YOUR FUTURE FACE WILL THANK YOU FOR A DEDICATED SPF

SPF: hardly the sexiest of skincare topics but indisputably the most important. Yep, it’s another step in your skincare routine but sun protection is one you can't afford to skip. There's no point investing money and time in expensive and elaborate routines if you're not going to follow the most basic principle. It's true that 90% of skin ageing is caused by UV exposure, and false that you're exempt from daily SPF just because you live on a small, rainy island. Luckily there are lots of new breed formulas. Now, that phrase is thrown around a lot - every summer to be precise, but the beauty industry innovates at breakneck speed, so while you may roll your eyes, it is indeed true. First, a refresher on why, what and how.

WHY SPF IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR FACE

The sun, as you're likely aware, emits two types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB. A for ageing and B for burning. “UVA rays age the skin, deplete collagen leading to fine lines, wrinkles and increase in skin discolouration. UVB burns the skin leading to cell deformities and the development of skin cancers like Melanomas,” says aesthetician Dija Ayodele.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPF FOR YOUR SKIN

You want a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, i.e. something called broad spectrum protection. The SPF factor (skin experts suggest minimum of 30) refers only to the product's ability to protect your skin against UVB rays so also check its UVA rating too. There are two types of formulas: chemical and physical, which you may also know as mineral. The former uses UV filters to convert the rays while the latter blocks the rays from entering entirely. Generally, chemical formulas feel lighter on the face but their physical counterparts have come a long way from the unctuous, white paints of the past. Much like different skin types need different moisturisers, they also demand different SPFs. Oily or blemish-prone skin should look for non-comedogenic options while drier skin, unsurprisingly, needs more hydration.

HOW MUCH SPF YOU NEED DAILY

The general rule is you should apply two fingers worth, after skincare and before makeup. Ideally, leave your sun protection some time to settle in (three minutes or so) before applying your makeup.

THE SPF IN YOUR MAKE-UP, IS IT ENOUGH?

‘But there’s SPF in my foundation!’ we hear you cry. Sadly this isn’t sufficient. Often SPF-enhanced bases are just a clever marketing tactic from makeup brands. “You won't use enough of this product to ensure full coverage,” Ayodele confirms. Plus, as suncare products are hard to formulate with makeup, the SPF in foundation doesn’t often have full UVA and UVB protection. Instead, it’s better to just wear a proper layer of SPF protection and then apply makeup.