Join The Skin + Me 75Shield Challenge

Here at Skin + Me, it’s no secret that we’re obsessed with wearing sunscreen. Every. Single. Day. It’s the best thing you can do to protect your skin from the early signs of ageing and reduce the risk of skin cancer all at once. However, we know that building habits takes time – that’s why we’ve launched the Skin + Me 75Shield Challenge.

What is the Skin + Me 75Shield Challenge?

We’re big on community here at Skin + Me, so we’re calling on you to join our sunscreen movement. 

You might be familiar with 75Hard challenge, a wellness programme that has gained 75 million views on TikTok and gave way to several sub-challenges like 75Soft and 30Hard. Now, meet the Skin + Me 75Shield Challenge. 

We want you to make a promise to apply sunscreen every single morning for 75 days. No days off, no excuses – start your day with sun protection, even on rainy or cloudy days. Staying inside? UV rays can penetrate your windows, so you’ll still need to wear your SPF. 

By completing the challenge, you’ll make sunscreen an integral part of your routine, and hopefully your dedication to sun protection will continue long after the 75 days are up. 

Why is it important to wear sunscreen every day?

According to dermatologists, wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best things you can do for your skin. 

Research shows that UV exposure is responsible for up to 80% of visible ageing but, according to the charity Melanoma Focus, 32% of UK adults don’t ever use sunscreen. Dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles are all linked to sun damage – in fact, most dermatologists notice an uptick in melasma patients in September, following increased sun exposure during the summer months. 

UVA and UVB rays are also a contributing factor in skin cancers, including melanoma, the most deadly form of the disease. According to Cancer Research UK, melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, and rates have more than doubled since the 1990s. 

The good news is that 86% of melanoma cases are preventable with good sun care habits. Sunscreen is also a line of defence against the early signs of ageing – no wonder we’re such SPF fans here at Skin + Me. 

How can I get into the habit of wearing sunscreen?

The key to forming healthy habits? Routine, routine, routine. You might have heard of habit stacking – a smart way to link actions with other actions. When it comes to making sunscreen part of your daily life, think about how it could fit in with other parts of your routine. 

For example, you probably clean your teeth every morning without really thinking about it – that’s how ingrained it is into your day. What if you left your sunscreen next to your toothbrush? You’d remember to apply it before brushing your teeth, and pretty soon these two actions would become linked in your mind – you’d apply your sunscreen without thinking too. 

You could also get your friends and family involved in 75Shield. Start a sunscreen group chat to check up on each other each morning, or gather up your housemates to apply sunscreen together – there’s nothing like SPF to bring your loved-ones together. 

We’ll also be with you along the way too. Follow Skin + Me on Instagram and TikTok at @skinandmehq to find out how our community of customers and influencers are taking part in 75Shield. Keep checking back on The Dose too, where you’ll find plenty of sunscreen tips, tricks and facts from our derms over the next 75 days. 

How much sunscreen should I use?

You should apply sunscreen generously – we’d recommend using the two-finger rule to make things simple. Apply a line of sunscreen to your index and middle fingers, from the tip to the base. This should be enough to cover your face. 

If other areas of skin are exposed, then you should use plenty of sunscreen to cover them too – don’t forget areas like your hairline, your ears and your feet, which can burn easily in the sun.

How should I apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine, before you apply any makeup. Cleanse your face, apply a morning treatment if you use one, then moisturise. Take your time with your routine, and give each product enough time to soak in, to prevent any pilling. 

You’re then ready to apply your sunscreen – measure it out, and smooth the cream over your face, taking care to cover your cheeks, forehead, nose, eyelids, chin and neck without getting it in your eyes. Once it’s dried down, you can then apply makeup, if you use it. 

You should also reapply your sunscreen regularly throughout the day, especially if you’re out in the sun – dermatologists recommend every two hours. You’ll need to reapply it immediately if you’ve been swimming, sweating or using a towel – even if your sunscreen is “water-resistant”. 

Which sunscreen should I use?

Our dermatologists believe that the best sunscreen is the one you wear every day, without fail. 

We’re pretty proud of our Daily Defence SPF 50 Oil-free Sunscreen, and it’s perfect for taking part in the 75Shield Challenge. We designed it for use alongside active ingredients, which can make your skin more photosensitive.

The oil-free formulation means it won’t trigger breakouts, so it’s an excellent pick if you’re prone to spots. It’s also packed with niacinamide, a versatile ingredient that regulates oil-production, and vitamin E, which quenches thirsty skin. Think of it as skincare meets suncare – this featherlight formula dries down clear, working as a primer and a protector all in one. 

PS – if you’re new to Skin + Me, you can add a free mini tube of Daily Defence to your first box. Complete your consultation, add your trial-size suncreen, then use the promo code DOSE to get your first month of Skin + Me treatment for £3.50.

Final thoughts

Supercharge your skincare routine and future-proof your skin against ageing and skin cancer with the 75Shield Challenge. Remember to share your progress on TikTok and Instagram with the hashtag #75Shield– we can’t wait to see how you’re making sunscreen part of your daily routine!