When it comes to self-improvement or trying out new things, it’s difficult to spin multiple plates at any one time.
My relatively limited human brain can only cope with one or two things at once (on top of everyday life). The trick, as I’ve learned, is to try and make things habitual. If something becomes set in stone as a habit, it tends to stick. It actually helps me to put time slots in my diary for the various things I’m trying to train myself to do more regularly.
So, for example, at the start of each week, I put times in my diary for when I hope (and expect) to exercise. Over time, this becomes less and less necessary as the habit becomes engrained.
Cutting to the chase, the reason for making this point is because we believe that applying SPF on a daily basis, all year round, is a habit worth having. Before losing you to something a little more interesting, we've even got a way for you to do all of this without any extra hassle or effort. No need to train a new habit and certainly no need to put reminders in your diary.
The five reasons you should use SPF every day
#1: Ultraviolet rays from the sun cause skin cancer
The first principle is this: we know that 86% of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sun cream reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%.
#2: UV is always present - even in winter and cloudy weather
When it's cold outside, cancer-causing rays from the sun still reach the earth. When it's cloudy, 80% of UV rays pass through the clouds. So, when you’re wandering around outside at any time of year, even autumn or winter, UV rays reach your skin. And as we know from the previous point, that can be dangerous.
There's a strange attitude toward sun protection that it's only required once a year on your summer holiday. It's required all year round, wherever you are.
#3: The sun ages your skin and makes you look old
If vanity motivates you (and I see nothing wrong with that by the way), you should be aware that UVA, a particular strength or ‘wavelength’ of UV ray from the sun, is known to cause ageing of the skin. 95% of all UV reaching earth is UVA so everyday protection is worthwhile for this reason alone.
#4: The environment you're in can make a big difference
If you’re in the mountains or at higher altitude, you're closer to the sun. While that's pretty obvious, you might not appreciate that UV radiation may be 35-45% more intense than at sea level.
In addition, snow, sand and water reflect up to 80% of sunlight, meaning that you're often hit by the same rays twice: the rays from the sun and the rays that bounce off snow, sand and water hitting you all over again. This only amplifies the risk of damage.
Reason #5: Even when you're inside, protection isn't a bad idea
UVA can pass through glass. If you remember, this is the wavelength of light that causes ageing as well as skin cancer. So even if you're inside and behind glass (car, office, restaurant), you're at risk.
We promised you an easy fix. What is it?
It’s simple: use a daily facial moisturiser with added SPF.
Put it on your face (or other sun-exposed skin) after you shower, shave or wash. Like you would any other moisturiser. This time, you're moisturising and protecting at the same time. No extra effort. No complexity. Just two birds, one stone.
For good measure, choose SPF 15 as a minimum. SPF 30 would be better. Make sure the product you use protects against UVA too. For this, it must have a UVA symbol or at least four stars.
Now I admit I’m working on the assumption you’re already using a moisturiser. With only one in eight UK men estimated to use a moisturiser, that assumption is a stretch. But we truly hope this post tips the balance for you.
Thanks so much for reading.
Billy
