Whether you're a step-by-step skincare routine kind of person or someone who wings it most days and nights, there is one product we all shouldn't forget to use every day and that's SPF.
I know what you're thinking, we live in a country where it's not exactly blazing sunshine every day, but believe it or not your skin is still being damaged, rain, hail or sun.
We caught up with Dr Andrew Mottram, resident aesthetics practitioner and clinical expert at The Skin Clinic at Galgorm, who has more than 20 years’ experience working in dermatology and for the NHS. Here he explains all about SPF and why it's so important, as well as the best types for your skin.
Read more: NI man encouraging people to check their bodies after noticing mole on scalp
Why should we wear sunscreen/SPF?
All year long we wait patiently for those scarce summer days on the island of Ireland or count down the days until we can step off the plane and feel that warm, tropical heat beat down upon us. Although there is no better feeling than laying by the pool on a sun longer with a cocktail in hand, it is crucial that we take precaution to stop our skin absorbing the sun’s harmful UV rays – which are present even on cloudy days. If you are a skincare enthusiast or someone who wears a daily SPF, then you already know the importance of applying a daily sunscreen to prevent premature aging and to reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, many are under the impression that SPF should only be worn on holiday. As a doctor with years of experience treating skin cancer patients in Australia, Dr Mottram advises that no matter what the weather, we should never leave home without applying SPF- it is as important as brushing your teeth in the morning!
What should we look out for in an SPF?
Most assume that the best sunscreen available to them will be whichever has the highest SPF, but this is not always the case. For the best UV protection, always look for a sunscreen that’s label reads ‘Broad Spectrum’ as this will guard you against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays.
• UVA (95% of Sun’s UV rays) causes immediate tanning and sunburn. In the long-term this can result in premature ageing, wrinkles, and an increase in the risk of some skin cancers.
• UVB (5% of Sun’s UV rays) causes delayed tanning sunburn and blistering. Long-term results can include an increase in the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.
As the saying goes “every day is a learning day”. It therefore may shock you to know that many drug store sunscreens only protect the skin against UVB leaving your skin unprotected against 95% of the sun’s rays, so choose wisely.
Expectation vs Reality
Traditionally, when we think of the word sunscreen, we tend to imagine the thick, gloopy, white creams that parents would slap on your face as a child and would take forever to dry in, but luckily this is no longer the case. Experts have now developed modern sunscreen solutions, suitable for all skin types that most importantly, sit well under makeup. Options now include facial moisturisers for dry, oily and combination skin types complete with UVA and UVB protection, with some even containing antioxidants or skin brightening botanicals for a double boost to your skin. It is also becoming more common for your favourite foundations and primers to include SPF in their formulation for that little bit of extra protection.
Choosing the Perfect SPF for You
As with all skincare products, it should be personal to you and your skin type and, SPF is no different. With many options available depending on budget and formulation, it’s important to know what is available and if it ticks all your boxes. Dr Mottram advises his patients to consider the following when selecting an SPF:
- Consider Quality: It is always important to consider the quality of a sunscreen, ensuring it is “broad spectrum”, covering both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning). For daily use when living in Northern Ireland, look for SPF 30 or higher. When going on holiday, Dr Mottram also recommends looking for a water-resistant SPF as it will stay on wet skin for up to 40 minutes.
Consider Skin Type : A great SPF should specify what skin type it caters for. If you have oily or spot prone skin, it is recommended that you use a sunscreen which is oil free and has a matte finish as this will reduce the risk of developing spots. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating sunscreen that contains hyaluronic acid or ceramides to prevent your skin from drying out.
Consider Skin Tone: For those with a medium to dark complexion, skin experts recommend opting for a chemical sunscreen (one which absorbs into the skin) as it will appear clearer when applied as opposed to mineral or physical sunscreens (which sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays) and may leave some white residue.
Apply it Last: Generally speaking, sunscreen should be applied to freshly cleansed skin. This should be the last step in your morning skincare routine, applied after skin serums and before applying makeup.
Dr Mottram’s Top Picks
Now that you know what to look out for when purchasing an SPF, it is time to get researching and invest in your skin. When advising clients, Dr Mottram highly recommends IMAGE Skincare as it is a professional, clinical brand used by the skin experts at Galgorm’s Skin Clinic, prioritising science over fads and results over trends. For daily use in the Northern Irish climate, IMAGE Skincare Daily Matte Moisturiser SPF32+ is a great option.
Dr Mottram also recommends SkinCeuticals, a brand backed by science that leads the skincare industry in terms of research and innovation. SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Fusion UV defence SPF 50 has rave reviews for its lightweight tinted formula, whereas SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defence SPF 50 has a truly advanced formula for not only sun protection but reversal of sun damage.
Dr Mottram advises that for those in doubt about their skin, to always get checked out by a medical professional. Having undergone specific training in skin cancer detection and with three years’ experience in skin cancer surgery, Dr Mottram is delighted to offer full body skin cancer checks at The Skin Clinic at Galgorm.
READ NEXT:
NI Spa therapist's beauty tips including the product you need to use daily
The 'huge increase' in people getting fillers and Botox in NI
Shoppers rave about £10 Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream 'dupe'
To get the latest lifestyle and entertainment news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free Be newsletter.
