SPF decoded

Liana Shaw looks at the latest SPF products available on the market right now

You can't see or feel UV radiation, a type of electromagnetic radiation from the sun. And actually, one of the best and most widely accessible beauty ‘secrets’ isn’t actually much of a secret at all. We all know UV rays damage our skin, so why do so few of us wear SPF all year round?

One of the biggest skin saviours out there, SPF (sun protection factor), should be part of our everyday skincare routine, especially on our face. Even on a cloudy day, a high UV index means that those damaging UVA and UVB rays are more likely to get through. UVB is the offender behind sunburn on the epidermis (your skin surface layer), while UVA rays, which penetrate the dermis (deeper layer), are associated with lightinduced effects of aging (photoaging) e.g. wrinkles and leathery skin.

So, what to do to protect yourself? In busy day to day lives, multi-tasking skincare is a winner. A moisturiser or foundation with SPF integrated will help, as you can avoid the greasy residue or heaviness of using full sunscreen under makeup. For that first skin routine step, a light moisturiser like Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defence is perfect, because it’s an oil free lotion that doesn’t feel at all clunky on the skin. Or if you need a vitamin C boost, The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Glow-Protect Lotion SPF30 gives a double whammy with radiance boosting vitamin C, but protection from the sun. If you have oily, dry or generally problematic skin, look for the SPF product that is specifically designed with your skin type, to avoid clogging, drying or shine.

Foundations and tinted moisturiser are jumping on the bandwagon too. It seems like every makeup brand from high end Dior to budget friendly Rimmel have their own line of SPF primers or foundation, so there’s a product out there for every age and skin type. And as it’s never been easier to get flawless healthy skin and keep it healthy with a little extra SPF, you know your skin will thank you for it in the long run.