Reasons to Wear Sunscreen Every Day
We usually think about applying sun protection during the summer months or on holiday to protect us from sunburn. However, the UV rays emitted from the sun can be damaging to skin over time – even on overcast days, so you should wear sunscreen every day. We explain the harmful impact the sun can have on your skin, and how you can prevent any premature aging, as well as the damaging effects of the sun by incorporating SPF products into your daily skincare routine.
How does the sun damage skin?
There are two types of UV rays emitted by the sun: UVA and UVB rays. The latter is what causes sunburn when we spend too much time basking by the pool. The former can speed up the development of signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines, as UVA rays damage the skin’s elastic fibres and collagen – the protein that maintains firmness in the skin. UVA rays penetrate cloudy skies, so you could be damaging your skin without you even realising it!
UV radiation causes the production of free radicals, which can also speed up signs of ageing. Free radicals are molecules that exist in the air, from UV rays and pollution, that are missing an electron. These free radicals will then look to borrow electrons from somewhere else – such as your skin – and in doing so, will damage collagen and encourage hyperpigmentation. A lack of collagen slows down the rate of skin cell renewal, resulting in a build-up of dead skin cells that causes your complexion to look dull.
What is SPF?
The SPF number refers to the amount of time you would be able to spend in the sun without burning your skin, compared with when not using any sun protection. However, as UVA rays can harm the skin even on cloudy days, you should consider wearing products with sun protection daily.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that you should reapply SPF products approximately every two hours to ensure you are protected.
Free radicals & oxidation
Free radicals are a major source of damage within our skin and UV light is the origin of large numbers of free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. This uneven number allows them to easily react with other molecules and cause chain reactions in the skin. This process is called oxidation.
Oxidation is the process of molecules changing because of the introduction of oxygen. Examples of oxidation are metal rusting or a cut apple slowly turning brown when exposed to air. Powerful ingredients known as antioxidants help to mop up these free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress. Some examples of antioxidants include vitamins A, C, & E, as well as plant-derived ingredients like ginseng and mulberry extract. Here at No7 we use a combination of vitamin C, ginseng, and mulberry, which partly comprise No7’s Double Defence technology.
Inorganic vs organic filters
Inorganic filters work by reflecting and scattering UV light, whereas organic filters work by filtering or absorbing UV light. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the only two ingredients used in inorganic filters. These ingredients tend to be slightly heavier, meaning the formulas that contain them often feel thicker. On the other hand, organic filters can contain a host of ingredients, but can be used at lower concentrations, meaning products that contain organic filters often feel lighter on the skin.
But which type is better? Neither inorganic or organic are ‘better’ and it is really about personal preference. Our No7 products use organic filters for a more lightweight feel on the skin. Because of this lightweight formula one of the benefits of organic filters is that it is less likely to leave a white-grey cast on the skin. However, inorganic filters often include tints to counteract this.
SPF in your 20s: why it’s the best investment for future you
Getting into the habit of applying your SPF every day can help protect your skin from long-term damage, which could include dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles in the future.
The benefits of daily SPF for all ages
Whether you’re out and about in the sun, working by a window or just spending time in the car, a daily SPF can help protect your skin from UVA and UVB damage, including dark spots and hyper-pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles.
Applying your SPF daily doesn’t have to be a chore – simply choose one that suits your skin goals and incorporate it into your daily skincare routine. Just remember to top up regularly if you’re in the sun for a prolonged period.
Why choose vegan SPF?
If you’re looking for a daily sun protection product that contains no animal-derived ingredients or by-products, try a vegan SPF. No7 Good Intent Glow Guard SPF 30 has a vegan formula that helps shield skin, delivering hydration and protection.
How does SPF support glowing, healthy-looking skin?
SPF helps protect your skin from sun damage, and if you choose one formulated to help moisturise your skin, like No7 Good Intent Glow Guard SPF 30, it can instantly transform skin, for a radiant, glowy complexion.
How to protect your skin from sun damage
No7 has a range of skincare products offering daily sun protection that will help shield your skin and help prevent skin damage.
Moisturisers
No7’s Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Day Cream is formulated with our unique anti-wrinkle peptide technology, as well as SPF15 to defend and protect against harmful UV rays and environmental stressors. Alternatively, try Lift & Luminate TRIPLE ACTION Day Cream with No7's anti-wrinkle technology and SPF 30. It also contains hyaluronic acid and hibiscus for visibly firmer looking skin. It also has vitamin C, an antioxidant.
£27.95
£27.95
Foundation
It’s also important to protect your skin from UV rays when wearing makeup. No7’s Protect & Perfect ADVANCED All in One Foundation instantly improves the appearance of skin, concealing blemishes and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Enriched with age-defying technology, it provides your skin with maximum hydration – all while offering SPF 50+.
Or, try No7’s Lift & Luminate Foundation SPF 15 for instantly smoother, firmer and more radiant looking skin. It contains optical blurrers and light-reflecting particles to deflect light away from fine lines and wrinkles, reducing their appearance.
£19.95
Sun protection should be applied every day to help protect skin, the benefits of wearing sunscreen on the face every day will help to keep it looking firm, youthful and healthy. We recommend choosing a moisturiser and foundation with SPF for daily protection.
FAQs:
Vegan SPF is sun protection that contains no animal-derived ingredients or by-products. If you’re looking for a vegan SPF, try No7 Good Intent Glow Guard SPF 30, which has a lightweight, vegan and cruelty-free formula.
All No7 SPF products are suitable for young skin, simply choose the one that best suits your skin’s needs.
No7 Future Renew ™ Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF 50 helps protect skin from visible damage, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles.
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Facial Suncare SPF 50+ is suitable for sensitive skin and offers powerful protection against sunburn.
If you’re looking for a vegan SPF that protects, hydrates and leaves skin radiant and glowy, try No7 Good Intent Glow Guard SPF 30.
Should I wear SPF even if I don’t go outside?
UVA rays are powerful enough to penetrate through glass windows, so if you’re sitting near a window, whether at home in the car, or working indoors, it's a good idea to protect your skin. Chances are, you’ll also be nipping outside at some point, whether it’s popping to the shops or simply spending a few minutes in the garden, so applying an SPF can make sure you’re covered in those moments. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of applying SPF every day, as part of your daily skincare routine, so you know you’re always protected.
No7 Good Intent Glow Guard SPF 30 has a vegan formula that contains no animal-derived ingredients or by products and delivers on hydration and protection, locking in moisture for a radiant, glowy complexion.
While there’s no evidence to suggest that vegan formulas are better for sensitive skin, No7 Good Intent Glow Guard SPF 30 is a good choice if you’re looking for a vegan SPF that’s kind to your sensitive skin, as it’s been formulated without fragrance to care for your skin and help reduce dryness and tightness.
Read No7’s ultimate guide to SPF for more information on the different types of sun protection and which SPF is right for you.
