SPF all year round, the anti-ageing secret weapon

By Kristie Furniss

Don't just take our word for it, here's what Jaqueline Kilikita from Refinery 29 has to say on the matter:

'We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen during the day. Dermatologists, beauty editors and skincare obsessives alike all extol the virtues of a daily slathering for protecting skin from skin cancer as well as keeping fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation at bay.

In other words, incorporating it into your routine is a no-brainer if you're serious about safeguarding your skin now and in the long run.

But recent research by Mintel has found that as many as 40% of skincare users find it difficult to know which level of sun protection to use on a daily basis. Even more interestingly? Under half of women use facial skincare products containing SPF because there is so much confusion around sun protection in general.

It's challenging. While we're now aware that SPF moisturiser might not provide us with the protection we initially thought and that sunscreen tablets can't replace topical versions, we still have questions: Is factor 15 ever enough or should you be applying factor 50 come rain or shine? And if you hardly spend any time in the sun, do you need to apply SPF at all? R29 asked two of the best dermatologists in the business to break it down.

Always choose a 'broad spectrum' sunscreen.

SPF Moisturiser Might Not Be That Effective.

Before pinpointing the factor, make sure that any sunscreen you consider buying is labelled 'broad spectrum'. This means it protects against UVA rays, traditionally associated with fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, and UVB rays, responsible for burns and melanoma. "This is important for two reasons," explains Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Skin 55 and author of The Skincare Bible. "Firstly, to reduce the risk of developing skin cancers further down the line and secondly to prevent premature skin ageing."

Look at your skin tone;

Your skin tone plays an incredibly important part in choosing a sunscreen that's going to be effective. Pale? Going below factor 30 won't do you any favours.

"Individuals with fair skin and hair, light-coloured eyes, freckles and moles are at highest risk of skin damage and should always use a minimum factor of 30," explains London-based consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk, something Dr Mahto elaborates on. "Pigmented skin types – those which rarely burn and tan easily – usually Asian or black skin – are relatively more protected than fair skin types from UV radiation due to melanin. Therefore, wearing a sunscreen with SPF 15-30 is likely to be sufficient."

And if you're still confused? "As a general rule of thumb, opting for a broad-spectrum product of at least an SPF 30 is useful for nearly all skin types," concludes Dr Mahto.

Take your lifestyle into consideration;

"'SPF' is only a marker of protection against UVB radiation, which penetrates the skin," explains Dr Mahto. "UVA also needs to be considered as this is the wavelength of light which can penetrate window glass and cloud cover." That's right – while we're not blessed with year-round sun in the UK and many of us might not think we need to wear sunscreen when it's dull and cold outside, if UVA rays can penetrate glass, then they can penetrate clouds, as Dr Kluk says. "Harmful UV rays may still be present on overcast or cloudy days. In fact, 90% of UV can pass through light cloud."

Applying sunscreen is even more important if you spend time outside. "If you walk to work, participate in outdoor sport, or work outside, then lifestyle factors need to be taken into account and sunscreen should be worn daily," explains Dr Mahto. "The amount of sunlight reaching the skin will vary depending on altitude (levels are increased at higher altitudes) and time of day. But if skin ageing is a concern for you, then it is worth wearing sunscreen – a minimum factor 30 – throughout the year." That said, Dr Kluk hits home that very high factor sunscreens should not be used as an excuse to stay outside longer.

Evaluate your skincare routine

You should also take the rest of your skincare routine into consideration when deciding whether to apply sunscreen. A dermatologist will always encourage you to wear it regardless, but if you regularly use retinol or chemical exfoliators, such as acids, your skin is likely to be more sensitive to UV light and therefore more prone to skin damage. If this is the case, be sure to wear sunscreen – at least factor 30 – every day.'

'WHICH LEVEL OF SPF SHOULD YOU WEAR EVERY DAY?'

Written by: Jacqueline Kilikita, for Refinery29

https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb

The Katherine Daniels Solution

As the cold months roll in it's easy to think SPF can take a backseat in your skincare routine. But Daily DNA Defence SPF30 is much more than just a sunscreen, it’s your final coat of skin armour, it’s weather protection for your skin.

Our award-winning, broad-spectrum SPF protects your skin from more than just UV rays. It guards against environmental pollutants and blue light
emitted from your screens. Meanwhile, winter’s cold air, winds and rain can damage your skin barrier.

