Skin ageing is inevitable but taking the right precautions can slow down the process.
Skin expert and Clinic Lead at Face the Future Kimberley Medd spoke exclusively to GB News about the how sun protection can be an excellent anti-ageing tool.
Only 22 per cent of the UK apply SPF daily, and just over half of the UK only wears SPF when it is sunny. However, sun protection should be treated as an essential product we use every day. Applying SPF diligently can help to reduce a person's risk of developing skin cancer, as well as having major anti-ageing benefits.
Kimberley told GB News that SPF can "significantly slow down the ageing process by shielding your skin from any harmful UV rays that contribute to ageing", although "it cannot reverse existing signs of ageing completely".
A skin expert named the product everyone should be using
GETTY IMAGES
She said: "This means that any damage to your skin before a regular SPF routine such as fine lines, wrinkles or hyperpigmentation cannot be undone by SPF alone.
"However, a good, consistent SPF routine can help to prevent further damage and allow the skin to renew itself naturally over time, resulting in a healthier, more youthful appearance.
“SPF plays a crucial role in anti-ageing skin care by preventing photoaging, which refers to premature skin ageing caused by UV exposure.
"UV rays accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, leading to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. By wearing sunscreen daily, a protective barrier that shields your skin from UV damage is created, thereby slowing down the ageing process.
"It’s important to remember that although SPF cannot miraculously erase years off your skin age, it can certainly help maintain a more youthful appearance by preserving the integrity of your skin and preventing further damage.
"Consistent use of SPF, combined with other anti-ageing skin care practices like moisturising, can collectively contribute to a more radiant, youthful complexion over time."
Most of us will have a tube of sunscreen lying around at home, but not everyone knows how to select an SPF or apply it effectively.
Kimberley said: "Choosing the right SPF factor depends on various factors such as your skin type, location, and duration of sun exposure.
"As a general guideline, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It's essential to select a sun cream suitable for your skin type, whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, to ensure optimal protection without causing irritation or breakouts.
"When it comes to application, the ‘two finger’ method is key. Make sure to use a generous amount of SPF at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Don't forget often overlooked areas like the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of the feet."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
'A good, consistent SPF routine can help to prevent further damage and allow the skin to renew itself naturally over time'
GETTY IMAGESThe hands, neck and décolleté area are often tell-tale signs of a person's age and can easily wrinkle and sag. Applying sun protection to these areas will help to protect them and keep them younger looking for longer.
As for whether or not women should rely on makeup that includes SPF, the skin guru said: "Whilst we are seeing a growing trend of SPF being added to makeup products, using make-up products containing SPF alone is often not enough to provide adequate sun protection when compared to dedicated sun creams.
"Makeup products usually contain lower SPF levels and are not applied in as generous amounts as sun cream for maximum protection. Additionally, makeup tends to wear off throughout the day, compromising the effectiveness of the SPF.
"For optimal protection, I recommend using a separate broad-spectrum sunscreen that is lightweight enough to be worn underneath your makeup such as the Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF50. This ensures thorough coverage and reliable sun protection throughout the day.”
In other anti-ageing news, Britons have been warned that a common lifestyle habit is "sabotaging their weight loss efforts" and making them look older.