There’s a product that, according to research, 78 per cent of people are not using daily, meaning that they’re missing out on the amazing anti-ageing benefits the item offers
People are constantly told there are miracle products on the market to help them age backwards – but one doctor has said there’s one that should be a “must” in your skincare kit, and it’s not the first thing you’d think of when it comes to anti-ageing.
Dr Saniyya Mahmood, Medical Director of Aesthetica Medical Clinic, has claimed the product could even take ten years off your face when used daily. Surprisingly, it’s not eye cream, or thick anti-wrinkle cream – it’s the humble SPF, which should even be applied on cloudy days according to Dr Mahmood.
SPF not only protects the skin from UV damage, but it can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles according to the expert, who told GB News: “It is essential in preventing signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots and pigmentation.” Right now, only 22 per cent of the UK apply SPF daily, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by FaceTheFuture, which means that many are missing out on the anti-ageing benefits, and are putting their skin at risk.
Dr Mahmood shared that the SPF should be broad spectrum and at least factor 50, and should be used throughout the year, as some people are still under the impression that suncream is just for the summer months.
Arguably, more importantly as well, Dr Mahmood explained that “Not only does it prevent premature ageing, it also protects your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer.” The UVA rating of the SPF should also ideally be four or five stars to offer the best protection possible.
The SPF number on the moisturiser indicates the level of protection it offers against UV rays, so if you’re using an SPF 50, it means you could stay in the sun 50 times longer than you could without any protection. But many creams suggest reapplication after two hours – especially if you’re out sweating in the sun, or dunking in the pool on holiday.
If you’re looking for a face SPF on a budget, you could try Malibu’s from Chemist 4 U for just £2.99, or Nivea’s day cream offering for £2.49 from Superdrug. If you’re applying make-up, it’s still important to put an SPF on beforehand to protect your face, as even if your foundation has SPF in, the protection isn’t enough.
When applying SPF to the face, you should use a dessert spoon amount, according to cosmetic doctor and skincare expert Dr. Sophie Shotter, who told Harpers Bazaar that “Protecting your skin from the damaging UV rays is probably the most important way you can prevent melanomas and premature ageing.”
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