Summer is here and while we might not have the weather for it, we’re sure that you’re escaping somewhere sunny.
And it’s so important to protect your skin from the sun and most importantly those pesky UV rays.
But have you ever thought about using SPF on your hair or your scalp? We definitely haven’t!
Laura Porter Skincare Expert and Founder of FAB Skincare shared her tips with us to protect yourself this summer…
What SPF should we be using in different areas…
Each area of the body has unique characteristics that make targeted sun protection important.
Your face…
The skin on the face is generally more delicate and exposed than other areas, and it may also be more prone to breakouts or sensitivity, which means it benefits from SPF formulas that are lightweight, non-comedogenic and designed specifically for facial use. For the face, the best SPF is one that offers broad spectrum protection and is lightweight enough for daily wear that won’t clog your pores. Gel or fluid textures often work well for most skin types.
Your undereyes…
The undereye area has the thinnest skin on the face and is particularly sensitive, so it requires a gentle sunscreen that won’t cause irritation or migrate into the eyes. Opt for gentle, fragrance free products that have been formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
Your hands…
The hands are exposed daily and often washed multiple times, so they need a more resilient SPF that provides hydration while withstanding frequent contact with water. For the hands, a rich cream based SPF is ideal.
Your scalp…
The scalp, especially in individuals with thinning or fine hair, is highly vulnerable to sunburn but difficult to protect using standard cream-based sunscreens. That’s why formulations such as lightweight sprays or powders with SPF are easiest to apply and less likely to weigh down the hair or leave a greasy residue.
Your hair…
Even the hair can benefit from UV protection to prevent damage and colour fading, especially in those with treated or sun sensitive hair. UV-protective sprays or leave-in treatments can help protect strands from sun damage, particularly for coloured or chemically treated hair.
And what factor should we use?
Your face…
The face should also be protected with SPF 50 ideally, particularly in the summer or when outdoors for long periods.
Your undereyes…
The under-eye area benefits from the highest level of protection due to the skin’s thinness and vulnerability to damage, so using an SPF 50 is strongly recommended.
Your hands…
For the hands, SPF 30 to 50 is ideal, with reapplication throughout the day to maintain effectiveness.
Your scalp…
The scalp requires at least SPF 30, and using sprays or powders can make application easier without affecting your hairstyle.
Your hair…
While the hair itself doesn’t burn, it can suffer from sun-induced dryness and colour fading, so using UV-protective sprays is a good preventative step. Across all areas, the key is consistent reapplication, typically every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating.
What should we look for when shopping for SPF?
When selecting SPF, the most important factor is that it offers broad spectrum protection, which means it shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. The minimum recommended SPF for daily use is SPF 30, though SPF 50 is better for areas that are particularly sensitive or frequently exposed.
Additional features like water resistance and antioxidant protection can be beneficial for all areas, particularly during summer or periods of extended sun exposure.