Should You Wear SPF Every Day? 

It’s easy to think of SPF as a summer essential – the kind of thing you throw in your beach bag and forget about once the clouds roll in. But as we become more aware of the long-term effects of sun exposure, you might be wondering: should you wear SPF every day? 

From sun damage that doesn’t take a holiday to the importance of protecting your skin even on gloomy days, let’s dive into the science behind SPF and whether it should be part of your everyday routine – no matter the season. 

How does SPF work? 

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is the key to shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two main types of UV radiation to worry about: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are mainly responsible for premature ageing, while UVB rays affect the surface, causing sunburn.  

Sunscreens work by using either mineral or chemical ingredients to either reflect or absorb these rays. Mineral sunscreens (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays. In contrast, chemical sunscreens (with ingredients like avobenzone or oxybenzone) absorb UV radiation and turn it into heat, which is then released from the skin. 

The SPF number on your bottle tells you how much protection you’re getting against UVB rays. For example, an SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, while an SPF 50 blocks about 98%. No SPF can block all UV rays, and that’s why proper application and reapplication are so important. And remember, SPF only measures UVB protection – to guard against both UVA and UVB, you need a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen. 

How often should I apply SPF? 

It’s tempting to think that one-morning application will have you covered all day, but SPF isn’t a one-and-done deal. Ideally, you should be reapplying every two hours, especially if you’re outside or exposed to the sun through windows. If you’re swimming or sweating, opt for water-resistant formulas and reapply more frequently. In short, regular top-ups are key to staying protected. 

Ideally, you should apply SPF 15 to 30 minutes before going outside to allow it to fully absorb into your skin. Then, reapply every two hours for optimal protection – more frequently if you’re swimming, exercising, or spending a lot of time in direct sunlight. You need to apply enough SPF, too – two tablespoons for your entire body and enough sunscreen to cover the length of two fingers for your face. 

Do I need to wear SPF in winter or on cloudy days? 

The short answer to whether you need to wear SPF all year round is yes. Just because it’s grey and chilly or you’re less likely to get sunburned doesn’t mean UV rays are taking a day off. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds.  

And while the sun might not feel as strong during winter, UVA rays – the ones responsible for premature ageing – are present all year round. So, whether you’re walking the dog on a rainy autumn day or playing in the snow, SPF is still essential. 

Common signs of sun damage 

Research shows that up to 90% of visible changes to your skin are caused by exposure to sunlight and sun damage. This is called photo ageing, which is when UV light actually damages your skin cells. 

Here are some of the common signs of sun damage that you might see on your skin: 

• Hyperpigmentation – also known as dark spots or age spots, these darker patches of pigmentation appear on areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, like the face, hands and shoulders. 
• Fine lines and wrinkles – UV rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to premature ageing. This often shows up as fine lines, wrinkles and a loss of skin elasticity. 
• Rough, dry skin – skin can become rough, thicker or feel leathery with repeated UV damage. 
• Dryness and sensitivity – sun-damaged skin is more prone to dryness and sensitivity, as the sun weakens the skin’s protective barrier. 
• Loss of skin firmness and volume – collagen breakdown can result in sagging skin and a loss of plumpness, leading to a more hollow or aged appearance. 
• Dull complexion – sun exposure can leave the skin looking dull and less radiant as damage accumulates over time. 

Sun damage treatments at The Aesthetic Skin Clinic 

At The Aesthetic Skin Clinic, we offer a range of advanced non-surgical treatments designed to target and reverse the visible signs of sun damage. One of our most effective solutions is Fraxel skin resurfacing, a non-invasive laser treatment that promotes the skin’s natural healing process by stimulating collagen production.  

By targeting damaged skin cells and encouraging regeneration, getting Fraxel in Jersey helps reduce the appearance of sunspots, fine lines and uneven texture, leaving the skin smoother and more youthful. It’s ideal for those seeking long-term improvement with minimal downtime. 

For more serious sun damage, our IPL treatment in Guernsey uses intense pulsed light to treat pigmentation issues caused by sun exposure. IPL targets the deeper layers of the skin, breaking down dark spots and reducing redness for a clearer and more even complexion. This treatment is perfect for those who want a quick and effective way to improve their skin tone and texture without the need for recovery time. 

If you’re looking for more rejuvenating treatment, our amazing Hydrafacial in Jersey and Guernsey are excellent choices. This multi-step facial deeply cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of sun damage. The Hydrafacial also infuses the skin with antioxidants, offering additional protection against further UV damage while leaving your skin glowing and refreshed. 

Find out more about how to support skin showing signs of sun damage and premature ageing – make an appointment with our team of skincare experts today.