Spring Skincare Essentials: Why SPF Deserves a Place in Your Daily Routine

As spring arrives and the days grow brighter, it’s natural to spend more time outdoors. But while sunshine can lift our mood, it also brings increased exposure to UV rays - that’s where SPF needs to become an essential part of your skincare routine!

Many people associate sun protection with summer holidays, yet harmful UV rays affect the skin every day of the year. Yes, even on cloudy days, or when you’re indoors near windows, UV exposure can still impact skin health. That’s why wearing SPF daily is one of the most important steps you can take, especially if you’re interested in protecting your skin long-term and supporting healthy ageing.

What Does SPF Actually Mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn and contribute to skin damage.

As a general guide:

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

No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays, but higher SPFs offer greater protection, which is particularly helpful as sunlight becomes stronger in spring and summer.
 

Why SPF Matters for Skin Health

Including SPF in your daily skincare routine helps protect against:

• Premature ageing, including fine lines and pigmentation
• Sun-induced skin damage
• Loss of firmness and elasticity
• Uneven skin tone

Daily SPF use supports overall skin health by protecting the skin barrier and helping maintain a more youthful, even-looking complexion over time. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective skincare habits you can adopt. See it this way, when people ask what is your desert island skincare product? It should be SPF!
 

Choosing the Right SPF for You

When selecting an SPF product, look for one with broad-spectrum protection, which guards against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. A texture that suits your skin type and lifestyle (not all SPF is created equal!) and an SPF level appropriate for daily wear and time spent outdoors (ideally SPF30 or higher).

We recommend Temple Spa’s LIFE DEFENCE which is a feather-light moisturiser that provides an environmental skin filter for your face.  With UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or 50, you can choose your preffered SPF range.
 

How to Add SPF to Your Routine

There are two easy ways to include SPF in your skincare routine:

1. Apply your usual moisturiser first, allow it to absorb fully, then apply SPF as the final skincare step before makeup
2. Use a pre-formulated SPF moisturiser to streamline your routine

Avoid mixing sunscreen with moisturiser yourself. Combining products can reduce their effectiveness and may cause ingredients to interact in ways they weren’t designed to. Always use either a pre-combined SPF moisturiser or apply products in layers.

SPF should be applied around 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours if you’re outdoors for extended periods - especially during exercise or swimming. SPF should be applied after moisturiser or facial oil, but before makeup. Even if your makeup contains SPF, it’s still advisable to wear a dedicated SPF underneath, as makeup alone rarely provides sufficient or evenly applied protection!
 

Extra Sun-Smart Tips for Spring

SPF works best as part of a wider approach to sun care. On brighter spring days, wear sunglasses and a hat where possible. Remember to seek shade during peak sunlight hours, and limit prolonged direct sun exposure. Combining these habits with daily SPF use offers more comprehensive protection for your skin.