Should you wear SPF every day?

Beach holiday? SPF's packed. Heatwave? Obviously. Grey Tuesday in November? That's where most of us forget.

Here's the thing, your skin doesn't stop being exposed to UV rays just because summer's over. In fact, one type of UV ray is around every single day, whether the sun's shining or not.

If healthy-looking skin’s the goal, you should wear SPF every day, adding it into your morning routine.

Let's get into why.

What does SPF mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays – the rays responsible for sunburn.

Think of SPF as your skin's daily defence against UV exposure.

But there's more than one type of UV ray and they don't all behave the same way.

What is the difference between UVB and UVA?

Here's the easiest way to remember it:

• UVB = Burn
• UVA = Age

UVB rays affect the surface of your skin. They're the main cause of sunburn and are linked to both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. That's why it's important to know the signs of skin cancer and speak to your GP if you notice anything unusual.

UVA rays work differently. They travel deeper into the skin, where collagen and elastin help keep skin looking firm, smooth and healthy.

Over time, repeated UVA exposure can contribute to visible signs of skin ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles , as well as changes in skin texture.

And unlike UVB rays, UVA doesn't disappear when summer ends.

It passes through cloud cover and even glass, meaning your skin is exposed throughout the year. That's why SPF isn't just a holiday essential . It's an everyday one.

How much SPF do I need?

Not all SPF offers the same level of protection. Here's a quick guide:

• SPF 15 filters around 93% of UVB rays
• SPF 30 filters around 97% of UVB rays
• SPF 50 filters around 98% of UVB rays

No sun cream blocks 100% of UV rays, which is why SPF works best alongside other sun-safe habits like seeking shade during the hottest part of the day and wearing protective clothing where possible.

For everyday wear, dermatologists generally recommend using at least SPF 30. If you're spending extended periods outdoors, particularly during summer or while exercising, SPF 50 can offer additional protection.

"SPF is a measure of the UVB radiation that is allowed to pass through your skin, meaning SPF 30 protects to allow only 3% of radiation to pass through. Absolute Collagen’s Deep Lift Day Cream with SPF 30 is perfect in helping to protect your skin day-to-day from sun damage and premature ageing.”

Dr Sophie Shotter - Aesthetician at Absolute Collagen

Does skin tone affect how much SPF you need?

In short - everyone needs SPF. UV exposure affects every skin tone, although it doesn't always show up in the same way. If you have fair skin, you may burn more easily or notice freckles becoming darker after time in the sun.

If you have a deeper skin tone, you're less likely to burn, but UV exposure can still contribute to uneven pigmentation and dark spots.

Melanin provides some natural protection, but not enough to prevent UV damage on its own.

Whatever your skin tone, daily SPF helps protect your skin from the effects of UV exposure.

How do I choose the right SPF product?

The best SPF for your face is the one you'll actually wear every day.

Whether that's a lightweight sunscreen, a moisturiser with SPF or a formula designed specifically for sensitive or oily skin, consistency matters more than finding the ‘perfect’ product.

The good news? There are plenty of formulas available, so it's simply about finding one that fits into your routine.

What’s the difference between chemical and mineral sun cream?

Both offer effective protection when used correctly.

Mineral sun creams use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sit on the skin's surface and reflect UV rays away. They begin working as soon as they're applied and are often a great option for sensitive skin .

Chemical sun creams work differently. They absorb UV rays before they can damage the skin, converting that energy into heat before releasing it.

They're often lightweight, easy to blend, and popular for everyday wear because they don't usually leave a white cast.

So, which one should you choose?

It really comes down to personal preference. Whichever formula you choose, look for a broad-spectrum SPF, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

The best sunscreen isn't necessarily the most expensive one. It's the one you use every single morning.

Does SPF prevent ageing?

Daily SPF is one of the simplest ways to help protect your skin from premature ageing caused by UV exposure. Here's why. From our mid-20s, our natural collagen production begins to slow . That's biology.

At the same time, everyday UV exposure can accelerate the breakdown of the collagen your skin already has.

The result? Over time, skin can begin to lose firmness and elasticity, while fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable.

Daily SPF helps protect the collagen that's already there. Absolute Collagen’s resident dermatologist, Dr Pyal Patel agrees:

“Midlife is when skin starts to feel different, often drier, thinner and less elastic. The changes worth making aren’t drastic ones, they’re strategic ones. Focus on protecting collagen with SPF, strengthening the barrier with nourishing skincare, and supporting hydration both topically and from within.”

Building a routine that works harder with Absolute Collagen.

When it comes to healthy-looking skin, there's no single product that does it all. The best results come from building a routine that protects your skin on the outside while supporting it from within.

Our award-winning collagen supplements are designed to support skin health from within, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles when taken consistently.

Looking to streamline your morning routine? Our Deep Lift Collagen Boosting Day Cream delivers SPF 30 broad-spectrum protection while clinically boosting hydration and supporting collagen production with Matrixyl 3000™ peptides.

Dermatologically approved and suitable for sensitive skin , it's everything your skin needs to start the day.

Now you know all about SPF and UV rays, you’re ready to start your Absolute Collagen journey today. Take a look at our  skincare range or  collagen supplements , learn more about us with  other blog posts , or check out what our amazing Absoluters are saying on our  Success Stories  page!