Your Ultimate Guide to SPF: The low down on your secret weapon against ageing. 

Remember when sun cream signalled the start of Scotland’s rare summer days? Your mum would dig out last year’s SPF bottles from the bottom of the bathroom cupboard at the first hint of a sunny day, ready to combat those inevitable wee red noses and shoulders. Well, those days are gone. Now, SPF is our secret weapon in the war against ageing. If you’re not making SPF part of your daily rituals, don’t come crying about wrinkles and lines—looking for Botox, injectables aren’t the answer to all your problems. Here’s why at Clinic 22 we insist you need SPF in your life. 

UVB vs. UVA: What’s the Difference? 

We all know about UVB (think UV-Burning). It’s the ray that burns us, heating up our skin and turning it red. It’s also responsible for most skin cancers, peaking throughout the day and hitting us hardest during those rare taps aff days. Unfortunately, this is often the only time our peeley waley wee selfs reach for the SPF. 

If your not bothered about burning but bothered about ageing here is the game changer. UVA (think UV-Ageing) is the real gangster. These rays penetrate much deeper than UVB accelerating the ageing process. Think lines, wrinkles and thick skin, Imagine a leather handbag or Madge from Benidorm this is what you should be thinking when we talk UVA. The worst of it is UVA rays don’t peak at a certain time of the day, we can’t just hide from them. They penetrate our skin anytime it’s light outside, even comingthrough the clouds and even through the glass in our car windows, all without us feeling a thing. They silently steal our youthful glow damaging our collagen and elastin. This is why your furture self is going to thank you for protecting your skin from both UVA and UVB rays every single day, even when it’s Baltic outside. 

SPF: What Does it Even Mean? 

SPF stands for “sun protection factor.” It measures protection against UVB rays (but not UVA). The SPF rating isn’t the be-all and end-all with only minute differences in coverage as we go up the scale. At Clinic 22, we recommend sticking between SPF 30 and 50. Anything higher is usually a waste of time and money—unless you’re a vampire. SPF 30-50 protects you against 97-98% of UVB rays. 

The most important thing when picking an SPF is making sure it’s broad-spectrum, broad spectrum means it protects from both UVA and UVB. Think of broad-spectrum SPF as the Chanel of sun creams. It’s your anti-ageing warrior and much cheaper than premature Botox and fillers for signs of ageing we can prevent. 

Sun Cream for All: No Excuses! 

No matter your skin tone or love for a tan, sun cream is a must. Here’s a quick rundown of the essentials: 

• Face & Neck: ½ teaspoon of sun cream 
• Entire Body: One ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) 
• Apply 30 minutes before stepping outside. It takes time to soak in and start working. SPF isn’t a once-and-done deal. You need to reapply every two to three hours, more frequently if you’re swimming or a bit of a sweaty betty. No one wants to look like a lobster by the end of the day. 

Types of SPF: The Lowdown 

Here’s what you need to know about the two main types of SPF: Mineral (AKA physical) and chemical sunscreens. 

Physical SPF 

Think of physical SPF as a reflective mask for your face. It provides a physical barrier, absorbing and reflecting UV rays off your skin like a big protective mirror. Physical SPFs contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and tend to be thicker and white. Clinic 22 recommends physical SPF for anyone with sensitive skin, rosacea, or pigmentation risk. 

Chemical SPF 

Chemical SPFs are like a sponge, absorbing UV rays and spitting them back out as heat energy. At Clinic 22, we suggest avoiding chemical SPFs if heat can cause skin issues, such as redness or rosacea. Chemical SPFs are lighter and clearer. Neither type is better; they just work differently. Different strokes for different folks. 

How Much and How Often? 

For Your Face 

Apply two fingers worth of product. And for the love of all things holy, don’t follow Gwyneth’s lead and dab it only on the high points of your face. Ridiculous! Don’t skip your ears and neck—they’re prime burn real estate. 

For Your Body 

Two shot glasses full. More is better. When in doubt, slather it on. Every two hours if you’re outdoors, more often if swimming. Think of it as a mini spa session—minus the cucumber slices. 

Sun Protection: What Else Can I Do? 

Beyond sun cream, the American Cancer Society suggests a holistic approach: 

• Clothing:  Cover up with wide-brimmed floppy hats and sunglasses. You get to look boujee and gain extra protection. 
• Shade: Seek it, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
• Tanning Beds: Avoid them like the plague. Just don’t. Ever. Not even for a wee base tan! It’s not a vibe. I promise your future self will thank you (and me). 

The Real Deal on Waterproof Claims 

No sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof anymore. As of June 2012, they can only claim to be water-resistant, with reapplication recommended after 40 to 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. 

CLINIC 22’s SPF FAVS 

To conclude your going to Embrace SPF as your skin’s best friend. Apply generously, reapply religiously, and wear it proudly. Your future self (and your skin) will thank you. Now, go forth and bask responsibly! 🌞 

Here are a few of our favourites: