SPF Ultimate Guide 2024 + Survey results*
*Survey data taken from over 100 respondents in northern hemisphere climates
SPF is a product that I have and will always continue to use. I am very protective of my skin and I feel that SPF has been the one product that protects it well and the key to slowing down the anti-aging process. So because I am a huge advocate for SPF, I have created this ultimate guide for everything you need to know!
Table of contents:
SPF’s importance in skincare
SPF is very important as the last step in your skincare routine, it’s not just something I personally believe in but it is the product that will protect your skin. No other product protects your skin from harmful rays! Whether you are outdoors, on vacation or simply going to work, the sun is always out so wear SPF.
Getting our daily dose of Vitamin D is great for us and we can still do this with protection.
Another reason that SPF is important in skincare is the benefits of slowing down the process of aging.
Don’t get me wrong, it is a privilege to be aging, I am grateful but there is nothing wrong with trying to slow down the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and maybe even some pigmentation.
A nice way to remember how important SPF is, is the 5 W’s:
Who - everyone under the sun
What - SPF 30 or higher
When - everyday, apply 30 mins before exposure and reapply every 2 hours
Where - all exposed skin
Why - reducing the risk of skin damage, skin cancer and slowing the aging process down
How much - one shot glass full for the whole body on each application and ¼ teaspoon for your face
Understanding sun damage
Over time, as we age, our skin naturally loses its elasticity and collagen, this is normal.
One thing that can speed up the process of this is sun exposure! Free radicals form within the skin because of UV rays, this then leads to the damage I just mentioned and it also contributes to wrinkling of the skin.
Excessive sun exposure can also cause pigmentation, like sun spots. These tend to form in areas we expose the most to the sun, like our hands and face. This happens when UV rays increase a surplus amount of melanin production. So then if you don’t wear SPF, the skin overproduces melanin to protect itself and that’s how you can end up with uneven pigmentation marks.
I have had a sun spot on my left cheek for many years, it’s safe to say I have learnt my lesson.
From my recent survey, 65% of respondents didn’t know the difference between UVA and UVB rays. If you happen to not know either, let me help!
UVA - penetrates deep into the dermis of the skin and is the cause of our skin getting darker when exposed to the sun. This damages the skin’s DNA and can contribute to the development of aging, wrinkles and skin cancer.
UVB - responsible for discoloration and it only penetrates the outer layer of the skin. It’s one of the causes of sun damage on the skin’s surface - sunburn. Something to remember as well is that UV rays are stronger at different times of the day, hence why we always hear the famous ‘seek shade between 11am and 3pm’ - this is for good reason.
How SPF works
SPF is a measurement of UVB protection, they are rated as low as 2 all the way up to 50+. The higher it is, the stronger the protection. The star rating you see on the packaging refers to the amount of UVA protection. The higher star rating, the better. I would always choose a sunscreen that has a broad spectrum protection - it protects against both!
Sunscreen contains active ingredients that help prevent the sun’s UV radiation from reaching your skin.
Two types of sunscreens that are readily available for us to purchase are:
Physical (mineral) sunscreens - they form a physical barrier that deflects the sun’s rays, essentially preventing them from penetrating the skin. It does this because it contains ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which have small particles that sit on the skin’s surface and reflect the light.
Chemical sunscreens - they act more like a sponge, absorbing UV rays before they can harm your skin. They contain ingredients such as avobenzone and octisalate and once the light is absorbed in the skin, these ingredients create a chemical reaction and turn the absorbed rays into non-damaging heat. This in turn is released from the skin.
Chemical sunscreens tend to be the most popular choices because they are lighter and thinner, mineral sunscreens tend to be on the thicker side. However both are great choices and it is down to your skin type and personal preference.
Different types of SPF
There are so many different types of SPF products that we can use. My personal favorite is lotions, I just like to know exactly how much SPF I’m using to make sure it’s the right amount.
As mentioned, the variety of SPF products has become quite broad - I asked my survey participants about which types of products they like and prefer to use. A whopping 79%, like me, prefer to use lotion.
Let's take a look at them and weigh up the pros and cons!
 | Lotion |
|---|
Pro
You can visually see and measure the amount of product
Con
Some can leave a white cast on skin and are thick
 | Spray |
|---|
Pro
Lightweight, convenient and easy application
Con
You cannot know how much SPF you are actually are applying
 | Stick |
|---|
Pro
Easy to apply, the stick can be more precise with areas such as ears and nose, less messy
Con
Most sunsticks are better for just the face, unknown amounts of SPF applied
 | Lip Balm |
|---|
Pro
Specific protection just for lips
Con
None really, just don’t use just a lip balm SPF for protection!
As much as I love the convenience of a spray SPF, I never know how much protection I am actually getting. Let’s be real, none of us would actually know, especially if it’s the invisible sprays!
They are used because it is easier. So because the amount you are using would be unknown with a spray, you would have to reapply even more frequently to avoid the risk of burning your skin. These are the main reasons why I would always choose a lotion because I am likely to apply the right amount.
