An easy guide to choosing an SPF

☀️ Quick Sunscreen 101☀️

What’s with all the abbreviations? 

Yep, the sunscreen industry loves a code! Here’s a quick cheat sheet: 

• SPF = sun protection factor and it’s the way sunscreens are rated. 
• UVA =  long wave ultraviolet. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin (these penetrate through glass too) and are often responsible for sunburn. 
• UVB = short wave ultraviolet B. These rays damage the outer layers of the skin and can still lead to sun damage.  Both types of rays are linked to skin cancer and premature ageing.

SPF refers only to the level of protection against UVB. 

But if you flip over your sunscreen, there’s often a star rating on the back and this indicates how much protection they offer against UVA. 

What level of SPF?

When choosing the best SPF (especially for the face) you want to choose one with a minimum rating of SPF 30. 

This will mean that it works against both UVA and UVB to a high level. 

Aren’t all sunscreens the same? 

Sunscreens aren’t created equally.  If (like me) you’re not a fan of loads of chemicals the best SPF is as natural as possible. 

Sadly the vast majority of sunscreens on the market are chemical sunscreens. This is because they are far easier and cheaper to manufacture. 

Chemical-based sunscreens usually contain either oxybenzone or octinoxate. These chemicals are absorbed into the skin and they, in turn, absorb the UV rays, converting them to be less harmful. 

Natural sunscreen (sometimes called Physical Mineral Sunscreens) contain natural ingredients, like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which create a physical barrier on your skin, actually blocking the sun’s rays. My current favourite is the SPF 30 from Green People. 

Worried about vitamin D? 

I was too and for those worried that SPF will prevent your body from getting enough vitamin D from the sunlight, you don’t need to worry. 

Clinical studies have never found that everyday sunscreen use leads to vitamin D insufficiency (source Harvard Health)

What about a moisturiser and SPF combo for the face? 

There are lots of daily moisturisers that contain (chemical) SPF.

​Trouble is that SPF is too active an ingredient, meaning it can interfere with the original purpose of the moisturiser… to moisturise your face! 

Going separate keeps the function of your expensive face moisturiser intact. Apply SPF after your skincare routine.

Go get your sunshine on! ☀

Love 💗

Emma x