Understanding the importance of SPF Protection
Sunscreen isn’t just a summer essential, it’s a year-round necessity for maintaining healthy skin and helping to prevent premature ageing. In New Zealand, we experience some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world, which means even short periods of sun exposure can result in long-term skin damage. The sun is the biggest contributor to premature aging, but it’s important to know that no amount of antioxidants, peptides, or other skincare ingredients can work effectively if your skin isn’t first protected from UV damage.
Why a Quality SPF matters
Not all SPFs are created equal. While some sunscreens are thick and oily disrupting your skin’s function, others are carefully formulated to not only protect your skin but nourish it as well. A good-quality SPF is crucial for defending your skin from harmful UV rays, reducing your risk of skin cancer, and preventing premature aging. Over 80% of skin ageing is caused by UV radiation.
A high-quality sunscreen is one of the most accessible tools for maintaining youthful, healthy skin and can enhance your overall skincare routine. Many advanced SPF formulas now include high-performance antioxidants and anti-pollutants, which further protect your skin from environmental damage. These added ingredients can also inhibit hyperpigmentation, helping to keep your skin tone even and your complexion bright.
Non-comedogenic formulas are also essential, especially for those prone to acne or congestion. Physical sunscreens can sometimes exacerbate these conditions, so opting for lightweight, non-comedogenic SPF products helps keep your skin clear while providing robust protection.
UVA & UVB Protection
SPF protection isn’t just about preventing sunburn; it’s about safeguarding your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays have a longer wavelength, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature aging, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. They are present year-round, even on cloudy days, and can pass through windows. UVB rays, on the other hand, have a shorter wavelength and primarily affect the outer layer of the skin, causing sunburn. UVB rays are also the main culprit behind skin cancer.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offering comprehensive defence from the sun’s harmful effects.
Proper SPF Application & Reapplication
Applying sunscreen correctly is just as important as choosing the right product. Many people apply sunscreen unevenly or too sparingly, which reduces its effectiveness. For optimal protection, use a generous amount and ensure even coverage on all exposed areas of your skin. Reapplication every two hours is crucial, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
While sunscreen use is often associated with summer, it’s equally important during the colder months. UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and windows, causing skin damage on overcast days. By incorporating SPF into your daily routine, you’re protecting your skin from cumulative damage that adds up over time.
SPF Products We Love
Every SPF product we stock in salon is personally researched and tested by us, we don’t stock products we don’t love or use regularly. Since SPF is one of the main components to skin care, we have chosen 3 products that cover all aspects of SPF protection to ensure they work to keep your skin in the best condition possible.
Nimue Sun-C SPF 40: This lightweight, non-oily sunscreen offers certified high broad- spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays while providing anti-aging benefits. It’s formulated to aid in DNA protection and repair, reducing and preventing the visible signs of photoaging. This formulation is also available in a tinted option.
Nimue Sun-C Environmental Shield SPF 50: This smart SPF 50 provides superior protection against UVA, UVB, Infra-Red (IR), and blue light (HEV). Light, non-oily, and mattifying, this sunscreen also protects against the visible signs of aging caused by pollution and environmental factors.
My Sunshine Natural Sunscreen SPF 30: My Sunshine’s natural sunscreen offers high broad-spectrum protection with 13% zinc oxide. It shields against UVA/UVB rays, Infrared, and blue light, while being water-resistant for up to two hours. Safe for sensitive skin and babies over six months, this product is vegan, reef-safe, and free from harmful chemicals. This is a great one for the kiddies!
For personalized skincare advice and more information on our SPF recommendations, visit Spoilt Beauty today and speak with one of our experienced beauty therapists who can help tailor a skincare solution to keep your skin healthy, beautiful, and protected from the sun’s harmful rays, all year round.
