Why you should get back into the SPF habit

At this time of year, most of us are fed up of winter and longing for a bit more sun and warmth. So now's the time to prepare by getting back into the SPF habit.  While many doctors and skin experts recommend daily use of sunscreen all year round, many of us have to confess we lapse a bit during the darker, cooler months. So if this is you, then it's time for a very quick reappraisal before an unexpectedly sunny day leaves you looking literally red faced. The thing to remember with sun damage is, it's not just the initial burn. Sun exposure can leave lasting damage. Research has shown that up to 90% of premature skin ageing is due to the sun. It is also linked to skin cancer. Yet it's so quick and painless to apply high SPF sunscreen every morning to protect your skin all day, even under makeup.

Benefits of daily SPF

Here are a few reasons why you should get back into the habit of using SPF (Sun Protection Factor) products:

1. Prevent sunburn: Most people understand that excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn. This can happen within a few hours and may include redness, hot skin, peeling and discomfort. Sunburn is best avoided and the risks are significantly reduced through use of SPF sunscreen
2. Prevent long term skin damage: Sun exposure can cause significant long-term damage to your skin. It increases the risk of premature ageing and even skin cancer. SPF products protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation, reducing the potential impact of sun-related ageing - lines/wrinkles, poor skin texture, pigmentation issues - and even skin cancer.
3. Maintain a healthy complexion: Sun damage can also cause your skin to appear dull and dry with uneven skintone. Using products with SPF can help to avoid this. Sun protection can help to maintain your skin's moisture and promote a healthy, glowing complexion.
4. Year-round protection: Sun damage can occur even on cloudy or cold days. It is crucial to use SPF protection throughout the year, no matter the weather conditions.
5. Easy integration: Incorporating SPF products into your daily routine is easy and can easily become a healthy habit. Many moisturisers, makeup products, and skincare lines include SPF, making it simple to integrate into your daily routine. There are also high quality mineral-based sunscreens which provide excellent protection and sit well beneath your normal makeup

Overall, using SPF products has several benefits, and it is essential to remember to use them daily to maintain healthy and protected skin. Even if you think it's not sunny enough to cause any damage, remember that UVA can pass through cloud and reflect into shady areas. Whenever you are in the sun without protection adds to the cumulative exposure. In addition to using high quality sunscreen SPF30+ every day, there are other measures you could also consider to protect your skin:

• Avoid spending too long in the sun
• Especially avoid the peak hours 11-3pm
• Also cover up with clothing - wear a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves and trousers
• Seek shade when outside
• If you want a healthy glow, reach for the self-tan lotion!

Repairing Sun Damage

The latest professional treatments offer some great options for treating sun damage. Top recommendations include:

• Tixel thermal fractional rejuvenation system. This uses the heat energy instead of lasers or injections to achieve remarkable results in a number of key areas, including improving pigmentation problems, boosting collagen production to create firmer, fuller skin and promoting fresher and smoother looking skin with fewer visible lines
• Photofabulous - our highly rated IPL and laser combination treatment which uses IPL to stimulate skin renewal mechanisms alongside Resurfx to resurface the skin, leaving it looking smoother and more even as well as revitalised

See our information on Sun Damage for more information and treatment suggestions. With so many options, it is best to get professional advice on which treatment is likely to be of most benefit. A consultation with Dr John Tanqueray at Mulberry House Clinic includes a full assessment of the skin and discussion of the patient's concerns before recommending the most appropriate treatments.

Mulberry House Clinic

Established 2003

Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with vast experience of the industry. Cosmetic skin treatments are carried out by Dr John Tanqueray, who works closely with leading manufacturers to remain at the forefront of the medical aesthetics. A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation. For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.