You heard it right: SPF all year round is Your Best Anti-Ageing Treatment! Don’t be fooled by the UK’s often cloudy skies – ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the primary culprit in skin ageing, is a year-round threat.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, but awareness needs to expand beyond just a week or month. Having in-clinic treatments for your skin is pointless unless you pair it with a good, consistent skincare routine and most importantly a good SPF applied daily! The Academy Clinic reminds you why sun protection is crucial for healthy, youthful skin.
Sun’s Sneaky Rays: UVA vs UVB
Around 80-90% of skin ageing is caused by UV rays, which come in two forms: UVB and UVA.
- UVB Rays: These cause sunburn and tanning.
- UVA Rays: These have a longer wavelength and penetrate deeper, causing premature ageing (photoageing) like wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
UVA: The Hidden Threat
UVA rays make up 90% of UV rays reaching Earth. They pass through clouds and glass, making them hard to avoid – even indoors near windows or in your car. Any of our skin specialists will regularly warn you to wear SPF even if you are just sitting by the window inside, we think it is a small price to pay for more youthful skin longer term.
These rays damage the skin’s dermis, where collagen and elastin reside. These fibers keep your skin plump and youthful. When sun damage occurs, they break down, leading to wrinkles and a leathery texture.
Your Best Defence? A broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen
- SPF: Stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures UVB protection only. Aim for SPF 40 or higher.
- UVA Star Rating: Look for a “broad spectrum” sunscreen with a UVA star rating of 4 or 5 stars for optimal protection.
Is Daily Moisturiser Enough?
While some moisturisers and foundations offer SPF, they often fall short. Here’s what to consider:
- Is it water-resistant, rub-resistant, and sweat-resistant?
- Does it have SPF 40 or higher?
- Is it broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB)?
- Do you apply it to all exposed areas (face, neck, chest, ears)?
If unsure, use a separate sunscreen and layer your skincare routine.
SPF Every Day!
Make sunscreen a daily habit, regardless of the weather. Unprotected skin is vulnerable to:
- Photoageing: Wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin tone.
- Skin Cancer: The most common cancer.
- Worsening Skin Conditions: Especially rosacea, as UV exposure triggers inflammation, dilates blood vessels, and weakens the skin barrier, increasing redness and sensitivity.
Need help choosing the right SPF? We stock a selection of high-performance SVR sun protection, available to purchase directly from reception. Just ask a member of the team next time you’re in clinic!
Apply It Right:
Sun damage often happens because people underestimate how much sunscreen they need. Most apply less than half the recommended amount! That’s why we recommend dedicated sunscreen instead of relying solely on makeup with SPF.
Here’s the rule:
- Two strips of SPF squeezed onto the index and middle fingers as a minimum amount for the face only, and reapply every few hours when in strong sun exposure
- Dermatologists recommend using a generous amount of sunscreen – about six teaspoons for an average adult body
Remember: Prevention is key! Make broad-spectrum sunscreen your go-to anti-ageing weapon this Sun Awareness Week and all year long.
Prevention and Protection: The Perfect Pairing
At The Academy Clinic, we believe that great skin doesn’t happen by accident. Daily SPF is your non-negotiable for preventing future damage — but pairing it with the right professional treatments is key to improving texture, tone, and radiance over time.
Whether you’re looking to reduce signs of photoageing, calm inflammation, or refresh dull, tired skin, we offer a range of expert-led treatments designed to work alongside your skincare routine.
Here’s what’s available:
Personalised skincare solutions: Our Observe skin analysis uses cutting-edge tech to create a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your skin.
Microneedling: Boosts collagen, smooths texture, and improves skin tone — ideal for addressing sun damage and early signs of ageing.
Advanced chemical skin peels: Targeted exfoliation to improve pigmentation, fine lines, and overall brightness.
Hydrafacial: Deep cleansing and intense hydration for that instantly refreshed glow.
And to make your at-home routine easy? We stock a curated selection of clinically proven skincare — including SVR SPF — available to purchase directly from reception.
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