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Frequently Asked Beauty Questions
SPF Edition
SPF: the three most important letters in skincare. That might sound a touch dramatic, but it’s true. No matter how evolved your skincare routine is, if you’re not protecting your skin properly from the sun, then it may all be for naught. When it comes to SPF, there are more options out there than we can count. To simplify things, we decided to answer your most frequently asked questions.
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Why Do I Need To Wear SPF? Do I Really Need To Wear It Every Day?
Well, we all know that wearing proper sun protection prevents sunburn, but did you know that it can also prevent premature ageing and dark spots? That’s right, sun exposure can result in wrinkles, fine lines and skin discolouration.
And as for daily application, yes you really do need to wear SPF every day! Because of the damage UV rays can cause, dermatologists recommend we wear proper sun protection every single day, regardless of whether it’s sunny or cloudy out. It’s recommended you apply your SPF every single day at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.
Do I Need To Wear SPF Indoors? What About Flying?
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The short answer is: it depends. Long answer is: UVA rays can actually pass through glass, so if you’re sitting at a desk beside a window all day, or driving around a lot, you’re going to need a good SPF even though you’re not directly outdoors. It’s no harm to wear SPF every day anyway, even if you think you’ll be indoors all day, just in case plans change.
As for flying, yes! Believe it or not, a 2015 study found that flying in a cockpit for 56 minutes at 30,000 feet delivered the same amount of UV radiation as a 20 minute tanning session. So while your trip to the Algarve might not leave you as exposed as a pilot, it’s still recommended that you apply at least factor 30 when flying, especially if you’ve booked a window seat. There are mixed reports on how much UV radiation can pass through the windows of modern planes, but it is universally agreed upon that the higher you fly, the more powerful those UV rays become, so it’s better to be safe than sorry if you ask us.
What Is The Difference Between UVA And UVB Rays?
Typically, UVA rays are those responsible for causing wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots. UVB rays are responsible for causing skin to darken in colour or even burn. A good way to remember the difference between UVA and UVB rays is this: A = ageing, B = burning.
It’s important to have a broad-spectrum SPF, meaning that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, because both kinds of ultraviolet radiation have the potential to damage skin.
What Are The SPF Ratings? What Level Should I Use?
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Generally, SPF protection can be broken down into four categories:
Low – SPF 6 to 10 – blocks approximately 85% of UVB rays
Medium – SPF 15 to 25 – blocks approximately 95% of UVB rays
High – SPF 30 to 50 – blocks approximately 98% of UVB rays
Very High – SPF 70 to 100 - blocks approximately 99% of UVB rays
You might think the higher the better, but once you get above factor 50, the increase in protection is very incremental. It’s also worth noting that while factor 100 may provide 99% protection, it will also likely be thicker and potentially less comfortable to wear. It provides only 1% more protection than factor 50 and only 2% more protection than factor 30. At the end of the day, we recommend choosing a sunscreen that will be comfortable to wear and reapply all day as continual coverage is arguably more important than the difference between SPF 30, 50 and 100. Dermatologists recommend most people use an SPF level of at least 30 and no lower than 15.
How Much SPF Should I Use? How Often Should I Reapply?
You might not be applying enough SPF to your face. In order to get the full level of protection, experts recommend applying 1/3 of a teaspoon to your face. This usually translates to about two finger-lengths of sunscreen, if you don't want to add a measuring spoon to your beauty kit.
The general recommendation is to reapply your SPF of choice every 2 hours or sooner if you’ve been exercising, sweating or swimming. This is because as your SPF is working to block the sun’s rays, it is being depleted and breaking down, meaning that after 2 hours of wear it’s no longer as effective at protecting your skin as when you first applied.
When Should I Apply SPF In My Beauty Routine? Can I Use An SPF Moisturiser?
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SPF should be applied after other serums or moisturisers. If you wear makeup, you should apply it as the last step of your skincare routine before you apply your makeup. When topping up, you can opt for a transfer-proof SPF stick that will glide over the top of your makeup without smudging it, or a face-friendly SPF mist.
As for SPF moisturisers, it depends on the product, because some all-in-one products may not provide the same level of protection that your standard SPF does. Make sure your product has broad spectrum protection of at least SPF 30.
Also, if you use a moisturiser or foundation with SPF built in, don’t forget that you still need to reapply throughout the day, so you might need another SPF option for that.
Do I Need To Apply SPF Everywhere?
It's important to apply SPF to any exposed part of your skin, and there's one place everyone forgets: your hands! Your hands can show early signs of ageing and are often exposed to more risk of UVA and UVB damage than you would think.
Do you get your nails done regularly? If you get gel, shellac or BIAB nails, then you’re probably aware that UV lamps are often used to cure or set your manicure. But did you know that these lamps can speed up the ageing process on your hands if your skin isn’t properly protected? Don’t worry though, we’re not suggesting you forego your favourite mani-pedi. Instead, try an SPF-infused hand cream such as Ultrasun’s Anti-Pigmentation SPF25 Hand Cream beforehand to keep your hands smooth and line-free and your nails looking good.
Lastly, What Is The Difference Between Mineral And Chemical Sunscreen? Which Is Better?
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Mineral formulas, or physical formulas, are made with ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. They work by forming a barrier on your skin that reflects the UVA and UVB rays. These formulas are often considered best for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin types.
Chemical sunscreens, in comparison, work by absorbing UV rays before they reach your skin. They are usually easier to spread and don’t have the same white-cast that mineral formulas have. These options are great for normal or dryer skin types, or individuals with darker skin tones.
Both are effective forms of sun protection, so it really depends on the formula which will suit your skin type best.
