WE’RE Having A Heatwave... Here's Why Your Skin Will Thank You For Wearing SPF

The sun might not stick around for long, but the effects on your skin certainly can.

For many of us, the first proper heatwave of the year arrives with the same ritual.

The barbecue comes out. The paddling pool gets inflated. We dig our sunglasses out of a drawer and suddenly remember that bottle of sunscreen that's been sitting in the bathroom cabinet since last summer.

If you're lucky enough to be enjoying the sunshine, that's brilliant.

But as someone who spends every day talking about skin, I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't gently remind you of one thing...

Your skin remembers every sunny day.

Not just the holidays in Spain.

Not just the beach.

The lunch breaks in the park.

The drive home with the sun coming through the window.

The morning dog walk.

The gardening.

Those little moments add up over time.

"But It's Only A Few Days..."

This is probably the biggest misconception I hear.

People assume skin damage only happens after hours of sunbathing abroad.

In reality, UV rays don't really care whether you're in Bali or Bognor.

If they're strong enough to tan your skin, they're strong enough to start breaking down collagen.

Collagen is what helps keep our skin firm, smooth and resilient.

As we get older, our bodies naturally produce less of it anyway. Add repeated sun exposure into the mix and it's one of the biggest reasons we begin to notice fine lines, pigmentation and changes in skin texture.

That's why SPF isn't really about avoiding sunburn.

It's about protecting the skin you'll have five, ten and twenty years from now.

"I Don't Burn, So I'm Fine."

Another myth.

Sun damage isn't reserved for people who turn lobster-red every summer.

Even if you tan easily, UV exposure is still affecting your skin beneath the surface.

Pigmentation, uneven skin tone and premature ageing often develop gradually over years rather than appearing after one particularly sunny afternoon.

Which is why wearing SPF is one of the simplest things you can do for your skin.

What About Aesthetic Treatments?

If you've invested in treatments such as microneedling, skin boosters or anti-wrinkle injections, protecting your skin afterwards becomes even more important.

Think of it this way.

Why spend time and money improving your skin if you're not going to protect those results?

SPF helps preserve the improvements you've worked so hard to achieve.

My Advice During The Heatwave

You don't need to hide indoors until September.

Enjoy the sunshine.

Get outside.

Go for the walk.

Have the barbecue.

Just remember to:

• Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (SPF 50 if you'll be outside for longer).

• Reapply every couple of hours if you're spending time outdoors.

• Wear a hat and sunglasses where possible.

• Stay hydrated—your skin loves water just as much as you do.

None of that is particularly revolutionary.

But done consistently, it makes a remarkable difference.

Healthy Skin Is Built In The Little Moments

People often ask me what the best anti-ageing product is.

They're usually expecting the answer to be a clever serum or an advanced treatment.

The truth?

It's sunscreen.

Not because it's exciting.

Not because it's trendy.

Simply because nothing else protects your skin quite like it.

So while the UK enjoys this little burst of summer, enjoy it too.

Just don't forget your SPF on the way out.

Your future skin will thank you for it.