Author: Carolina Gomes

SPF or Sunscreen has become an increasingly popular topic of discussion in recent years among skin care enthusiasts, and rightly so. The use of sunscreen in a skin care regime is essential, not only for protecting our skin, but also maintaining the skin’s youthful appearance.

SPF vs UV

The sun emits UV rays that can be harmful to the skin. Prolonged exposure can cause a range of skin problems, including sunburn, premature ageing, sun damage and increased risks of skin cancer.  SPF is a measure of how much protection a product has against UVB rays (these are the types of UV rays that cause sun damage and skin cancer). 

Using sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from these harmful rays. It is especially important to use when you are going to be outside for an extended period of time (i.e. work, exercise, or leisure activities). The higher the SPF number, the more protection it offers. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

How SPF works

SPF works by creating a barrier between the skin and the sun's rays. When sunscreen is applied, the SPF absorbs the UVB rays, preventing them from penetrating into the skin. As a result, this reduces the amount of UV radiation that reaches the skin.

There are two types of sunscreens available: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the UV rays, while physical sunscreens create a physical barrier between the skin and the sun's rays.

Sunscreen can come in different formulations: creams, gels or sprays. Creams and gels are ideal for full body coverage as they are easier to apply to larger surface areas. Sprays are a great way to re-apply your SPF onto the body and face (particularly if you are using make-up) as it is released in a fine mist. Sprays are ideal for applying on young children, as they are faster to apply than a cream or gel and don’t require them to stand still for too long.

Other ways to protect yourself

In addition to using sunscreen, there are other steps you can take to protect your skin from the sun. Wearing  protective clothing, like long-sleeved shirts and hats, are ideal when you are spending extended periods of time outdoors. Avoiding peak sun hours (which are between 10 am and 4 pm) can also help reduce your exposure. If, however, it can not be avoided, seeking shade is another alternative.

Make sure that you and your family are protected this summer by browsing our range of sun protection here.