SPF skincare is so important for healthier, more youthful looking skin, but skincare sleuths like us and yourself know it should be applied 365 days a year (right? 😉).
If you haven’t been hitting your daily SPF quota, it’s always a good time to start. UV rays are present all year round and even penetrate cloud cover, meaning skin damage can still occur at any time and it’s important to stay protected.
This means it can help prevent sun spots and freckles!
What is SPF?
SPF, standing for Sun Protection Factor will give you protection from UV rays. If you use an SPF 30 for example, it will take you (approximately) 30 times longer to burn than if you were to not use sunscreen.
Why is SPF so important for skincare?
The sun feels great on your skin, but over time, those rays are not your friend. Regular exposure to UV rays can lead to:
- Premature aging (wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots)
- Skin cancer (including melanoma, the deadliest form)
- Sunburns (which can make your skin more vulnerable to future damage)
- Hyperpigmentation (dark spots and uneven skin tone)
It’s not just about beach days either—everyday exposure counts. Walking your dog, driving to work, sitting by a sunny window—these small moments add up. That’s why SPF is essential, even when you’re indoors or the sun doesn’t seem too strong.
Moisturisers with SPF are perfect for your skincare routine
SPF moisturisers are skincare products that combine the benefits of hydration with sun protection. Here's why they are important and how they work:
1. Protection against UV radiation
SPF moisturisers help protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, particularly UVA and UVB rays:
- UVA Rays: These penetrate deeply into the skin and are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles, and sunspots.
- UVB Rays: These cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.
2. Prevention of skin cancer
Regular use of SPF can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, which is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. The skin is constantly exposed to UV rays, even on cloudy days or indoors (through windows), making daily protection vital.
3. Prevents premature ageing
Overexposure to the sun can lead to premature aging, causing wrinkles, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation. Using SPF moisturisers helps keep skin looking youthful by preventing photoaging.
Our Anti-Wrinkle Brightening Day Cram with SPF25 has been specially formulated to tackle signs of premature ageing with an ultra-hydrating formula which plumps the skin from within to give you a brighter and more youthful complexion.
4. Convenient two-in-one product
SPF moisturisers combine hydration with sun protection in a single step. This convenience is beneficial for those who want to simplify their skincare routine. By moisturising the skin while protecting it from sun damage, these products maintain your skin's barrier function and prevent dryness, especially after sun exposure.
5. Daily sun protection
Many people forget to apply sunscreen when they’re not at the beach or in direct sunlight. Since most people moisturise daily, using an SPF moisturiser ensures consistent protection even during routine activities like walking to work, driving, or being indoors near windows.
6. Helps maintain an even skin tone
Sun exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation and discoloration. By protecting your skin from further sun damage, SPF moisturisers help maintain an even skin tone and can aid in reducing existing dark spots.
If you have symptoms of hyperpigmentation our Advanced Brightening Day Cream with SPF20 is the perfect solution!
How to use SPF for skincare?
You can either use products that have SPF within their ingredients list, such as the Collagen Boost Brightening Day Cream with SPF 25, or you can layer a separate SPF on top of your moisturiser. Use enough SPF to cover any exposed areas of your face, making sure to include your neck and ears.
We recommend using a separate product around the delicate eye area, such as the Advanced Brightening Eye Defence Day Cream with SPF 20.
How long does SPF last?
SPF lasts around 2 hours, so it’s important to reapply throughout the day – if you’re wearing makeup that you don’t want to budge, apply SPF to a small sponge and dab product in rather than rubbing.
Common myths about SPF skincare
There’s a lot of misinformation about sunscreen, so let’s debunk a few myths:
Myth 1: People with darker skin don’t need sunscreen. False! While people with more melanin have some natural protection, they are still at risk for skin cancer and sun damage.
Myth 2: You don’t need SPF on cloudy days. False again! UV rays can penetrate clouds, so you still need protection even if the sun isn’t shining.
Myth 3: A base tan protects you from sunburn. Nope! Any change in skin colour is a sign of damage.
Don't forget other skincare essentials
You can find SPF in many Fade Out products, from the Collagen Boost to the Anti-Wrinkle range – which means that no matter your skin concerns, you can ensure you’re getting SPF protection everyday.
A summary of the key benefits of incorporating SPF into your skincare routine
- Shields from harmful UV rays.
- Prevents premature aging and skin damage.
- Provides hydration and protection in one step.
- Maintains a more even skin tone.
- Reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Using an SPF moisturiser as part of your daily skincare routine is a simple but effective way to keep your skin healthy and protected from sun-related damage.