Protect and nourish: The power of SPF in skincare
So far this year, we’ve seen heatwave after heatwave. In fact, the Met Office has said that the UK could experience a summer season that’s twice as likely to be hotter than normal. But how do these weather conditions affect consumer demand for skincare products?
The answer is simple. More and more people will be looking for multifunctional beauty formulations that provide vital sun protection. With long-term weather conditions showing a trend towards higher temperatures, this desire for SPF-enriched products is set to continue.
Safeguarding summer skin
The positive impact of all this seasonal sunshine is the potential for more time spent outdoors - a great way to boost your mood and overall sense of wellbeing. Whether you decide to spend time planning picnics, enjoying al fresco entertainment, or sprucing up the garden, there are plenty of ways to make the most of longer daylight hours and soaring temperatures.
If you’re going to be spending time outside, don’t forget that your skin needs consistent protection and support against sun damage. This is essential throughout the year, but even more so in the height of summer. Investing in good quality sunscreen is one of the very best things people can do for their skin. Here’s why:
● Protect against harmful UV rays
The sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. Together, they penetrate deep into the skin and can cause signs of premature ageing and sunburn. It’s vital to form a barrier against these damaging rays.
● Reduce the risk of skin cancer
Using sun protection significantly reduces the chances of developing skin cancer. It does so by blocking or absorbing UV radiation before it has the chance to penetrate and damage the DNA in skin cells.
● Prevent premature ageing
Excessive sun exposure is one of the biggest culprits behind premature skin ageing - causing wrinkles, sagging, uneven skin tone and sunspots. By using sunscreen, you can help reduce the visible signs of ageing.
● Avoid suffering from sunburn
Sunburn can cause redness, peeling, and pain. But sunburn isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s a sign of damage to skin cells, and it can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
Put simply, SPF sunscreen should be an essential part of skincare routines. It’s not just something to be applied during holidays or on sunny days: sunscreen is a daily necessity for safeguarding skin’s health.
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’. It’s a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s rays. It usually takes the form of lotions, creams, sprays or gels that provide a protective layer and shield skin from sun damage.
The higher the number that follows ‘SPF’ then the more protection you will have. As an example, SPF15 filters out about 93% of UVB rays and SPF50 filters out about 98%. The number tells you how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning compared to no protection. So, for example, SPF50 could potentially give you 50 times longer than the same exposure without protection.
But don’t forget that this is an estimate. Your risk of sunburn depends on many variables, such as the day’s weather conditions. In practice, sunscreen can also wear off sooner due to sweat, water, or how well you applied it in the first place. Regardless of the SPF number, reapplication is key. Sun protection should be applied every two hours (or more often if encountering moisture through sweating or swimming).
The active ingredients protect skin by either reflecting or absorbing UV rays. Physical, or ‘mineral’, sunscreens work by reflecting UV light before it can penetrate the skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays like a sponge and convert them to heat before they can cause damage. Hybrid sunscreens combine both mineral and chemical elements for comprehensive coverage.
What do you need to look for in a sunscreen? Ideally, you need broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB. Opt for higher levels of SPF for the most comprehensive protection. This can be particularly essential for fair or sensitive skin or if you’re planning to be outside for extended periods.
Sun protection support from Hera Beauty
At Hera Beauty, we aim to be at the forefront of skincare innovation. As a leading UK personal care manufacturer, we’re proud to have launched (new for 2025!) a vegan-friendly and cruelty-free private label SPF50 Hybrid Moisturiser for the face and body. Perfect for everyday use, it keeps skin protected and perfectly balanced.
This lightweight, fast-absorbing gel SPF delivers effective sun protection and hydration without the heaviness or greasiness that you often encounter with traditional suncreams. It’s a broad-spectrum mineral and chemical hybrid SPF system, which leaves minimal white cast and is gentle to the skin at all times.
Suitable for all skin types, the formulation combats signs of ageing and damage caused by exposure to the sun. Infused with skin-conditioning agents that support moisture balance throughout the day, key ingredients saccharide isomerate and aloe vera help hydrate, soothe, and support the skin’s natural functions.
We are proud to work alongside our partners to produce award-winning skincare products. Want to incorporate SPF protection into your range? Get in touch to see how we can support you and your beauty brand in achieving success.
