Although I have lived in the UK for over 14 years, I still think of the last weekend in May as the unofficial start to summer, thanks to years of celebrating Memorial Day in the US. And after a week of glorious weather in London, summer does seem to have come early here this year. Which makes it a great time to talk about sunscreen. Yes, again!
Since I’ve already written about why we need sunscreen year round, that sunscreen is the best anti-ageing product you can use and is a core component of a basic skincare routine, you probably think I’ve covered everything. But I do still get questions, so thought it might be worth sharing those with you here. Let's get right to it.
Do I need separate face and body sunscreens?
Yes. Here’s why: face and body sunscreens offer different formulations, in the same way that face and body moisturisers do. As you are unlikely to use your face cream on your body or vice versa, the same idea applies to sunscreens.
Choosing a sunscreen designed specifically for your face means you use something that absorbs quickly and is designed not to clog pores, eliminating your concern of sunscreen-induced breakouts. My go to recommendation to avoid spots? La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL. This brand also gets my vote for body sunscreen.
Do once a day sunscreens work?
Kind of. A sunscreen that offers protection for 8 or more hours with just one application seems like a dream, right? Unfortunately, this protection is only possible if you avoid perspiration, swimming and rubbing off the product, say when you’re drying yourself with a towel. And all that seems kind of unlikely when you get hot in the sun and cool off by taking a dip in the pool.
To ensure adequate protection, apply your first layer of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going in the sun so it has time to absorb. After this, be sure to reapply every two hours.
Should I use a water resistant sunscreen?
Yes, if you are planning to be in the water. This will cover you for about 40 minutes of splash time. If you’re staying in for longer, you’ll need to top up your coverage.
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes, but most stay at full strength for 3 years, so it’s ok to use your sunscreen from one summer to the next. Check to see if there is an expiration date on your bottle and if not, be sure to note when you started using it.
How much do I need to apply?
More than you think. To reach the SPF strength the bottle is promising, you should apply a teaspoon’s worth to your face and décolleté. Arms need a teaspoon each, the back gets two teaspoons and two to three teaspoons per leg. If you’re baring your belly, you’ll want a teaspoon there as well.
In a sun situation, remember more is better! If you apply any less than a hotel room size bottle of shampoo, you will significantly compromise your protection. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, applying half of the recommended amount actually decreases your protection by two-thirds.
Do I need sunscreen if my moisturiser contains SPF?
Yes. This is because we are unlikely to apply sufficient moisturiser to provide adequate sun protection. When was the last time you used a teaspoon of moisturiser on your face and chest?
If my foundation says it’s SPF 15 and my moisturiser has an SPF of 30, is my protection level now at 45?
No. Sunscreen protection doesn’t accumulate. You are covered at the highest level of protection you applied, but not by the addition of the numbers.
Hopefully that answers any outstanding questions you may have, but if I’ve missed something out, please do let me know.
And because I always love to share product recommendations, here are a few options, should you be looking for something new to try:
Coola spray sunscreen – for easy reapplication over make-up
Aveeno moisturiser - when you want protection in your daily body lotion
Ultrasun – I'm excited to try this brand after hearing about it on a podcast
Shiseido Urban Environment Protection – I’ve been enjoying some Shiseido skincare options recently and am now trying out this city sunscreen. However when I’m at the beach, I love using this clear zinc oxide on my face and chest
And for those days when you want golden legs and arms without the sun exposure, I love This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle as well as this self-tanner from Vita Liberata.
What are your favourite sun care options?