A sunny day should always feel like an invitation to enjoy the outdoors, not another reason to worry about your skin. Yet, concerns about sun damage and visible aging that results from it are a lot more common than many realise.
Much of this anxiety is driven by a sense that you have no control over your skin. So, the best way to deal with it is by introducing a simple preventative routine that helps you get that control back.
How can sun protection support your wellbeing?
Having a clear sun protection routine can bring a lot of peace of mind to your daily life. It provides the reassurance of knowing that you are taking practical steps to prevent damage. All you have to do is follow the same, well-known dermatologist advice every single day: applying sunscreen before leaving home, keeping it close for top-ups throughout the day, if you’re spending a long time outdoors, and covering up with clothing, when the sun is at its strongest.
According to research, establishing daily habits can have positive effects for your mental health, and your daily skincare routine is no different. Having predictable habits essentially removes all the guesswork from sun protection and, at the end of the day, you know you’ve done everything in your power to look after yourself. In fact, many dermatologists find that adopting a preventative routine is one of the things that help women feel more positive about aging.
What might a realistic skincare routine look like?
You really do not need a 12-step morning ritual or a bathroom shelf full of products – most of us simply don’t have the time for that. A straightforward prevention focused skincare routine might look something like this:
- Gentle cleanser in the morning;
- Moisturiser or face cream suited to your skin;
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30);
- Make up products, if you wear any.
Then, in the evening:
- Cleanse again to get rid of any make up or accumulated throughout the day;
- Moisturiser or face cream (this can be the same as you used in the morning or a heavier night-time alternative).
If you wish to be a little extra, you may introduce other skincare products, known to have anti-aging properties, such as a vitamin C serum, which helps fade dark spots, or a retinol serum that tackles fine lines. However, these are all optional steps, in addition to the very basics outlined above.
How to choose the right sunscreen?
The NHS advises choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (ideally SPF 50) and a four-star UVA rating. Understanding these labels makes choosing sun protection less confusing and helps you feel confident that you are making an informed decision. So, here’s all the terms you need to know:
- SPF – Stands for Sun Protection Factor and indicates how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn (the higher the SPF number, the more protective it is).
- UVA star rating (1 to 5 stars) – Measures protection against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging.
- Broad-spectrum – If a sunscreen says “broad-spectrum” it means the product protects against both types of radiation (UVA and UVB).
Beyond protection, texture matters too. The “traditional” sunscreen that tends to feel heavy and sticky on the skin is one of the main reasons why many people tend to skip their daily sun protection. However, today we have so many more options, such as ISDIN’s sunscreens that are light and fast-absorbing. They sit comfortably on the skin, as well as can be worn under make up. In addition to texture, these science-backed products are packed with other nourishing ingredients, such as antioxidants and peptides, to take aging prevention to another level.
A little care, every day
Sun protection should never be about avoiding the sun or chasing flawless skin. Making a few simple, informed choices should be more than enough to help protect your skin and let you enjoy daily life without anxiety.