Essential Skincare Series Part 4- SPF
Why SPF is Essential Every Day—Even in Winter!
Many people associate sunscreen with summer holidays and warm weather, but UV exposure is a year-round concern. If you’re not applying SPF daily, you’re leaving your skin vulnerable to both premature ageing and long-term damage—regardless of the season.
UV Damage Occurs 365 Days a Year
A common misconception is that sunscreen is unnecessary in winter or on cloudy days. However, UV radiation penetrates through clouds and glass, meaning your skin is constantly exposed—even indoors or when driving.
• UVA rays, responsible for premature ageing, are present all year round and penetrate deep into the skin, breaking down collagen and elastin.
• UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer, may be weaker in winter, but they still cause cumulative damage over time.
• Snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, increasing your exposure even on cold, bright days.
This is why dermatologists and skin experts recommend daily SPF use, regardless of the weather.
SPF: The Most Effective Anti-Ageing Product
Patients often ask, “What’s the best anti-ageing treatment?” While medical-grade skincare, injectables, and collagen-stimulating treatments play a key role in maintaining youthful skin, none of them can counteract the long-term effects of unprotected UV exposure.
🔹 UV exposure is responsible for up to 80% of visible skin ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity.
🔹 Daily SPF prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin, preserving skin firmness and hydration.
🔹 Investing in aesthetic treatments but skipping SPF is counterproductive—UV damage undoes the benefits of treatments such as microneedling, skin boosters, and laser therapy.
If you are committed to maintaining healthy, youthful skin, sunscreen should be the foundation of your skincare routine.
Skin Cancer Prevention: The Most Important Reason to Wear SPF
Beyond aesthetics, SPF is a crucial tool in skin cancer prevention. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are linked to UV exposure. Daily sunscreen application significantly reduces your risk, making it one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your skin’s health.
Choosing the Right SPF
Not all sunscreens are formulated equally. When selecting an SPF, look for:
☀️ Broad-spectrum protection – Shields against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays.
☀️ SPF 30 or higher – SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 provides slightly more protection at 98%.
☀️ Lightweight, non-greasy formulas – Modern formulations include tinted options, SPF powders, and gel-based sunscreens that wear beautifully under makeup.
Some of my favourite sunscreens from Obagi Medical include:
💙 Obagi Sun Shield Tint (Cool/ Warm tint) SPF 50 – Chemical and physical formulation. Protects against UVA/UVB and HEV and Blue Light. Sheer finish with a universal tint in 2 shades for lighter and darker skin tones. Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.
💙 Obagi Sun Shield Matte SPF 50 – Mineral sunscreen containing Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Lightweight, oil free formulation. Suitable for all skin types.
Some of my other favourites, available over the counter are La Roche Posay- Anthelios; Heliocare Age Active Fluid and Aveene Cleanance Tinted SPF 50 (for oily/acne prone skin).
Make SPF a Daily Habit
Incorporating SPF into your daily routine is one of the most effective steps you can take to maintain healthy, youthful skin and protect against long-term damage. Whether it’s summer or winter, cloudy or sunny, UV exposure is constant, and so should be your sun protection.
If you’re unsure which SPF is right for your skin type, book a consultation and I’ll help you find the perfect option tailored to your needs.
