There has been a LOT of coverage over the last week about Gwyneth Paltrow’s YouTube video of her morning routine for US Vogue. Specifically regarding her SPF usage, or lack of it. Combined, Gwyneth and Vogue have 17.5 million followers that have now been exposed to her routine and the fact that she “Is not a head-to-toe slatherer of sunscreen. I just like to put some on my nose and where the sun really hits.” Seriously? Skin cancer and sun damage is a big issue in the UK and worldwide, this sort of coverage from an influential celebrity with such a wide reach can do so much to undo the hard work of so many aesthetic doctors, dermatologists and campaigns on the importance of using an SPF and protecting ourselves from the sun.
Let us be very clear, in case there is any confusion because of this video. SPF is for the whole face and not to be used as a highlighter for where the sun ‘really hits’. It should be used very generously, 2 fingers of product, to cover the entire face, ears, neck and décolleté and applied as your final product in your routine. The SPF should be a broad-spectrum at least SPF 30 or higher. This should be re-applied regularly in the sun or following sweating or water activities.
SPF sun creams are not toxic and they are completely safe to use. Cancer on the other hand, is not safe!
Risks of sun damage
- Increased lines and wrinkles
- Hyperpigmentation and dark spots
- Increased the risk of skin cancer
How to protect your skin from sun damage
- Wear a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher every day – even on cloudy days
- Wear a hat on sunny days
- Use an antioxidant serum to help protect your skin against oxidative damage
SPF’s that we recommend
SkinCeuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF50 – Lightweight and residue-free sunscreen from SkinCeuticals is a pleasure to apply in the mornings post-regime and leaves a smooth sheer finish. Suitable for all types of skin including sensitive skin, but particularly good for oily or combination skin
SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF50 – This lightweight and residue-free SPF promotes a brighter and more even skin tone. It has a universal tint to provide a light coverage as a great make-up base or days when you don’t want to wear make-up . Best for normal, combination or oily skin
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50 – Easily absorbed hydrating sunscreen is excellent for preventing UV induced hyper-pigmentation and collagen breakdown
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 – This is a quick-absorbing, lightweight sunscreen that helps prevent UV-induced discolouration and helps even skin tone
ZO Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 – Lightweight and ultra-mild, providing multi-defence protection from UVA/UVB and HEV light and also replenishes lipids to support healthy skin barrier function
ZO Smart Tone Broad Spectrum SPF50 – This SPF has customisable colour beads created to blend with most skin tones to give a subtle tint. Developed to defend against melasma, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation
NEOSTRATA Clarify: Sheer Hydration Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 – Great for minimising the appearance of dark spot and contains botanical extracts to target oiliness without irritation
NEOSTRATA Defend: Sheer Physical Protection SPF50 – A mattifying sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
If you need a new SPF, why not visit our shop at www.hedoxclinic.com/shop or if you’ve been thinking about reviewing your skincare regimen or considering any aesthetic treatments we would love to be part of your skincare journey. Please call us on 0208 185 7273 or email us at info@hedoxclinic.co.uk if you’d like to arrange a free consultation with our Aesthetic Doctors.