sun protection – a must
Written by rebecca chis, skin therapist
It's easy to think: "It’s fine – I’m only stepping out for a bit." And yes, the sun isn’t our enemy. But it’s often those quick moments that leave a lasting mark – and it’s not just a slight redness on the nose bridge.
Sun exposure is the number one cause of premature skin ageing. Not stress. Not coffee. Not late nights. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and gradually break down collagen – the protein that keeps your skin firm. The result? Looser skin, wrinkles, and a duller tone – even if you won’t notice it right away. UVB rays, on the other hand, cause the immediate effects: redness, stinging, and in the worst case, burns.
And no – clouds are not protection.
Your skin needs support
There’s still a belief that sunscreen is only needed at the beach. But even low-level daily exposure is enough to affect your skin’s quality. That’s why a broad-spectrum SPF should be part of your daily skincare routine – not just for holidays.
What’s the best thing you can do?
- Invest in a lightweight facial SPF – preferably SPF 30 or higher.
- Apply it as the final step after your moisturiser.
- Don’t forget ears, neck and forehead – areas with thin skin that often get missed.
When the damage is done
If your skin already feels tight, burns or is hot to the touch – it’s no longer about protection, it’s about repair. And no, getting sunburnt won’t give you a deeper or longer-lasting tan. Quite the opposite. When UVB rays damage your skin, it sheds the top layers more quickly – leaving you with a patchy and short-lived tan.
That’s where aftersun comes in. These products aren’t just hydrating – they’re usually packed with calming ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol or allantoin that reduce redness, calm irritation and give your skin a chance to recover. A good aftersun also helps preserve the tan you’ve built – the right way.
- Cool the skin right after sun exposure
- Avoid drying shower gels – use a mild, fragrance-free alternative
- Apply aftersun – preferably several times in the first hours
