Skincare brand, HydroPeptide's, Solar Dew sheer mineral SPF 30 sunscreen.

SPF Spotlight: The Ultimate Guide to Daily Sun Protection

When we think of sunscreen, we tend to picture summer holidays or scorching heat, but the truth is, sun protection is something your skin needs every single day. 

Yes, even on those classic grey British days. 

Because while sunburn-causing UVB rays may ease off when it’s cloudy, UVA rays are still going strong. These are the ones responsible for long-term damage like fine lines, pigmentation, and skin cancer [4][5].

So even if you’re doing the rest of your skincare routine religiously but skipping out on sunscreen, you’re leaving your skin vulnerable to damage. Daily sun protection will act as your skin’s first line of defence against photo ageing, collagen loss, and pigmentation [3]

This is why making SPF for your face a part of your daily skin care routine is one of the most effective things you can do to preserve skin health and prevent premature ageing [3].

Skin therapist, Lynn Brown, consulting a patient as to which sunscreen she should use.

SPF Myths Busted

What makes a Good SPF

If you’ve tried SPF before and found it sticky, greasy, or chalky, you’re not alone. The best sunscreen in UK should tick three key boxes for you: broad-spectrum protection, a comfortable texture, and compatibility with your skincare or makeup routine.

Broad-spectrum means it shields against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB causes sunburn, while UVA penetrates deeper, contributing to wrinkles, pigmentation, and long-term skin damage [2][3][5].

Of course, protection is only part of the picture. 

If your SPF feels greasy, pills under makeup, or leaves a white cast, you’re less likely to use it consistently. Heavy formulas can clog pores or disrupt your makeup. 

The right sunscreen should feel like skincare, lightweight, hydrating, and pleasant to wear.

That’s why the best sunscreen options in the UK for you are those you’ll actually look forward to applying, with silky textures, nourishing ingredients, and seamless blending into your daily routine [6][9].

If you want more from your SPF, consider choosing an anti-ageing SPF that also hydrates and supports skin barrier function [1].

The HydroPeptide Solar Defence range is a great example, offering broad-spectrum protection with a finish you’ll actually enjoy using [11]. Whether you prefer tinted or non-tinted, these SPFs blend beautifully, support skin health, and work well under makeup [11].

Skin therapist, Lynn Brown, consulting a patient as to which sunscreen she should use.
Dr. Lauren assessing a patient's face for sun spots.

HydroPeptide SPF Options

When it comes to daily sun protection, the HydroPeptide Solar Defence range makes it simple, seamless, and effective. Here’s what we love and recommend in the clinic:

Skincare + SPF in One:

Why include a dozen steps in your skincare routine when one product can do it all? Clinical-grade formulas like that of HydroPeptide Solar Defence are packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and peptides. Such multitasking SPFs hydrate, protect, and boost elasticity all at once [9]

They’re perfect for anyone using actives, which can leave skin more vulnerable to the sun [9]. With one smart move, you’re shielding your skin from UV damage while feeding it the nourishment it needs. It becomes more than just sunscreen, it’s your daily moisturiser, antioxidant defence, and anti-ageing essential all in one.

How We Help

At Dr Lauren Medical Aesthetics Clinic, SPF is a core part of our strategy. 

We believe in skincare that’s smart, personalised, and effective. Whether you’re prepping for injectables, maintaining results from past treatments, or simply wanting to maintain youthful-looking skin over time, daily sun protection plays a crucial role.

That’s why we include HydroPeptide Solar Defence in our Skin Suite Starter recommendations.

We’ll help you choose the formula that fits your lifestyle, skin type, and aesthetic goals, whether you want a glow-boosting tint, a clear finish, or body coverage for holidays and sunny weekends [8].

It’s one of the easiest changes you can make for long-term skin health, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 

Ready to fall in love with your daily SPF? 

Pop into the clinic or message us for a free SPF match recommendation.

Bibliography

  1. Amado, R. (2024). Debunking SPF Myths: Higher Isn’t Always Better. [online] Skin And Medical Cosmetics. Available at:
    https://skinandmedicalcosmetics.co.uk/blog/debunking-spf-myths-higher-isnt-always-better

  2. Anaoliveira (2024). A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Skin – Understanding SPF. [online] Everything Skin Clinic. Available at:
    https://everythingskin.co.uk/2024/07/10/understanding-spf/

  3. Clinique UK. (n.d.). SPF 101. [online] Available at:
    https://www.clinique.co.uk/ultimate-guide-to-spf

  4. Garnier (n.d.). Should You Wear Sunscreen Every Day? [online] Garnier UK. Available at:
    https://www.garnier.co.uk/how-to/should-you-wear-sunscreen-every-day

  5. Godic, A. (2024). Shield Your Skin, Save Your Youth – the Ultimate Guide to SPF. [online] The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic. Available at:
    https://www.theharleystreetdermatologyclinic.co.uk/the-ultimate-guide-to-spf/

  6. HydroPeptide. (n.d.). All Products. [online] Available at:
    https://hydropeptide.com/collections/all-products

  7. John Bell & Croyden. (n.d.). The Importance of Wearing Sunscreen Daily. [online] Available at:
    https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/blogs/skincare/the-importance-of-wearing-sunscreen-everyday

  8. Sandon Medical Clinic. (2024). Safe Summer Facials: Glowing Skin without the Risk. [online] Available at:
    https://sandonmedicalclinic.co.uk/safe-summer-facials-glowing-skin-without-the-risk/

  9. True You Skin Clinics. (n.d.). Do’s and Dont’s of Summer Skin Care with HydroPeptide. [online] Available at:
    https://www.trueyouskinclinics.co.uk/dos-and-donts-of-summer-skin-care-with-hydropeptide/

  10. Ultrasun UK. (2022). SPF Myths Part 2. [online] Available at:
    https://www.ultrasun.co.uk/blogs/news/spf-myths-part-2

  11. Wedgeworth, E. (2023). Sun and SPF Myths de-bunked with Dr Emma Wedgeworth. [online] Cantabria Labs. Available at:
    https://cantabrialabs.co.uk/blogs/expert-advice/sun-and-spf-myths-de-bunked-with-dr-emma-wedgeworth

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