Daily SPF benefits are well known, but a few simple habits can help maximise protection and anti-ageing effects.
One expert recommended the “30-minute rule” to better defend against UV rays, which can make you look older than your years.
Sunscreen has been shown to slow down the signs of ageing, with many studies backing this up. One 4.5-year randomised trial compared daily sunscreen use to occasional use in 903 adults.
Those who used sunscreen daily showed no detectable increase in skin ageing during the time period, and about 24 per cent less photoageing than the discretionary group.
Give SPF plenty of time to absorb before going outside
|GETTY
While it might not be the first thing on your mind on damp or gloomy days, UV rays are still present, so applying SPF before going outside is essential.
Advanced facialist at leading beauty and wellness clinic AL Aesthetics, Donna-Marie Beard, shared how to get the most out of the product.
She said: “Sunscreen plays a key role in protecting our skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can contribute to skin damage and premature ageing.
“With summer firmly in our sights and as we prepare to spend more time outdoors, it’s important to know the essentials when it comes to using sun protection correctly.
HOW TO LOOK YOUNGER
“A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher helps block both UVA and UVB rays, and is good for everyday use."
Not all sunscreens offer the same level of protection, so choosing SPF 30 — or ideally SPF 50 — is recommended.
According to Beard, when and how you apply it also matters, as sunscreen is often put on too late or unevenly, reducing its effectiveness.
She added: “A mistake many people make is failing to apply it between 15 and 30 minutes before sun exposure, which is vital to allow it time to absorb and work effectively.
SPF protects against the ageing effects of UV rays, studies have shown
| GETTY“Make sure you cover all areas of the skin that are likely to be exposed, and don’t forget commonly neglected areas such as the ears, hairline, eyelids and the back of the neck.
“A good method to use is dabbing rather than rubbing the cream into the skin, as this can help avoid irritation and ensure a more even application.
“If you are spending a prolonged period of time outdoors, it’s important to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if sweating or swimming is likely to have washed it away.”
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