SPF Benefits: Everything You Need To Know About Suncare

The sun is out, and we are officially launching ourselves into the peak sunscreen season!

We have listed five benefits of sunscreen wearing, plus a guide on how to pick the right SPF for you this summer and the importance of wearing it regardless of the season or destination.

So before you sojourn in the sun-kissed Mediterranean, far-flung tropical destinations, or go skiing in the French Alps, wherever your summer holiday destination is, let’s make sure your suncare is sorted, sealed in a Ziploc bag and packed in the suitcase.

What is SPF, and what does sunscreen do to your face?

SPF means Sun Protection Factor is a number indicated on the label of sunscreen, cosmetics, and skincare products. It helps block your skin against the sun’s UV radiation.

The number refers to how long the UVB rays would take to redden your skin if you apply the sunscreen exactly as instructed (as opposed to not wearing one). For example, using an SPF 30 would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you did not.

Keep in mind that as the SPF value increases, so does its sunburning protection.

Who needs to wear sunscreen?

Everyone. Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of age, gender, or race.

Experts strongly advise never to let your skin burn in the sun, whatever your skin colour is, as melanin-rich skin might not turn the shade of a shrimp – but it does feel the burn and peel if over-exposed.

Plus, the sun is the skin’s biggest environmental aggressor and will accelerate the ageing process – resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots and uneven, rough skin.

If a lovely golden tan is what you’re after, laying out in the sun is never the answer. Instead, reach for self-tanner. It can give you a radiant, even tan (minus the burn and sun damage), if you do it right – just follow these expert tips on how to apply fake tan. And if you’re worried about patchy knees and elbows, remember that there are also ways to fix self-tanner mistakes.

Should you wear sunscreen every day?

Yes! It streaks through the windows of your home and car and will still wreak the same amount of damage. All exposed areas should get a blob or spritz of SPF – even in winter.

The damage from UV radiation is cumulative and therefore, sun protection is non-negotiable.

Experts strongly advise using sunscreen daily, no matter your geographical location or season. So don’t let your guard down and aim to slather on the sunscreen whether you are indoors, at high altitudes, or even on cloudy days in the UK.

Benefits of sunscreen – the stats on your city

New findings from the Clarins team confirm how important it is to wear SPF daily, even when you’re not on holiday. According to the research, Chichester residents are most at risk of skin ageing from UV rays. According to Met Office data, based on the number of sunshine hours per UK city, this area in West Sussex was the sunniest, with 1,919 hours (80 days) on average a year.

When looking at all the cities around the country, we found the following:

Annual Average Sunshine Hours

Chichester – 1,919 hours
Brighton & Hove – 1,892 hours
Southend-on-Sea – 1,884 hours
Portsmouth – 1,772 hours
Canterbury – 1,737 hours
Plymouth – 1,732 hours
Southampton – 1,706 hours
Salisbury – 1,699 hours
Cardiff – 1,692 hours
Bristol – 1,658 hours

Whilst SPF is essential every day as there is still risk irrespective of the weather – residents in Derry, Northern Ireland, were the least at risk of sun damage, with the lowest hours of sunlight per year amongst all UK cities at 1,222 hours (51 days). Along with Derry, Glasgow was also one of the cities with the lowest risk, coming just ahead with 1,234 hours on average a year.

When looking at regions in the UK, the South East had the highest average hours of sunshine per year out of all areas with 1,670 hours (70 days a year). This means that residents in this region are at the highest risk of UV exposure over the year and, hence, more at risk of skin damage. Northern Scotland was the lowest, with 1,104 hours per year or 46 days.

Is SPF 30 or 50 better?

Picking the right SPF and formulation that works for you is the first step.

The British Association of Dermatologists advises using a minimum of SPF 30 for daily protection. It is clinically proven to be enough protection to reduce or minimise the adverse effects of sunlight. What about SPF 50? Is SPF 50 good for the face? If you are on holiday mode, spending more time outdoors, swimming and sweating, then a heavy-duty SPF 50 would be ideal. SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB radiation, a little bit more than SPF 30.

Best SPF for your face and body

Sunscreen for your face

UV PLUS [5P] Anti-Pollution SPF 50 Translucent is the top choice for the face, especially for city dwellers. This SPF protects you against 5 pollutants encountered in everyday life: atmospheric, indoor, pollen, blue light and photo-pollution. A lightweight, easily-absorbed gel cream gives an instant dewy glow.

Youth-protecting Sunscreen High Protection SPF30 is a face sun cream with a smooth, melting texture that leaves a dry-touch matte finish. It offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays and prevents the appearance of dark spots. While the organic cocoa extract helps to boost skin hydration and provides firming benefits for an anti-wrinkle action, the Vitamin E derivative with antioxidant properties helps protect skin from the effects of free radicals.

Sunscreen for your body

Sun Care Body Cream UVA/UVB 50+ is a very high-protection body sun care cream for all types of skin in all conditions for any destination and activity. The cream texture absorbs quickly without white streaks, with smooth melting and a dry, velvety, soft finish.

Sun Care Water Mist SPF50+ is perfect for those who like the sensor experience. This misting action makes it quickly absorb into the skin. The lightweight aqueous texture sprays on evenly and stays invisible.