Suncream mistakes which can cause ‘premature ageing’

Elemis revealed the most common SPF mistakes and shared advice when it comes to suncream. 

What is SPF? 

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor – the measurement for the time period that sunscreen will protect the skin from UV rays; specifically how long it would take before skin would burn.

Not wearing SPF all year round 

In the absence of sun, UVA light is still present. So while it may be grey and cloudy outside, don’t skip applying SPF. 

The experts at Elemis said: “UVA rays account for 95 percent of the sun’s rays that reach the Earth, and are responsible for signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation”. 

Did you know these rays can also penetrate glass, leaving you exposed to the UV rays that penetrate the deeper layers and cause premature ageing – even when sitting next to a window? 

So every day of the year, no matter what the weather is outside, wear SPF on your face, and body. 

READ MORE: Four methods to reverse signs of a ‘saggy creased neck’

Wearing the wrong factor and not reapplying 

The number on a suncream bottle typically refers to how long it takes the skin to burn when exposed to UV rays. 

Of course, this will differ from skin to skin, but if you typically burn after being outside for 30 minutes, Elemis recommends wearing an SPF 30 suncream.

You’d then multiply 30 by the SPF number of 30, and this would mean that you’re technically protected for 900 minutes, or 15 hours. 

But, the time of day, improper application and lifestyle factors such as sweating or swimming decrease the protection time. Therefore, “it’s recommended to reapply every two hours when in the sun”. 

Darker skin tones not wearing SPF 

“Darker complexions have a natural SPF of around 13.4, so although the sun’s effects may take longer to appear, application of extra SPF products is still essential,” Elemis experts said. 

Darker skin tones might not burn as easily, they are still vulnerable to consequences such as signs of ageing and skin cancer, so it’s important to wear SPF no matter your skin tone. 

Forgoing suncream, or a high factor for a tan 

“No sunscreen is 100 percent effective at blocking out UV rays, so you are still able to tan even when wearing a high SPF,” the beauty brand revealed. 

SPF, however, extends the time you’re able to spend in the sun before burning, and tanning is also the skin’s natural reaction to UV ray exposure.