The Importance of SPF
SPF is not just for when we go on holidays. The number one piece of skincare advice I could offer anyone is to wear a broad-spectrum SPF every single day no matter the weather and no matter the time of year. Wearing a good quality SPF ensures your skin is protected from harmful UV rays that damage the health and appearance of your skin.
If you are concerned with the signs of ageing or want to protect your skin from developing issues in the future wearing SPF is the best way to prevent the premature breakdown of collagen and elastin and hyperpigmentation, the number one signs of ageing.
If you are dealing with a skin condition like breakouts, excess oil, dehydration, or dryness wearing an SPF will help protect your skin from further damage making your condition worse.
Some of the most asked questions around SPF answered:
There is SPF in my moisturiser is that enough?
In short no. In general, the SPF you see in moisturisers and foundation are not broad spectrum, so they do not protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, this protection is important when concerned with the breakdown of collagen. You also need to ensure your SPF is at least a factor 30, many SPFs in moisturisers and foundations are factor 15 or even 10. Another issue with relying on the protection from your moisturiser or foundation is that you would need to apply a lot of product to ensure full coverage on the face, neck, chest and hands. This is not possible with most moisturisers and foundations.
How much do I need to apply?
A good measure of how much SPF you should apply is two finger lengths, if you squeeze a line of SPF along the index and middle fingers from the palmar crease to the fingertips that is enough SPF to cover the face.
At what point do I apply my SPF?
SPF is the final step of your skincare routine in the morning so apply over your serums and moisturisers and before your makeup products.
Can I use the same SPF on my face and body?
There is no reason why you can’t do this, the only issue you may see is irritation of the eye area or that the product may be thick and leave a shiny or chalky appearance. The skin on our face contains over 20,000 pores and using a thick body product might cause congestion in the pores leading to breakouts.
I don’t have time for lots of steps in my morning routine, how can save time?
With so many new formulations coming on the market there are so many times efficient solutions to save you a step or 2 in your routine. I love incorporating my moisturiser in my SPF or even use an SPF that is also a tinted moisturiser saving 2 steps of your routine! Just look for a SPF that has other benefits that will solve another issue for you.
Here are a few of my favourite SPFs that will save you time and keep you protected.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+ Cream 50ml
La Roche-Posay presents the Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+. This anti-ageing sun cream guards the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays, offering high / very high protection.
Ideal for mature and sensitive skin types, the formula helps improve the look of wrinkles, dark spots and skin elasticity. Hyaluronic Acid gives a burst of moisture, while Niacinamide works to treat areas of hyperpigmentation. PHE-Resorcinol boasts resurfacing properties for a brighter, smoother complexion.
Replace your anti-ageing moisturiser with this product!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+ Cream 50ml
IMAGE Prevention+ Daily Perfecting Primer SPF 50
This amazing newcomer from Image simplifies your routine by combining the blurring effect of a primer with the advantages of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It contains a ferment-based ingredient that works to reduce the impact of environmental stressors like sun and wind that can lead to dryness.
This primer is sheer, buildable, and suits most skin tones, effortlessly providing a finish that mimics natural skin. Its filter-like properties help blur imperfections while allowing your skin’s radiance to shine through.
Versatile enough for a minimalist routine yet effective at perfecting, this silica-infused primer helps even out skin texture, minimize wrinkles and pores, and leaves a lightweight, breathable matte finish.
The smooth, blendable formula carries a subtle hint of natural citrus for a refreshing, invigorating fragrance.
You can replace your primer with this amazing product.
IMAGE Prevention+ Daily Perfecting Primer SPF 50
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fresh Mist 50+ 75ml
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Face Mist SPF 50+ offers exceptionally high, broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Catering specifically for blemish-prone and oily skin types.
With a light, fresh texture of a thermal spring water, the ultra-moisturising, water-resistant sunscreen mist absorbs quickly to shield from sun exposure, whilst promoting a smooth, supple complexion with minimised shine. Can be applied alone or over makeup.
Minimise shine and refresh makeup with this protective spray.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fresh Mist 50+ 75ml
Lancaster Sun Protective Fluid SPF30
Lancaster Sun Beauty Sun Protective Fluid SPF30 is an ultra-light fluid and with dry touch finish, invisible at application. It offers a nude skin sensation for a golden “healthy glow” tan, even and durable. It protects, beyond UVB and UVA, against visible light and infrareds, with a strengthened protection against blue light. Sun Repair System composed of probiotic extracts helps to repair the damages linked to sun exposure and reinforces the skin resistance to photo-ageing. Of natural origin, the Tan Activator Complex stimulates the skin natural tanning process.
Replace your lightweight moisturiser with this product.
Lancaster Sun Protective Fluid SPF30 30ml
Vichy Capital Soleil Mattifying 3-in-1 SPF50+ 50ml
Vichy Capital Soleil Mattifying SPF 50 sun lotion uses broad-spectrum UVA and UVB filters to reflect the sun’s rays away from the skin while absorbing radiation. The formula includes Vichy Mineralising Thermal Water that keeps the skin hydrated while fighting free radicals – caused by exposure to the sun.
This three in one product protects from the UV rays that would damage your skin, controls shine and mattifies the skin all in one product, replace your mattifying moisturiser with this product.
Vichy Capital Soleil Mattifying 3-in-1 SPF50+ 50ml
Bioderma Photoderm AR SPF50+ Tinted Cream Natural 30ml
Photoderm AR SPF50+ is a daily face tinted sunscreen for reactive skin and rosacea. It soothes, reduces redness and unifies the skin. It prevents the appearance of new rashes and helps control the reaction of the skin.
For those suffering from redness of the skin this product will minimise and disguise that redness while protecting it against further damage. Replace your tinted moisturiser with this product.
Bioderma Photoderm AR SPF50+ Tinted Cream Natural 30ml
These and many more SPFs are available in store and online at Meaghers.ie. For more information or if you have a specific question, get in touch with us here in Meaghers.
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