Choosing the correct SPF cream for your skin

Now that summer has finally arrived, it’s time to start stocking up on sun tan lotion to protect your skin. There are a variety of different sun tan lotions and protective skincare products on the market; some for your face, some for your body, and some tailored to both. To choose the right product for you, you’ll need to pick one with the appropriate SPF rating; which determines the level of protection it will provide your skin.

Our SPF guide: Which SPF rating do you need?

SPF skin cream

Skin type: Very fair skin; never tans, always burns

All red heads will come under this category, and some blondes with blue eyes. If you’re going to be out and about for just an hour or two, SPF 30 will do; but it you intend on spending longer outside or lying in the sun, you’ll need to wear an SPF of at least 50.

Skin type: Fair skin; tans slowly, burns easily

Most people with blonde hair and blue eyes will come under this category. Again, SPF 30 should be the minimum protection you use and if you’re going to be out and about all day, you’ll need SPF 50.

Skin type: Light skin; usually burns first but will tan

The majority of people usually fit into this category – including some blondes with brown eyes and most people with brown hair. People with this skin type can get away with SPF 15 if outside for an hour or two, but should wear factor 30 if sunbathing for more than an hour.

Skin type: Medium skin; burns minimally

If you’ve got olive skin, dark hair and dark eyes, you’ll fit into this category. People with a medium skin type are sufficiently protected with SPF 15. As always, it’s important to think about how long you’ll be exposed to the sun. If it’s half a day or more, we recommend SPF 30 plus.

Skin type: Dark skin; rarely burns

Even if you have dark skin, you still need to wear sun protection. SPF 15 will usually be adequate but it you’re planning on spending the whole day outdoors, make sure you start your day wearing SPF 30.

Protecting your face from the sun

We always remember to slap the sun tan lotion on our body, but what about our face? Your face is extra sensitive and requires higher SPF protection than the rest of your body. As the skin here is sensitive, you may suffer from irritation or breakouts should you use regular suntan lotion on your face – so it’s also best to choose protection suited to face and body or just the face.

All our products in the Heliocare skincare range provide ultimate skincare protection, no matter what the weather. The expertly created cream comes with SPF 50, protecting against everyday UV attack and minimising environmental damage.

When to wear SPF skincare products:

The skin on your face is at risk of environmental damage all year round – even if the temperatures aren’t at their highest. It’s not the heat that damages your skin; it’s the sun’s rays. With this in mind, we always recommend wearing a good, high SPF skincare product on your face every single day, no matter what the season.

If years’ of sunbathing have resulted in dry, wrinkled, sun-damaged skin, why not book in for one of our Derma-facials or skin peels? Designed to revitalise and tone your face, it’s one of the best non-invasive anti-aging treatments around. After a course of four to six treatments, you’ll be left with revitalised and restored skin. To book a free consultation, call us today on 01254 297 000.