During and after exposure to the elements, Daily DNA Defence protects and repairs your cells DNA.

And more than this, it’s the best make-up primer. Talk about a multi-tasking product! Its lightweight formula sits comfortably under your foundation, ensuring your make-up stays fresh and stays ‘put’ all day.

Keep reading as we deep dive into the benefits of Daily DNA Defence SPF30 and why it’s an essential part of your winter skincare regime.

Broad-spectrum, photostable protection with Daily DNA Defence SPF30

Not all SPF products are created equal, Daily DNA Defence SPF30 offers broad-spectrum protection. This means that it shields your skin from both UVA rays (the ones that age your skin) and UVB rays (the ones that burn your skin). If your moisturiser or foundation contains an SPF it’s worth checking, make sure you’re covered for both UVA and UVB. Many of those products only protect against UVB, leaving your skin vulnerable to the long-term damage caused by UVA rays.

I’m guessing that you follow your daily skincare regime to promote skin health and to keep your skin looking great for your age? Using Daily DNA Defence SPF30 will help you avoid undoing all that effort by providing the UVA protection your skin truly needs.

And here's the bonus: our SPF is photostable, meaning it won’t break down or lose effectiveness in the sun. However, if you're by the pool make sure to reapply every two hours as water, sweat and towel drying can remove it, leaving your skin vulnerable.

Blue light and pollution protection

In today’s world, your skin is up against more than just the sun. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 also shields your skin from two often overlooked threats: blue light and pollution.

Blue light, mainly from our smart devices and pollution in the atmosphere. Blue light and pollution trigger changes in your skin cells, even leading to cell death. Unprotected exposure to these will lead to hyperpigmentation and can damage your skin’s health. Most blue light comes from smart technology, which is used daily by most of us. Pollution is all around; levels are higher in towns and cities all year.

DNA Defence and Repair: protecting your skin at the cellular level

When your skin is exposed to radiation it faces more than just surface damage, your cells DNA is at risk. Daily DNA Defence SPF30 acts like a "virtual parasol," shielding your cells during exposure to harmful rays. But the protection doesn’t stop there. After exposure, your body naturally works to repair DNA damage. Your cells naturally produce an enzyme which kickstarts the repair process of your DNA. Thanks to the powerful repairing ingredients in our formula this process is accelerated up to 100 times, meaning your skin recovers faster, stays healthier and sustains less long term damage.

In summary, wear Daily DNA Defence SPF30 as your final coat of skin armour each day in all seasons and you can rest assured you’re doing your best to protect your skin.

Magical make-up priming

We know that finding the perfect daily SPF texture is a challenge. We’ve been there too. Most SPFs feel like a layer too many, leaving skin feeling greasy, heavy or cause foundation to slide off by midday. This is why we made our product for you. A super light veil, which is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. With no oily or white residue, it’s non-pore blocking and
dries over your moisturiser to become the best make-up primer you’ll ever use, keeping your foundation perfectly in place all day or all night long.

No make-up, no problem

For our men and/or non make-up wearers, our handy pocket size product gives you the same invisible veil and matt skin finish. Skiers, golfers and cyclists will love that it slips easily into a pocket, bag or pouch.

Where else should you be applying your SPF?

Your SPF isn’t just for your face, use all the way down to your décollete and up to your hairline. Not forgetting areas like the tops of your lips, ears, nose and the backs of your hands. These are often overlooked spots that are equally exposed to the sun, whether you’re lounging by the pool or simply driving. The backs of your hands are quick to show signs of ageing, so it’s vital to keep them protected. And if you’re grabbing some winter sun make sure to apply it to the tops of your feet.

How much SPF should you use?

Aim for about the size of a 5 pence piece for each application. However, this should come after Step 2 – Skin Boost and Step 3 – Skin Defence Cream in your skincare routine. If you're planning to sunbathe, apply Daily DNA Defence SPF30 at least 15 minutes before heading outside. Once you're in the sun reapply after 15 minutes for the ultimate protection, then continue every two hours.

And remember, swimming, sweating or towel drying can remove your SPF, so be sure to reapply regularly to keep your skin fully protected.

Blog posts

View all posts

A cleanser for every lifestyle, have you found your BFF?

By Kirsti Shuba

Party season skincare hacks.

By Kirsti Shuba

Your cart

Your cart is empty