When we think about skincare, we often focus on moisturisers, serums, and treatments that help our skin look fresh, healthy, and well cared for. But one of the most important steps you can take for your skin, both now and in the future, is wearing sunscreen every single day. SPF is far more than just …
When we think about skincare, we often focus on moisturisers, serums, and treatments that help our skin look fresh, healthy, and well cared for. But one of the most important steps you can take for your skin, both now and in the future, is wearing sunscreen every single day. SPF is far more than just something for sunny holidays, it’s a key part of keeping your skin strong, balanced, and protected all year round.
Let’s look at why daily SPF is so important, not just for your face but for all the areas that need protection.
1. Shields Against Harmful UV Rays
The sun emits two main types of ultraviolet rays that affect the skin: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeply and are primarily responsible for premature ageing, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Both can contribute to skin cancer. Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF protects against both types, acting as a barrier between your skin and these damaging rays.
Even on cloudy days or through windows, UV rays are still present, making daily SPF essential regardless of the weather or season.
2. Prevents Premature Ageing
One of the leading causes of premature ageing is sun exposure. UV rays break down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. They also contribute to uneven texture, dryness, and dullness. Consistent use of SPF helps to maintain the integrity of your skin structure, preserving its youthful appearance for longer.
Think of sunscreen as your daily anti-ageing treatment, it’s one of the most cost-effective and powerful tools for slowing down the signs of time.
3. Reduces the Risk of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, including dark spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory marks, can be exacerbated by sun exposure. Even the best skincare treatments for pigmentation won’t be effective without proper protection. SPF helps prevent these dark spots from forming or becoming darker, giving your complexion a more even, radiant tone.
For those prone to pigmentation issues or using active ingredients like retinol or acids, daily sun protection is non-negotiable to avoid worsening the condition.
4. Helps Prevent Sunburn and Long-Term Skin Damage
Sunburn isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s a sign of skin damage at a cellular level. Repeated sunburns increase your risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. Even mild, unnoticeable damage can accumulate over time, leading to serious consequences. SPF helps minimise this risk, keeping your skin healthier in the long run.
5. Brightens and Supports Overall Skin Health
When used consistently, SPF can actually help brighten the skin by preventing sun-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. It supports the skin’s barrier function, helping it stay hydrated, smooth, and resilient. By keeping your skin protected, SPF allows your other skincare products, like vitamin C or hydrating serums, to work more effectively.
6. It’s Not Just for Summer (or Just the Face)
A lot of people still think SPF is only needed on hot, sunny days, but UV exposure happens all year round. Even in winter, the sun’s rays can reach your skin, and things like snow or water can actually reflect those rays and increase your exposure. It’s the everyday stuff, like walking the dog, popping to the shops, or sitting near a window, that adds up over time.
It’s not just the sun either. Blue light from phones, laptops, and other screens has also been shown to contribute to skin ageing, making daily protection even more important, whether you’re out and about or spending most of the day inside.
And while we’re usually good at applying SPF to our faces, other areas often get forgotten. Your neck, chest, ears, and hands are just as exposed and can show signs of ageing even faster if left unprotected. Think of SPF as something your whole body can benefit from, not just your face.
Where Heliocare Comes In
In clinic, I always recommend the Heliocare range for sun protection. Their formulas are more than just SPF, they’re skincare treatments in their own right. Heliocare combines broad-spectrum sun protection with Fernblock®, a powerful natural antioxidant derived from a tropical fern. This unique ingredient helps protect skin at a cellular level, shielding against oxidative stress and DNA damage caused by the sun.
Heliocare also infuses its products with skin-loving ingredients like vitamins C, E, and green tea extract, offering both protection and nourishment.
Whether you’re looking for an SPF that’s oil-free, suitable for sensitive or red skin, or targeted for pigmentation concerns, Heliocare has a formula to suit your needs.
A few favourites I often recommend include:
- Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50 – Perfect for oily or combination skin, this matte-finish formula provides strong protection without clogging pores.
- Heliocare 360° Sensation – One of my favourites for everyday wear. It provides high SPF 50 protection with a lightweight texture that feels more like a serum than a sunscreen. It’s a great option if you prefer something that absorbs quickly and sits well under makeup, without any greasiness. Perfect for daily use and ideal for those who want powerful protection that still feels invisible on the skin.
- Heliocare 360 A.R. Emulsion – Ideal for skin prone to redness, this product helps calm and protect sensitive skin types.
And don’t forget areas like your hands, Heliocare 360 Age Active Fluid is fantastic for more mature skin types and suitable for wider application.
How You Apply SPF Matters
Even the best sunscreen can only do its job properly when it’s applied and reapplied correctly. Many people assume that SPF in makeup or moisturiser is enough, but the reality is, these products rarely provide adequate coverage on their own. To achieve the level of protection listed on the label (usually SPF 30 or 50), you need to apply the correct amount, and most people use far too little.
For the face alone, you should be applying approximately half a teaspoon of product. An easy way to visualise this is using the “two-finger” method, two strips of SPF along your index and middle finger. You’ll need a similar amount again for your neck and chest, especially if those areas are exposed during the day. If you’re using a spray or fluid SPF, make sure it’s evenly applied and properly rubbed in, don’t rely on just a light mist.
SPF should always be the final step in your morning skincare routine, applied after your serums and moisturiser, but before makeup. Give it a few minutes to absorb and settle into the skin before layering anything on top.
Just as important as how much you apply is how often you reapply. SPF wears off over time, especially with sweating, touching your face, or being outdoors. Ideally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours during the day if you’re outside, even if it’s cloudy.
Making SPF part of your routine isn’t just about preventing sunburn, it’s a daily investment in your skin’s long-term health. With the right product and application habits, it becomes second nature, a simple but powerful step that helps preserve your results and protect your skin every day.
Make SPF a Non-Negotiable
SPF isn’t just for holidays or heatwaves, it’s one of the most important everyday steps you can take to protect your skin and maintain its health over time. From preventing sunburn and premature ageing to reducing the risk of pigmentation and long-term damage, daily sun protection is key.
By choosing the right SPF for your skin type and remembering to apply it to all exposed areas, not just your face, you’re taking a simple but powerful step towards healthier, more resilient skin. It’s a small habit with big benefits, and one your skin will thank you for every single day.
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