Choosing the right SPF
SPF ranges from as low as 6 to as high as 50+. People choose the factor rating based on various different reasons.
Based on my survey results:
35% of participants stated that they choose the level of SPF based on their skin type.
Regardless of your skin type, whether that is fair or olive skin, dry or sensitive skin, a factor of 30 and above should always be used.
I know some people who believe, or used to believe that the lower the SPF the more you tan - it’s just simply not true. Quite simply, the lower the factor, the less protection for your skin.
I use SPF 50 on every holiday and still get a glow because you can still tan with factor 50, as no SPF offers 100% protection.
19% stated they choose the level of SPF based on weather conditions. This is likely because people automatically grab the higher factor if they are heading for a hot beach holiday and grab a lower factor for the winter months for example when the UV index isn’t as high.
18% chose their SPF based on websites, family/friends and dermatologist recommendations. I feel like this is a popular one, I know I have bought something because someone I know recommended it. This is because someone you know will always tell you the truth about a product. If you hear a dermatologist recommending an SPF that is suitable for you, you trust what they say based on their expertise and qualifications.
14% said they choose their SPF based on planned outdoor activity. This can range from a factor 15 because they are only going to the shops or a brief walk round the park. Or a factor 30 when skiing.
8% stated that they always use SPF 50+ no matter what. That's me guys. Some may have formed this habit and others may have once upon a time not been so careful in the sun and ended up with sun spots or pigmentation, so they’d rather just always wear the highest protection. Plus it helps with anti-aging.
6% answered that they choose their SPF based on the level it contains in their moisturizer. Whilst that’s kind of okay, you’re going to have to apply your moisturizer so many times to even get the right level of protection and you probably don’t want to apply that much moisturizer! Most of us apply our moisturizer once and done, so to avoid not having enough protection, use an SPF separately.
Ultimately in my opinion, a factor of SPF 30 or above should always be worn no matter the weather, indoors or outdoors, activity or not - your skin will thank you for it.
Sunscreen application tips
A ¼ of a teaspoon of SPF is how much we need - just for our face! Let me show you
SPF and skin types
Depending on the skin type you have, the way you choose the type of SPF differs.
Here’s a brief overview:
Dry skin - if you have naturally dry skin, look for a moisturizing SPF with ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid - this will help combat any dryness. A moisturizing SPF is also good in the winter months.
Oily skin - There are a few options for this skin type, from mattifying, water-based to a gel formula, or an oil-free SPF are great for oily or acne-prone skin. Many SPF products now contain ingredients that help balance oiliness, such as niacinamide.
Sensitive skin - if your skin can get irritated by lots of different ingredients, then choosing an SPF with a simpler formulation might be the way to go. Mineral sunscreens are great for anyone with this skin type because they contain ingredients such as zinc and titanium dioxide which are less likely to irritate your skin. Any SPF with added fragrance might also be good to avoid.
Mature skin - as we age we gradually lose built-in moisturizers like hyaluronic acid that binds water to the skin, this in turn makes our skin more prone to being dry. An SPF that is moisturizing is great. As our skin matures, the tone and texture also change, things like hyperpigmentation can develop and so SPF that contains ingredients like niacinamide may be beneficial as well.
Normal/combination skin - this is where my skin type sits. Whilst an SPF for this skin type doesn’t have to be intensely moisturizing or one that really controls oil, a non-comedogenic and light SPF is a good choice for everyday use.
SPF in skincare routines
SPF is the last step in my morning routine and that’s exactly how you should use it too. It is to be applied after all other products that you are using.
I asked my survey participants how often they use SPF in their daily routine and 55% said daily. That is correct, it should be daily!
Some may think we don’t need it everyday because it’s not hot or they aren’t outside. However, UV rays can penetrate through glass and the sun is out everyday, it’s just behind the clouds.
That result also means that 45% of participants don’t use it daily. One thing I’d love for you to take from this blog, is to recognise and understand just how important it is to use SPF, our skin needs protecting everyday, don’t skip it!
Debunking SPF myths
There are lots of myths that surround SPF, some can be quite harmful when you don’t know the difference between it being true or just a myth. Others sometimes just sound silly! Here are 3 common SPF myths:
‘You only need to wear SPF when it’s sunny’ - this is simply not true. UV light is present all year round and can penetrate through clouds. Ever hear people say ‘how did I get sunburn, it was overcast/cloudy’ - that is proof right there.
‘You can’t tan while using SPF’ - also not true. This is because there is no SPF that offers 100% protection. High SPF delays the rate at which your skin tans, you’ll still tan, just more slowly. I always find a tan lasts longer this way and our skin is less damaged. But remember, any kind of tanning is a sign our skin has been damaged!
‘The SPF in my make-up is enough’ - sadly not I’m afraid. Even if your foundation for example offers sun protection, you would need to apply several times the normal amount of foundation to even get close to the level of protection stated on the bottle. You’re not likely to reapply your foundation 4 times in a day right?
SPF and motivations for using it
One of the questions I asked the participants of my survey was ‘what is your primary motivation for using sunscreen?’
