People can spend a fortune on skincare products, but failing to protect their skin from a single natural factor can cause it to age faster. NHS GP Dr Amir Khan spoke about skincare and health on a recent episode of his No Appointments Necessary podcast, discussing the biggest ageing enemy he says most people expose themselves to daily without thinking.
The Sun: The Biggest Ageing Enemy
The ITV regular, known for appearances on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, urged people to apply SPF daily. He says this will help prevent them from looking older than their actual age due to sun-damaged skin. He said: "The biggest ageing thing we have in this world is the sun. The skin changes that make us look older are more likely due to sun exposure than they are actually due to age."
How the Sun Damages Skin
Collagen is the protein that scaffolds our bodily structures together, giving skin its elasticity. Without it, Dr Khan says that "we start to sag and wrinkle." The sun breaks down collagen through a process known as photoageing, primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This not only damages existing collagen structures but also prevents new ones from forming in their place.
Protection Beyond Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen does protect against that loss of collagen as it limits the harm that the sun's rays can cause directly at a DNA-altering level. But as the NHS points out, sunscreen alone is not enough; people should always balance it with other sun safety measures, including time in the shade during the strongest UV windows.
How Often Should You Use SPF?
UV rays penetrate clouds and glass, so SPF is required year-round, not just during the summer months. Generally speaking, people who want to protect their skin should wear at least a 30-rated SPF daily, but how much depends on your day-to-day life. For example, a single morning application is usually enough for someone who might work indoors during the day and occasionally go out for quick errands. But people spending time outdoors for work or socialising must reapply SPF every two hours to maintain protection.
How to Apply Sunscreen Properly
According to the NHS: "Most people do not apply enough sunscreen." Experts claim that adults "should aim to apply around six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen" for their entire body. The NHS says: "If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced. If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice - 30 minutes before going out and just before going out."
Most Brits also make the mistake of missing exposed skin on the face, neck and ears, and head (if you have thinning or no hair). The NHS also stresses the rule of reapplying sunscreen every two hours because "the sun can dry it off your skin."
