If you haven’t already started incorporating SPF into your everyday skincare routine, then you’re about to. It’s a misconception that slathering on the SPF in the height of summer is the only time for it. We should actually be wearing SPF every day. Yep, even when it’s cold outside, you should still be applying your SPF religiously (apart from at night).
As well as there being loads of different skin-friendly SPF products available at our Sheffield-based clinic, there are also loads of benefits of SPF. Read on to find out why you should wear SPF every day.
WHAT IS SPF?
SPF protects your skin against harmful sun rays that can lead to pigmentation, sunburn, premature ageing, and in extreme cases, cancer. In the world of aesthetics, when we talk about SPF, we’re referring to it being applied to your face, neck, and chest.
There are two types — chemical and mineral (also known as physical). Chemical SPFs contain ingredients that absorb the UV rays from the sun before they cause damage to your skin. Mineral SPFs contain ingredients like zinc oxide that act as a physical shield, preventing UV rays from penetrating the skin in the first place.
One of the main benefits of SPF is that it offers more protection than foundations and moisturisers that have an SPF content. You’ll spot some of them are labelled ‘contains SPF’, but this SPF content is watered down by the rest of the product, so it’s a lot less effective and provides nowhere near as much protection as you need. Plus, the maximum protection they offer is usually about SPF 15, when ideally you should be using SPF 30 or higher to really protect your skin.
IS IT GOOD TO WEAR SPF DAILY?
In a nutshell, yes, you should. Whatever the weather, whatever the occasion, SPF should be gracing your face to protect you from harmful UV rays.
Ideally, you should be applying the length of three fingers to your face, neck, and chest. A product such as ZO’s Powder Broad Spectrum is ideal for popping over makeup for maximum protection.
PROTECTS AGAINST UVA & UVB RAYS
Broad-spectrum SPFs protect against UVA and UVB rays, which can penetrate the skin and damage cells. UVA rays can cause premature ageing, whilst UVB rays can cause sunburn and skin cancer. Although it may sound scary, the reality is that wearing an SPF massively reduces your melanoma risk and the damage to your body it can bring with it.
STRENGTHENS YOUR SKIN BARRIER
Sun damage stresses out the skin barrier, and a stressed skin barrier isn’t healthy. Healthy skin barrier function is down to multiple different factors, like hydration, the right ingredients, and not using too many aggressive formulas. Protecting your skin against UV rays also has a big part to play. With a weakened skin barrier, your skin is much more likely to feel the effects of sun damage, which can lead to pigmentation.
REDUCES SIGNS OF AGEING
UVA rays from the sun can damage the skin and make it more prone to the signs of ageing, like wrinkles, sagging, and age spots. So, all that hard work you’re doing with the rest of your routine? It’s being undone if you don’t wear an SPF during the day to protect your skin and slow down the signs of maturity.
SHIELDS AGAINST HYPERPIGMENTATION
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by acne, melanin build-up, and sun damage – this often shows as purple, red, or darker marks on the skin. Sun damage can cause pigmentation and make it much worse, so if you’re looking to fade or treat your hyperpigmentation, then SPF is even more of a must. Your skin reacts to damage from the sun by producing more melanin, which causes pigmentation. Skipping SPF is counterproductive.
BOOKING A SKIN CONSULTATION
Whether you are dealing with breakouts, hyperpigmentation, dehydration lines, dullness, or unwanted signs of ageing, our treatment plans can be adjusted accordingly, and supplementary in-clinic treatments can be added on to enhance results.
Before any skin treatment, a consultation is essential. This dedicated time allows for an in-depth conversation around your desired results, an assessment of your skin, and a tailored recommendation of the most suitable method for your skin type and lifestyle.
A skin scan is carried out to ensure we deeply analyse your complexion, and everything from maintenance to aftercare is discussed in detail. It’s a considered, personalised approach that ensures results are not only beautiful, but lasting.
We take a fully refundable deposit of £50 for all our consultations. Your deposit can be refunded in the clinic or redeemed against our treatments/products purchased after the consultation.