As you can see from the graphic, the choice of answers were sun protection, anti-aging, preventing skin cancer and all of the above.
I was very happy to see that over half of the participants, 54% chose all of the above! They are all the reasons I wear sunscreen everyday. My motivation is I don’t want a sunburn, I don’t want to increase the chance of skin cancer and SPF is one of the best products for anti-aging.
Even choosing one of the options instead of ‘all of the above’ is still okay. This is because let’s say you use it because your motivation is anti-aging, like 20% of my survey participants did, you’re still going to reap the benefits of protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. So actually, you’re in a win/win situation here.
Whatever your motivation is, it’s fine as long as you stay motivated to wear it everyday! Sunscreen is such a great tool in providing sun protection because excessive sun exposure can age our skin and cause damage to our skin cells which can sometimes lead to skin cancer.
No other skincare product will protect your skin from UV rays and yes it's not 100% but an SPF 50 is 98% effective at blocking UVB rays and that is much better than absolutely nothing. The role of SPF in preventing skin cancer is huge.
According to Cancer Research UK ‘in the UK almost 9 in 10 cases of melanoma skin cancer could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds’.
That is shocking to read, 9 out of 10! See how important it is to use SPF to reduce the risk of this even happening.
You can check the UV index via the weather app’s on smartphones and although I believe everyone should wear SPF even if the index is 0, if it’s 3 or above, get your sunscreen out!
Two tips from me:
1. If you are able to, see a dermatologist once a year for mole mapping and just a general check up.
2. Please don’t use sunbeds…ever!
Staying informed
A question I asked my survey participants was ‘how do you stay informed about the latest sunscreen trends and products?’
Here are the results:
38% said they stay informed via social media influencers which shows just how important it is when it comes to who you follow online because sometimes there is a whole slew of misinformation out there. Sometimes it's obvious and sometimes it’s not.
Know your facts about SPF, it’s not the same as when someone online recommends a moisturizer.
I have been influenced before to buy a product and still am from time to time but I also do my own research and being in the skincare and beauty world since I was 18 I’m lucky to know a lot.
33% stated that they stay informed via family and friends, this is quite common because those are the people we trust. For example my sisters ask me which SPF they should use or what I think about a particular SPF. They know, as their sister, I will always be honest.
11% said they stay informed by dermatologists. This is great to see because who better to trust than a dermatologist. Someone who is medically qualified and knows the skin inside out. The % is a bit low but I think this is because dermatologists are not as easily accessible as we would like. In the UK you would have to be referred to one if you have a concern and the wait time could be ages. Seeing a private dermatologist in the UK and USA is costly so I understand why this number isn’t as high as it could be.
The one thing I would say to counter this is to think about how much you might spend on a really nice dinner out. You might do that once or twice a year. If you have a concern, you can sacrifice that £200 you’d spend at Nobu and see a dermatologist, it’s worth every penny. In recent times, probably the last year or so, more dermatologists are having an online presence providing general information to the public which is so useful, thanks derms! I discovered one I really like on TikTok, her name is Dr Adel - she’s great and worth a follow!
SPF products I’d recommend
The following SPF’s are ones I have used, taken abroad to hot climates and offer a great high protection!
My favorite SPF is Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial SkinScreen SPF 50+ - I love her. I can’t tell you how many I have gone through. Highly effective, great ingredients, feels so nice, no white cast on my skin, no pilling - she has traveled all the way to Bali with me through to Greece and not an ounce of sunburn. For £34 I’d put this into the high-end category but it’s not too steep.
For my USA babes, this lovely brand hasn’t made it across the pond yet so an alternative that I like is Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50. It’s lightweight, has a high protection factor which I always recommend, it has a sheer finish and contains KLEAIR zinc oxide with other antioxidants for that UVA/UVB protection that we want. It’s suitable for all skin types. This is a high-end SPF and whilst I agree it is expensive, the quality is great and when it comes to protecting your skin, the cost is always worth the investment.
A mid range priced SPF that I love and have also used for many years and still go back to is, Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+. For only $19/£22 it’s not expensive and I can honestly say I have not burnt with this sunscreen. It feels really light on my skin, absorbs well, has high protection, high levels of hyaluronic acid and doesn’t feel greasy either.
An affordable SPF that is great is Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ For Face Fragrance Free. It retails for $10/£7.99, absolute bargain! It doesn’t feel greasy on my skin, it is broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, fast absorbing and also contains aloe vera and vitamin E to provide that extra hydration.
Conclusion
Here are some key takeaways you should now know from reading this blog:
The difference between UVA and UVB rays - one is responsible for early signs of aging and the other damages the skin’s DNA.
The right amount of SPF required for ultimate protection - ¼ teaspoon just for our face!
The importance of wearing SPF everyday - to protect ourselves from sun damage and the potential of skin cancer.
How often you should reapply SPF - every 2 hours.
Always use SPF 30+ or above - no matter the weather, indoors or outdoors - the sun is out, protection is key.
Thank you to all participants of my survey, I really enjoyed seeing the different responses and how they varied. If you have made it this far down my blog, thank you for reading and I hope it has been helpful!
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