EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPF

When should we wear SPF?
'SPF should be an important step in your skincare routine all year round, because clouds filter out sunlight but not UV rays. Up to 80% of the sun’s light still penetrates through clouds. That's why people often end up with serious sunburn on overcast days if they've spent time outside with no sun protection.'

What factor should we use?
'Choosing the correct product for both your destination and your individual skin type (and knowing exactly how to apply it) is crucial to ensuring that you are properly protected. Use a higher SPF for the first few days of your holiday, and step down once your skin has acclimatised. Under the influence of UV rays, the skin begins to thicken and starts producing melanin. This takes around 10 to 20 days to happen, so use extra protection while your skin is adjusting to the sun.'

How can we incorporate an SPF into our skincare routine?
'According to the World Health Organisation, up to 90% of the visible changes commonly attributed to ageing may be caused by sun exposure, so SPF should always be part of your daily skincare routine. Ultrasun Face SPF30 is a light all-in-one sun-protection moisturiser, providing very high UVA and UVB filters. It comes with added skincare actives, including Ectoin – a natural substance proven to prevent UVA-induced premature ageing – and powerful antioxidants.'

What type of sunscreen should we use?
'When choosing a sunscreen, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people like the moisturising texture of a cream whereas others prefer not to feel anything on their skin, so a gel or spray is better. Equally, some people like using sprays for quickness and others will prefer a cream so they can see exactly where they have applied it.' 

How often do we need to reapply when exposed to sun?
'Do it first thing in the morning when you're indoors, and apply plenty. The recommended NICE guidelines are to use six to eight teaspoons (35ml) per application on your body. Spending just 30 seconds extra on application will give you so much more support and protection. If you're in the habit of waiting till you're on the sunlounger, don't! Applying sunscreen in direct sunlight increases evaporation by up to 60% and reduces your protection.' 

Do we need to protect our hair, too?
'Not only does over-exposing hair to sunlight deplete its natural protective oils, it can also damage its cellular structure, causing faded colour, frizziness, split ends and thinning. Providing an innovative complex of antioxidants and exclusive UV filters for the hair and scalp, Ultrasun Daily UV Hair Protector offers protection against damaging environmental influences such as UVA and UVB rays, chlorine and saltwater, and prevents fading of natural and colour-treated hair.' 

Finally, can you tell us about the benefits of Ultrasun’s anti-ageing SPF?
'We've developed anti-pigmentation technology to help with those brown patches, caused specifically by UVA rays, that appear on hands, face and décolletage. The combination of these revolutionary complexes results in a visible brightening of existing pigmentation, providing results in just 14 days.'