Should I Wear Sunscreen Every Day?

Is it just us, or do all days seem a little better with the sun shining? As well as being a brilliant mood-booster, the Vitamin D we get from the sun is a great source of goodness for our bodies.

However, those pesky UV rays can also do some damage, meaning it’s essential that you wear sunscreen every single day. Don’t believe us? Our superstar Skin + Me derms are here to explain why you need broad spectrum protection, come rain or shine.

How do we get vitamin D?

There are two sources of vitamin D: exposure to sunlight and diet – and usually, our bodies can make all the vitamin D we need from being out in the sun. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, the cholesterol in our skin cells reacts with the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to produce vitamin D. And although the UK isn’t exactly known as a hotspot for sunbathing, the sun’s UV rays are still powerful – especially during our spring and summer months. Acne, skin texture, fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation concerns are all affected, and worsened, by exposure to the sun. So, our skin needs protection, and that’s where sunscreen with a high SPF comes in.

What does SPF mean?

SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’, and it does what it says on the tin (or bottle, or tube).

“SPF stands for sun protection factor, and is the measure by which sunscreens are rated for their protection against sunburn,” Dr Malvina explains. “SPF is measured in a lab by comparing the amount of time it takes UV radiation to cause mild sunburn versus the time it takes with sunscreen applied. When it takes 10 minutes to burn without sunscreen and 150 minutes to burn with sunscreen then the SPF of that sunscreen is 15 (because 150 divided by 10 is 15).”

Using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which protects against UVA and UVB rays, as the last step in your morning routine every day (yes, every day!) will do wonders for your skin. You can find out more about SPF here.

So, I need to apply sunscreen every day?!

Yes, you do. Using sunscreen every day, in addition to your Skin + Me personalised solution, is the single best thing you can do for your skin. According to Dr Jason Thomson, Head of Medical at Skin + Me, studies have shown that using sunscreen alone can significantly improve your skin’s health, protecting it from the sun’s damaging UV rays and reducing the risk of developing skin cancer. Using sunscreen every day can also slow down the ageing process, reduce problems with pigmentation and actually visibly reverse the signs of photo damage.

If you’re using prescription acne and skin-ageing treatments, these will make your skin a lot more sensitive to the sun – which makes it all the more essential to use sunscreen every day. Sunscreens have come a long way too, no longer a greasy layer on the surface of your skin, and can slot nicely into your morning skincare routine – the last step before your makeup, if you wear any.

What if I’m using active ingredients? 

It’s super important to always wear sunscreen when using your Skin + Me personalised solution, and any other active ingredients. And it’s not enough to use a moisturiser or makeup that contains sunscreen either. Choose a designated broad-spectrum sunscreen, that has an SPF of at least 30 and protects against UVA and UVB rays, into your daily routine.