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80% of visible skin ageing is caused by UV – these SPFs will shield your skin during the heatwave
The weather is gorgeous, but sun damage isn’t

We know, we know. The heatwave is here, and you’ve slipped on your sunnies, ready to soak up the sunshine with family and friends. But before we get side-tracked by rosé and giggles in the park, don’t forget your SPF.
Unless you’re using proper sun protection, you’re not just risking a temporarily pink nose, you’re undoing all the good work of your skincare regime.
Alas, more than 80% of visible ageing is down to UV exposure, which is a) huge and b) largely preventable. Wearing SPF is absolutely crucial, and not just for helping to prevent skin cancer. It’s the best thing you can do for your anti-ageing regime.
Fact: SPF is vital for youthful skin
SPF slows down things such as collagen breakdown that in turn, translates to sagging, wrinkles and pigmentation, says skin specialist and oncologist Dr Fiona McCarthy.
‘In my opinion, SPF is the most important step in your skincare regimen,’ Dr McCarthy says. ‘If you’re investing in a regime to reduce signs of ageing or achieve glowing skin but you don’t use SPF daily, you’re reducing the long-term efficacy of all the other skincare products, and likely wasting your money.’
Fact: Some anti-ageing products can harm skin without SPF
It’s not just about making products ineffective. Skipping SPF can actually leave you vulnerable to damage from the very products designed to make your skin look younger.
‘Using retinoids, AHAs and other medical-grade products can do wonders for the skin, but they can make you more prone to sun damage as they increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light,’ says aesthetic surgeon Dr Osman Bashir Tahi. ‘If you don’t protect your skin when using these ingredients, you will be prone to premature ageing.’
Peels and laser treatments can especially backfire without SPF, he adds. ‘Think of it like this, when you have a treatment that removes the outer layers of the skin, fresh skin is revealed. This can be great for rejuvenation, but if you don’t protect it with sunscreen, you are essentially exposing this new, almost baby skin to ultraviolet rays, causing sun damage and premature ageing.’
Fact: SPF is actively anti-ageing
So that’s the bad news, but now for the good stuff. Wearing daily SPF isn’t just about protecting your skin but actively regenerating it.
‘Don’t skip sunscreen thinking the damage has been done,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Mary Sommerlad. ‘Skin has a remarkable ability to repair itself. If you start using daily SPF, you’re giving your skin a break from the cumulative daily sun exposure that accelerates the breakdown of collagen, and you’re giving it a chance to heal itself. With regular use, you’ll get a real benefit.’
In fact, a study found that using daily SPF didn’t just protect skin but ‘actually significantly reversed pre-existing signs of ageing,’ says Dr McCarthy. ‘Skin texture, clarity and pigmentation were all signs of ageing that improved by daily use of SPF.’
Fact: SPF is more enjoyable to use than ever
The latest formulations are a far cry from the old chalky formulas that tormented childhood holidays. Today’s SPFs are featherlight, absorb easily with no white cast, and come in versions to suit all skin types and issues.
These are the formulas that the GH beauty team really rates, for heatwave days and every day.


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