When it comes to healthy, glowing skin, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Leaving your skin exposed to UV rays doesn’t just increase your risk of sunburn, it can also lead to inflammation, pigmentation, and premature ageing. As we head into the warmer months and spend more time outside, it’s the perfect time to refresh your SPF knowledge and make sure your routine is up to date on sun safety. In our latest save our skin series, we will be exploring sun safety as well as answering your top questions around sun and skin safety.
My make-up has SPF in – is that enough?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that SPF in makeup or moisturiser is enough. While it’s great that some products include sun protection, it’s usually not sufficient on its own. The SPF rating is based on lab tests where a generous amount of product is applied. This can equate to far more than we tend to use in daily life. When we apply foundation or tinted moisturiser, we often use a light hand, meaning the actual level of protection is much lower than advertised. To really safeguard your skin, apply a dedicated broad-spectrum SPF of at least factor 30 every day, underneath your makeup. Opting for an ultralight mineral SPF makes it easy to layer without feeling heavy or greasy.
Can sunscreen prevent freckles?
Another common question is whether sunscreen can prevent freckles. Freckles are small clusters of melanin that develop as a natural response to sun exposure. By using sunscreen, you’re effectively reducing UV radiation from reaching the melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin), which helps prevent new freckles from forming. While sunscreen won’t fade existing freckles, ingredients like retinoids can help. Retinoids encourage skin cell turnover, which helps shed pigmented cells and reveal fresher, more even-toned skin. They also help reduce the transfer of melanin to new cells, making freckles less noticeable over time and improving the appearance of sun-damaged skin.
What is the best sunscreen?
When it comes to sunscreen, it’s not just about the number. You should always aim for SPF 30 or higher. You should also ensure your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection. Broad spectrum protection guards against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. Zinc oxide is a standout ingredient because it physically blocks UV rays by sitting on the skin’s surface and reflecting them. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which need time to absorb and become effective, zinc oxide works instantly and is typically much gentler, making it ideal for sensitive, rosacea prone or reactive skin.
Top tip! The eye area is often forgotten but this is such a delicate and susceptible area and it is really important to apply SPF here. Go for products for sensitive skin that are usually tolerated well around the eye.
Does sunscreen cause acne?
Concerned about sunscreen causing breakouts? You’re not alone, sun safety doesn’t have to come at a cost such as acne. Some chemical sunscreens can clog pores or irritate the skin barrier, especially in acne-prone skin. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, are usually non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t block your pores. Zinc oxide again comes to the rescue here. Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties and gentle formulation make it a great choice for those prone to breakouts. To avoid clogged pores always cleanse your skin thoroughly at the end of the day to remove any leftover product, dirt, and oil.
Freckles and sunspots: What’s the difference?
A question that comes up often is how to tell the difference between freckles and sunspots. It’s easy to confuse them, but they’re actually quite different. Freckles are usually small (under 5mm), light to medium brown in colour, and tend to appear in childhood. They can become more noticeable with sun exposure but may fade with age, and they often run in families. Sunspots, on the other hand—also known as age spots—are larger, darker, and more common in adults. They typically appear after years of cumulative sun exposure and are most often seen on areas like the face, chest, and hands. Unlike freckles, sunspots don’t usually fade and are considered a sign of skin ageing. If you notice a spot that stands out from the rest—one that’s changing in size, shape, or colour—it’s always best to get it checked by a healthcare professional.
How to treat pigmentation
Finally, let’s talk about treating pigmentation. Whether it’s caused by sun damage, ageing, or inflammation, there are effective ingredients that can help. Retinoic acid encourages skin renewal and helps fade dark spots. Pigmentation is one of the top 3 subliminal signs an observer processes to formulate a perception of skin damage and ageing. The pigmentation process starts from when we are born and whatever our age, we all have pigmentation due to sun damage. Other factors such as hormones (pregnancy, menopause) and health conditions (diabetes, Addison’s disease) may accelerate the formation of pigment spots or patches. Pigment Correct, contains a high concentration of 4 key inhibitors of melanin synthesis: Kojic Acid, Rumex Occidentalis Extract, Nonapeptide-1 and Alpha-arbutin. A key difference between Pigment Correct and many other brightening products, is that one of the plant extracts used not only helps prevent pigmentation but also tackles pre-existing pigmentation.
Summary
Sun safety is more than just sunscreen. Protecting your skin is a long-term investment in your skin’s health and appearance. Apply SPF daily (even on cloudy days), reapply every two hours when outdoors, and don’t rely solely on makeup or moisturiser for sun protection. Monitor your skin regularly using the ABCDE method, and always speak to a professional if you notice changes. You can find your nearest CellDerma partnered clinic here.
