Your skin’s job is to look after you, protecting your body from the world outside (and it does a very good job!). That’s why your skin deserves the best protection, every day. Get our 101 on the non negotiable skincare you need to include in your daily routine below.
What actually is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and protects you from UVB Rays. The SPF measures how a sunscreen protects your skin in comparison to non protected skin. SPF 30 filters 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 filters 98% UV rays. The most important part is to make sure you are wearing SPF daily and reapplying every 2.5 hours.
UVA, UVB, UVC—what’s the difference?
UVA stands for Ultraviolet A (Aging) and is a long wavelength ray that penetrates right into the skin's dermis layer and is associated with speeding up the skin aging process. UVA rays damage the cells DNA and cause long term damage and can contribute to looking older. They are out from the beginning of the day to the end with no lessening of UV strength. UVA can penetrate the clouds and through glass and because of this you do not need the sun to be out to cause damage. Sunscreen is needed all year round (including winter!) regardless of whether the sun is out or not to protect your collagen, elasticity and skin.
UVB stands for Ultraviolet B (Burns) and are a short wavelength ray that damages the outer layers of the skin causing sun burning and dark spots on the skin. UVB rays are only out when the sun is out as it cannot penetrate the clouds and is responsible for the “Tan”. While people think a tan is a healthy look, it is in fact the skin trying to protect itself from UVB radiation damage. UVB rays also play a big role in causing skin cancers and this damage can start from a young age and manifest as you get into your middle years. Being sun smart and using sunscreen helps protect from this.
UVC stands for Ultraviolet C (Cancer) and are the shortest wavelength waves and the most dangerous. Luckily most of UVC rays are so short they rarely reach the atmosphere and are absorbed by the ozone layer. However with the ozone hole UVC rays are being filtered through in small amounts. UVC can cause damage to the eye, so don’t stare directly into the sun and get into a habit of wearing sunglasses!
Chemical v Physical sunscreens, what’s the difference?
Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and prevents sun damage. A physical sunscreen is made of minerals like Zinc and Titanium Oxide. It sits on top of the skin and reflects the UV rays. Both chemical and physical formulas are very effective sunscreens. Chemical sunscreen works well with those that are active and sweat while mineral sunscreens work well with people who have sensitive or inflamed skin as Zinc helps with skin healing. Mineral sunscreens are also great for re-applying as they form an almost instant protection.
Why is it important to reapply sunscreen throughout the day?
Sunscreen isn’t a “one-and-done” product—reapplying is crucial. Even if your sunscreen claims to be waterproof, toweling off after swimming can still remove it. To maintain protection, make sure to reapply throughout the day. If you're heading to work, keep facial sunscreen in your bag and refresh it around lunchtime. This is especially important if you're often in front of a computer, as blue light can also contribute to skin damage. Regular reapplication ensures you're consistently shielded from harmful rays and environmental stressors.
So, why do I need to wear it even inside?
Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine regardless of whether you spend a lot of time outside or not. Remember UVA rays can penetrate glass. That cup of tea by the kitchen window can be breaking down your collagen. Daily sunscreen use also protects skin from visible blue lights (from laptops, cell phones tablets and halogen lights), infrared (from heat sources like ceramic cooktops, fires). These sources penetrate deeper than UVA/B rays and speed up pre-mature aging
I know I need SPF but I hate the stickiness of sunscreen on my skin! Help?
There are many new generation sunscreens that are not thick and sticky, and it is very important to find a sunscreen that you feel comfortable to use. Mineral sunscreens like Skinsmiths Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF 30 is lightweight and sheer, giving you a strong SPF Protection without the sticky feeling. Its great for re-applying as it is weightless and provides immediate protection. Not only does Skinsmith Daily Defence Sheer protect against UV Rays, you have the added benefits of protecting the skin from blue light as well. Check out the full SPF range - you can't go wrong with one of these in this collection!
What about the under-eye area? Doesn’t that need protection too?
It is not recommended to put SPF under the eye area unless it is specifically made for periocular skin or ophthalmologist tested formulations due to the thinness of the skin and irritation. In fact, a lot of reactions we have with SPF is the eye area.
However, yes the eyes do need protection and we can get that with an eye cream. SKS Pro Collagen has Vit C and Savgin NZ which is a powerful antioxidant from grapeseed extract and Murad Vita C Dark Circle Eye Corrector which has Gold stablised Vit C
SPF is only one pathway of sun protection , antioxidants are the next. ANd of course hats and sunglasses are great. The dark circling under the eye area is generally caused by microcirculation issues or thin skin rather than pigment from sun damage.
What happens when you don’t wear SPF?
Skipping SPF can lead to a range of skin and/or health issues, starting with uneven skin tone, dark spots, and fine lines. You’ll begin noticing wrinkles from the loss of collagen and elasticity, and by your early 50s, deeper lines and leathery skin can take hold. But it doesn’t stop there – DNA damage can eventually lead to pre-cancerous cells. Although hearing "wear sunscreen every day" might start to sound like a broken record, it's still one of the best ways to fight premature aging and shield your skin from harmful UV rays and skin cancer. Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid burning, repeated exposure to UVA and UVB rays, even in the winter or while indoors, can break down your skin’s elastin over time, leading to irreversible damage. Starting early with daily SPF is your best defense against these issues, but it’s never too late to begin—better late than never! Trust us, the difference between SPF wearers and non-wearers will become obvious by your 30s. So, no matter the weather, make SPF a daily habit—it’s key to maintaining both your skin’s health and youthful appearance. Your future self with thank you!
Your top sunscreen recommendations for different skin types:
Acne prone/oily - Oil-free light weight sunscreens are best suited for oily/acne prone skin. Look for mattifying benefits.
Sensitive - Mineral sunscreens work well for sensitive skin because the minerals help the skin to heal. Look for a sunscreen that has no fragrance and added soothing ingredients like our Skinsmiths Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF 30 that also soothes and calms with Liquorice Root Extract.
Dry - Steer away from matte sunscreens and look for sunscreens with added hydration. Mineral sunscreens work well with dry skin as they create a natural radiance and a sheer tint does wonders to add a glow like Murad's City Skin Age Defence Broad Spectrum SPF50
Ageing - Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays with Vitamin E and added antioxidants to neutralise free-radical damage.
Want help choosing your SPF? Chat to us on social media or in clinic during a free skin consultation.
