With daily sun protection becoming a staple part of many people’s skincare routines, Dr Hiva Fassihi Consultant Dermatologist at La Roche-Posay, is here to shine a light on why suncare is so important.

What causes sun damage?

The sun emits ultraviolet radiation as well as visible light and infrared rays which causes sun damage. Furthermore, UVA damages the DNA in our skin cells which can lead to skin cancers through the generation of excess reactive oxygen species.

What are the short-term side effects of sun damage?

Sunburn is the main short-term harmful effect of excess sun exposure which is can lead to skin aging. In the spring and summer, UVB levels are highest between 10 am and 3pm, therefore we advise avoiding sun exposure during these hours.

What are the long-term side effects of sun damage?

The long-term harmful effects of sun damage are premature skin-aging with loss of elasticity, deep wrinkles and pigmentation. Excess UVB exposure, with multiple episodes of sunburn, is also a risk factor for skin cancer in the future.

How can you treat sun damaged skin? (e.g. what products can you use?)

In my opinion, the three main products for prevention and treatment of sun damage are:

- Antioxidants such as Vitamin C serums in the morning

- Sunscreen SPF50 in the morning (daily)

- Retinoids in the evening (as tolerated)

What key ingredients are best for treating sun damaged skin?

- Morning: A key ingredient in the morning skincare routine is Vitamin C, it is an excellent antioxidant to neutralise reactive oxygen species generated by UVR and pollution. I also recommend daily sunscreen. When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to look for a high SPF value and good UVA protection.

- Evening: to repair sun damage, use a topical Vitamin A derivative and a retinoid. Retinoids boost the skin’s building blocks like collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. They also reduce fine lines and pigmentation and overall, make the skin clearer and brighter.

What everyday products should you be using to prevent sun damage?

I encourage my patients to wear their sunscreen every day, regardless of how bright and sunny it appears outside as UVA is present all year round, even on dull days. The number of times your sunscreen should be reapplied over the course of the day is dependent on your activity level and the amount of sun exposure.

How often do you need to apply SPF throughout the day?

- For a dark wintery day in the office, morning application is likely to suffice.

- For a bright sunny day, with a lunch time run planned, I would recommend reapplication of your sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going out.

- If you plan to spend the whole day outside, reapply every 2-3 hours.

In the morning apply a high SPF and use the evenings as an opportunity to repair damage using creams containing ingredients such as retinol.

Does suncare look different for sensitive skin?

As chronic sun exposure can make the skin even more red and sensitive over the years, I would suggest choosing an SPF50 with no fragrance and minimal ingredients. Those with a higher contents of mineral sunscreen filters (often found in children’s sunscreens) are better for people with sensitive complexions.