Laura Charlton, owner of Hyba Studios, gives us the lowdown on why SPF is important, not just in summer, but all year round…
SPF is easy to forget while we’re enjoying the sunshine outside. But its importance is not talked about enough. Wearing SPF daily stops ageing, and prevents sunburns and skin cancer.
Sharing her expert advice is Laura Charlton, owner of Hyba Studios.
Can you tell us why SPF is so important?
The sun’s harmful UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy or overcast days so it’s important to apply sunscreen every day. UV radiation can cause skin damage, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
While UVB rays are most intense during the summer months, UVA rays are present year-round and can penetrate clouds and glass, which means they can still damage your skin even on a cloudy day or when you’re inside near a window.
SPF is a measure of how effectively a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. However, it’s important to note that sunscreen doesn’t provide protection from UVA rays.
That’s why you should choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. By applying broad-spectrum sunscreen year-round, you can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation and reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
When should we be using SPF?
It should be applied every time you go outside, especially if you will be exposed to the sun for an extended period of time.
Ideally, it should be applied at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to allow time for the sunscreen to absorb into the skin.
What factor SPF should we be using?
I would recommend using at least SPF 30. The higher the better and it’s important to use it all year round – even on cloudy days.
Still not sure which SPF would be best for you? Book a free skin consultation with skin specialist Laura at Hyba Studios
