Why You Should Use High SPF Sunscreen Daily – Even on Cloudy Days

We are all used to applying sunscreen whilst on our Summer beach holiday, but why do we need to apply sunscreen every day, even on a cloudy day in the UK? In this blog, we explore what the SPF rating on sunscreens means, what protection it gives, and why it's important to use sunscreen daily.

What does a High SPF Sunscreen rating mean?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, which lead to sunburn and skin cancer. A high SPF sunscreen absorbs a greater percentage of harmful UV radiation, and it is recommended to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily.

But what's the difference between an SPF 30 and an SPF 50? It sounds as though there should be a big difference in the amount of protection they each provide, but SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks approximately 98%. So in reality, there's not a huge difference between choosing an SPF 30 and SPF 50 sunscreen.

Protection Against UVA and UVB Rays

Sunscreen protects against two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation: UVA and UVB. While UVB rays are known to cause sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles which we call photodamage.

When choosing your sunscreen you should look carefully at the bottle to check what kind of UV protection it provides. A broad spectrum sunscreen should not only protect against both UVB (SPF 30 to 50) but also protect against UVA (Star Rating 1 to 5 stars). By choosing a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB, you are investing in your skin's health and lowering the risk of issues like photodamage, pigmentation and skin cancer. Remember that a sunscreen's SPF rating is determined under controlled conditions, with re-application of a thick layer every 2 hours, so apply 2 finger lengths of sunscreen every 2 hours to ensure your skin is fully protected.

The Role of Sunscreen in Anti-Aging

Using high SPF sunscreen daily is one of the most powerful strategies for preventing aging. Sun exposure damages skin cells and speeds up skin aging, leading to wrinkles, pigmentation and a loss of elasticity. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from photodamage, preventing the breakdown of collagen and elastin which are proteins that keep your skin firm and youthful.

Daily sunscreen use can slow skin aging by up to 24%. I have seen many patients in my practice who have simply made one change to their skincare routine, and promised to wear SPF daily, and after 3 months there is a noticeable improvement in their skin health. Over time, consistent use of sunscreen maintains skin smoothness, reduces age spots, and prevents other signs of aging.

Reducing the Risk of Skin Cancer

One of the most important reasons for using high SPF sunscreen consistently is to lower the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer, including melanoma, has become more common due to increased UV exposure and lifestyle changes, affecting 1 in 5 people in their lifetime. Daily exposure to UV light causes damage to skin cells, and just one blistering sunburn in childhood can double the chances of developing melanoma later in life. Applying sunscreen daily has been shown to reduce melanoma risk by 50%.

The Importance of Daily Application

Using high SPF sunscreen should not be limited to beach holidays or sunny days only; it is a daily necessity. UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. They can also penetrate through glass, so you will still be exposed to UV light when driving the car and when working in an office, leading to cumulative skin damage. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen every morning as part of your routine.

How do I choose a Sunscreen?

With so many sunscreen products available, finding the right one for your skin can be daunting, so here are some tips for choosing a high SPF sunscreen:

• Look for Broad-Spectrum Coverage: The ideal sunscreen will provide broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF 50 with a 5 star UVA rating is ideal.

  
  

• Consider the Texture: Sunscreens are available as lotions, gels, creams, and sprays. Pick the one you like the feel of so you are more likely to use it.

  
  

• Check for Water Resistance: If you plan to swim or go running, choose a water-resistant formula to maintain effective protection.

  
  

• Check that it is Non-comedogenic: This means it will not clog pores and lead to breakouts. My favourite non-comedogenic oil free sunscreens are Alumier Clearshield (mineral) and Heliocare Gel Oil Free (chemical).

  
  

• Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen: Mineral sunscreens act by reflecting UV rays away from the skin, whilst chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat via a chemical reaction. Gone are the days when a mineral sunscreen was thick gloopy and left a white cast. Modern physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide offer mineral-based protection in sophisticated formulations which do not leave a cast. Popular mineral sunscreens include Alumier Sheer hydration and Obagi Sunshield Mineral SPF50.

• Tint or No Tint?: Many sunscreens now come with a tint which often confers additional sun protection and also allows many patients to feel more confident when make up free. Obagi Sunshield comes in a warm or cool tint to match your skin tone.

• Expiration Date: An expired sunscreen won’t provide the necessary protection. Also once opened, a sunscreen will only work effectively for around 6 months and any remaining sunscreen should therefore be discarded.

  
  

Make Sunscreen Part of Your Daily Routine

Adding high SPF sunscreen to your daily regimen is easier than you might think. Apply sunscreen after your moisturizer and before applying makeup each morning. If you tend to forget, set a daily reminder on your phone and keep a small sunscreen with you or in the car.

For further advice on skincare, book an appointment for a consultation with Dr.Christine Or.