Should I Wear an SPF all Year Round?

At Nakin we dedicate our work to helping the skin on our face and neck look as good as it can naturally, with our natural anti-ageing face products. However well that we look after our skin there is no doubt that exposure to the sun damages it, and is thought to be the biggest cause of premature skin ageing, plus skin cancer. So, we need to wear SPF to protect our skin, and this includes those of us with a darker skin tone. It is recommended to wear SPF all year round, this is the general consensus, but alongside this we need to make sure that we are getting enough vitamin D from our diet and supplements.

There are schools of thought that say our skin should be exposed to sunlight, we often hear advisors suggesting that early morning sunlight is best, as it regulates our circadian rhythm without causing sun damage. At Nakin we recommend that you do lots of research from trusted sources and use an SPF routine that works for you, and that you are completely happy with, based upon the research and keeping our skin safe, plus keeping our body and minds healthy.

Wearing sunscreen with an appropriate SPF is recommended all year round, not just during the summer months. UVA rays, which can contribute to skin ageing and cancer, are present regardless of the season and can penetrate clouds and windows. Even on overcast days, up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can reach your skin. Incorporating a broad-spectrum sunscreen into your daily skincare routine can help protect against both UVA and UVB radiation, reducing the risk of sun damage. Many moisturisers and makeup products now contain SPF, making it easier to maintain consistent protection throughout the year, however, these are often not enough protection and a separate SPF should be applied before actually going outside.

It's also important to remember that UV rays can reflect off of surfaces such as snow, water, and sand, increasing the amount of radiation your skin is exposed to. This is why it's crucial to wear sunscreen even during winter activities like skiing or snowboarding. Furthermore, if you live in a higher altitude or near the equator, the sun's rays are even more intense and can cause sun damage more quickly.

But aside from protecting against potential skin damage and premature ageing, wearing SPF all year round also helps maintain an even skin tone and prevent discoloration. Sun exposure can exacerbate conditions like melasma and hyperpigmentation, leading to uneven patches of darkened skin. Using sunscreen can help prevent these issues from worsening and maintain a more balanced complexion.

Moreover, using SPF regularly helps to keep your skin healthy and youthful. Sun damage not only affects the appearance of your skin, but it can also lead to serious health concerns like skin cancer. By wearing sunscreen daily, you are taking an important step in protecting yourself against harmful UV rays and reducing your risk of developing skin cancer.

Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine is essential for maintaining healthy and protected skin all year round. Whether it's through standalone sunscreen or products with added SPF, make sure to wear adequate protection every day to safeguard against potential sun damage and maintain a youthful appearance.