SPF is one of the most essential skincare steps as it protects your skin from sun damage.
There are many myths surrounding SPF’s including that you don’t need to bother with it if you are not in direct sunlight.
Applying a good quality SPF daily is important to protect skin against UV rays that can cause skin cancer and premature aging.
Facialist Cecilia Ross, founder of Cecilia London, has debunked six common SPF myths.
Darker skin doesn’t require SPF
It is commonly thought that people with darker skin tones don’t burn and therefore don’t require sunscreen.
“Whether you tan easily, have olive toned or dark skin, we all need to apply a high factor SPF,” Cecilia insists. “All skin types are susceptible to sun damage, so regardless of your skin colour or how easily you tan, apply a high factor SPF 30 minutes before sun exposure and regularly throughout the day.”
You only need SPF when you’re directly in the sun
SPF should be worn all year round, not matter what you’re doing, not only when you are sitting in direct sunlight. Any sun exposure can affect your skin.
“Sun exposure throughout the year can contribute to premature skin ageing, including fine lines, loss of elasticity and pigmentation, as well as increased risk of skin cancer,” the facialist warns. “Ensure you are protecting your skin throughout the year by applying SPF every day.”
Foundations containing SPF are enough
It is often believed that if there is SPF in makeup you don’t need to apply any more, but the small amount of SPF in makeup is not enough.
“Often women believe that if they have an SPF in their foundation, this is enough, but you need to apply a dedicated sun protection product before your foundation as the last step in your routine for maximum protection,” Cecilia says. “SPF if the ultimate anti-ager so should be a step in your routine that you never miss out.”
Water-resistant SPFs don’t need to be reapplied
Just like any other sunscreen, it should be reapplied throughout the day, particularly if you have gone swimming.
“A common misconception is that if a SPF is water resistant, then it doesn’t need to be reapplied. It’s water resistant- not water proof!” Cecilia states. “So ensure you are reapplying whether you’ve been in the pool, sea or are just sweating on a hot day. SPF should be reapplied every two hours at least for maximum protection.”
SPF prevents the body from absorbing vitamin D
Many believe that SPF can prevent your body from absorbing the much-needed vitamin D, but this is false.
“We all need vitamin D for reasons such as keeping your bones strong and boosting the immune system,” the expert says.
“You can still maintain your vitamin D levels, whilst using a high spectrum SPF and if you’re worried about your vitamin D levels, you can also absorb this through a healthy diet and supplements, such as oily fish and egg yolks.”
