The Importance of SPF

Harmful UV rays can affect your skin 365 days a year. Even when it's cloudy and all the sky is grey, or when you're inside and not directly in front of the sun. Therefore, it’s important to wear an SPF every day – especially if you’re keen on anything anti-aging!

WHAT IS SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It's a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.

If you need help knowing how protective your SPF is, look at the number:

• SPF 15 blocks about 93% of rays
• SPF 30 blocks about 97% of rays
• SPF 50 blocks about 98% of rays

HOW TO USE AN SPF

There are two ways you can apply SPF.

First, you can apply your usual moisturiser or face cream first, let that soak in completely, and then finish your morning make-up routine with some SPF. Or, you can save time by buying a 2-in-1 SPF moisturiser. We recommend Temple Spa’s LIFE DEFENCE which is a SPF 30 Moisturiser or Urban Shield SPF50 from Germaine de Capuccini. Be sure to apply 30 minutes prior to going outdoors, then reapply every two hours when out in the sun.

DO NOT mix an SPF sunscreen with moisturiser on your own, as this will make the sunscreen or the moisturizer less effective. In addition to this, the chemical ingredients in each product may not react well to one another, which raises a few concerns. It is best to buy one pre-combined SPF moisturiser or apply your face cream then wait a moment before layering on your SPF.

WHERE DOES SPF GO IN MY SKINCARE ROUTINE? 

SPF is applied last, after moisturiser or face oil and before any make-up. SPF doesn't treat our skin as such, it serves to protect. If your make0up contains SPF 15, it is still advisable to wear a stronger SPF underneath. 

WHERE TO FIND SPF?

Depending on whether you’re happy to use regular SPF or want to buy SPF-based skincare, you may have to look at different shops. For the first, you can find basic SPF in supermarkets or pharmacists. For skincare based SPF, you can buy online here or here. Many Mosaic sites stock Temple Spa’s Life Defence, so you can try and buy in store there.

ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

No single method of sun defence can protect you perfectly, so you can’t rely on SPF alone. On particularly sunny days, be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses too, and limit exposure to sun.