Whether you’re loving or loathing the heatwave, one non-negotiable if SPF, and Kimberley Medd, Head of Clinic, Face The Future, has advice about sun safety that no one should skip!
1. SPF doesn’t last all day
“One of the biggest myths I see is that applying SPF once in the morning is enough. During a heatwave, higher temperatures, sweat and more time outdoors can all affect how well your sunscreen performs. As a general rule, SPF should be reapplied every two hours when you’re outside, and more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating heavily.”
2. Don’t leave SPF in a hot car
“Sunscreen is formulated to stay stable within a certain temperature range. Leaving products in a hot car, on a sun lounger or on a windowsill for long periods can affect their texture and performance. If your SPF has separated, changed colour or developed an unusual smell, it’s best to replace it.”
3. Check the expiry date
“Lots of people use the same sunscreen year after year, but SPF products do have an expiry date. The UV filters become less effective over time, especially if the product has been repeatedly exposed to heat. Before using an older sunscreen, always check the expiry date or the period after-opening symbol on the packaging.”
4. Apply more than you think you need
“Most people simply don’t apply enough sunscreen to achieve the level of protection stated on the bottle. For the face and neck, around two finger lengths of product is generally recommended. Applying too little can significantly reduce the protection your skin receives from UV damage.”
5. SPF is still essential in the UK
“A heatwave often encourages people to spend longer outdoors, increasing UV exposure. Even in the UK, UV levels can become high enough to cause skin damage surprisingly quickly. Wearing a broad spectrum SPF 30 or above every day, alongside protective clothing and shade where possible is one of the most effective ways to protect skin health.”
6. Understanding SPF labels
“SPF can be confusing, but there are a few key things to look for. The SPF number refers to protection against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature ageing, pigmentation and long term skin damage. Ideally, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and a high level of UVA protection.
If you’re buying a Korean sunscreen, you’ll often see a PA rating such as PA+, PA++, PA+++ or PA++++. This refers to UVA protection, with more plus signs indicating a higher level of defence. For everyday use, I recommend SPF 30 or 50 with strong UVA protection, ideally PA+++ or above, particularly during periods of high UV exposure such as a heatwave.”
Face The Future recently discovered that only 1 in 6 people wear SPF everyday (16%) in a OnePoll survey of 2,000 Brits, as part of their 365 Days of SPF campaign. To encourage this – Face The Future has absorbed the VAT on key sunscreen brands and products as part of their campaign. Shop here.