweat, and sand.
RRP: £13.65 £21.00 available here.
Survey statistics courtesy of Face the Future.
Face the Future have 20% off all of their SPF brands including Coco & Eve, Sand & Sky, Avene, Eucerin, Dermalogica, UltraSun, Bondi Sands, Heliocare, Bioderma and more until the end of May. Available at www.facethefuture.co.uk.
Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl
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