There's No Excuse Not To Wear SPF
I have to be honest when I say that 12 months ago, I knew nothing about SPF. Whilst I'm still no expert, over the last year I've learnt a lot. It's funny how many myths there are when it comes to sunscreen, for example; people think you don't tan with it, or think that certain formulations are insufficient. However, I'm here to spread the good news! In the last few years SPF has come a long way, they are no longer greasy horrible creams and really there's no excuse not to wear it! I've compiled a list of common questions, with the answers you need to hear!
What is SPF?
SPF stands for 'sun protection factor' and is a measure of how effective a product is at protecting you from the sun. The rating of SPF can go from as little as 2 and go as high as 70 and it's important you wear the right level of protection. SPF is a calculation of how much time you can be in the sun before you burn. For example, if you burn after being in the sun for 5 minutes, SPF15 will give you 15 times the time before you burn; 75 minutes. The higher the SPF the higher the protection.
Why is SPF so important?
Wearing SPF is important all year round, the sad thing is that most people only take notice when they are going on holiday. What we're trying to do is stop the ultraviolet rays UVA and UVB from damaging our skin. UBV is the ray that is responsible for sunburn, whilst UBA is the ray that causes long-term damage. Long-term damage can include skin cancer, which happens to be the second most common type of cancer for women in their twenties. UVA and UVB rays are present all year round and they are just as harmful in the winter as they are in the summer. You don't just have to be outside to get damaged skin, UV rays can come through windows and even through light clothing, so it pays to be protected.
Will I still get a tan?
Yes! SPF is designed to stop your skin from burning and to stop the harmful rays penetrating your skin. No part of it is designed to stop you getting a tan. If you're particularly worried you can buy suncreams that aim to help the natural tanning process. Nivea have a range called "Protect & Bronze" which does exactly that - it contains plant extract to encourage your own melanin production. If you've tried an SPF and you still don't get a tan, please don't stop putting it on! It's better to fake your tan than take the risk!
My skin hates SPF - I don't want to cover myself in a horrible greasy cream?!
The good news is that you don't have to! SPF has come a long way and you can now pick up a whole range of formulas. Two favourite SPFs of mine are not creams at all! the Garnier Ambre Solaire Dry Mist, which is an ultra-light mist which is completely dry to the touch. Another is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Comfort Oil; an oil formula which is lightweight and nourishing for all skincare types. You really don't have to wear a cream if it's not a texture you like.
But, I have sensitive skin!
Sensitive skin is completely and utterly catered for in the SPF market. La Roche-Posay in particular are experts at creating SPF's for every type of skin - sensitive skin included. They have the 'Comfort' range for dry skin, the 'Ultra-Light' range for normal/combination skin and the 'Anti-Shine' range for oily skin. It's worth shopping around and finding the perfect SPF for you.
I want to wear makeup on holiday - surely SPF and makeup don't mix?
Actually they do! The key here is to find an SPF that is made for your face - you should do this anyway as the skin on your face is different to your body. Many SPF's are made to wear under makeup, just give them ample time to soak in. If you're particularly worried, you can use makeup products that have SPF built in. La Roche-Posay recently brought out a brand new BB cream with a whopping 50 SPF!
So there you have it, there is really no excuse for skipping your SPF! Please don't do it, it's really not worth the risk!
SPF stands for 'sun protection factor' and is a measure of how effective a product is at protecting you from the sun. The rating of SPF can go from as little as 2 and go as high as 70 and it's important you wear the right level of protection. SPF is a calculation of how much time you can be in the sun before you burn. For example, if you burn after being in the sun for 5 minutes, SPF15 will give you 15 times the time before you burn; 75 minutes. The higher the SPF the higher the protection.
Why is SPF so important?
Wearing SPF is important all year round, the sad thing is that most people only take notice when they are going on holiday. What we're trying to do is stop the ultraviolet rays UVA and UVB from damaging our skin. UBV is the ray that is responsible for sunburn, whilst UBA is the ray that causes long-term damage. Long-term damage can include skin cancer, which happens to be the second most common type of cancer for women in their twenties. UVA and UVB rays are present all year round and they are just as harmful in the winter as they are in the summer. You don't just have to be outside to get damaged skin, UV rays can come through windows and even through light clothing, so it pays to be protected.
Will I still get a tan?
Yes! SPF is designed to stop your skin from burning and to stop the harmful rays penetrating your skin. No part of it is designed to stop you getting a tan. If you're particularly worried you can buy suncreams that aim to help the natural tanning process. Nivea have a range called "Protect & Bronze" which does exactly that - it contains plant extract to encourage your own melanin production. If you've tried an SPF and you still don't get a tan, please don't stop putting it on! It's better to fake your tan than take the risk!
My skin hates SPF - I don't want to cover myself in a horrible greasy cream?!
The good news is that you don't have to! SPF has come a long way and you can now pick up a whole range of formulas. Two favourite SPFs of mine are not creams at all! the Garnier Ambre Solaire Dry Mist, which is an ultra-light mist which is completely dry to the touch. Another is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Comfort Oil; an oil formula which is lightweight and nourishing for all skincare types. You really don't have to wear a cream if it's not a texture you like.
But, I have sensitive skin!
Sensitive skin is completely and utterly catered for in the SPF market. La Roche-Posay in particular are experts at creating SPF's for every type of skin - sensitive skin included. They have the 'Comfort' range for dry skin, the 'Ultra-Light' range for normal/combination skin and the 'Anti-Shine' range for oily skin. It's worth shopping around and finding the perfect SPF for you.
I want to wear makeup on holiday - surely SPF and makeup don't mix?
Actually they do! The key here is to find an SPF that is made for your face - you should do this anyway as the skin on your face is different to your body. Many SPF's are made to wear under makeup, just give them ample time to soak in. If you're particularly worried, you can use makeup products that have SPF built in. La Roche-Posay recently brought out a brand new BB cream with a whopping 50 SPF!
So there you have it, there is really no excuse for skipping your SPF! Please don't do it, it's really not worth the risk!
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