When people think about skincare, they often imagine expensive serums, moisturisers or in-clinic treatments. Yet according to skin health experts, the single most effective product for protecting and rejuvenating your skin is also the most affordable: SPF.
In Ireland, where the skies are often grey and rain is more common than sunshine, many assume sunscreen is unnecessary. But that’s a costly misconception, both for long-term health and for the way your skin will look and feel as you age.
Beyond the sunburn
The obvious benefit of SPF is protecting against sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancers, which remain a growing concern. Ultraviolet (UV ) radiation penetrates cloud cover, and up to 80% of the sun’s harmful rays can still reach the skin on overcast days. That means even in Galway’s famously damp climate, unprotected skin is vulnerable.
The ageing effect of UV
What many people don’t realise is that most visible signs of ageing, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and sagging skin, are caused or accelerated by UV exposure. In fact, dermatology studies suggest that up to 90 per cent of visible ageing of the skin is due to sun damage, thus making SPF the most powerful anti-ageing product on the market.
Unlike creams or treatments that promise to reverse damage, sunscreen works preventively. By blocking or absorbing UV rays, SPF protects the collagen and elastin in your skin, keeping it plumper, firmer and more even-toned for longer.
Daily use is key
Some people keep sunscreen only for holidays or rare sunny days. But experts recommend incorporating SPF into your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth, even in cloudy locations like Galway. That’s because UVA rays, the ones most responsible for ageing, are present year-round, from January to December, even when the weather is dull.
Daily application of SPF 30 or higher helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, reduces pigmentation and sunspots and helps to keep an even skin tone. For those with rosacea, SPF can even help to reduce redness and flare-ups of the skin,
In short, consistent SPF use keeps your skin looking fresher and younger, no matter your age.
The aesthetic payoff
For clinics like Renew Skincare & Aesthetics Clinic in Gort, explains that SPF is the foundation of all treatment plans. “SPF is probably the cheapest form of anti-ageing skincare you can get,” says nurse and clinic founder Yvonne McNamara. “It protects you from 80 per cent of the damage your skin comes into contact with. If you’re not wearing SPF daily, you’re undermining everything else you’re doing.”
Clients who commit to daily sunscreen often find they need fewer corrective treatments later. Their skin retains more natural elasticity, and procedures like microneedling or regenerative therapies deliver better results because the underlying skin is healthier.
Choosing the right SPF
For everyday wear, broad-spectrum SPF 30 is generally sufficient. Modern formulations are lightweight, non-greasy and often double as moisturisers or tinted bases. The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use, so choose a formula that feels good on your skin.
Korean brands are particularly popular for those looking for SPFs that are lightweight and hydrating. Thankfully, it is now easier than ever to get your hands on a Korean SPF, such as Beauty of Joeson, haruharu and Isntree, which are now largely sold in high street chemists such as Boots.
Protect today, glow tomorrow
While Irish weather may not always inspire visions of summer, the reality is that UV exposure is constant. By making SPF a non-negotiable part of your routine, you’re not only protecting your long-term health, you’re actively investing in smoother, younger-looking skin for years to come.
As the saying goes, 'prevention is better than a cure.' In skincare, prevention starts with sunscreen.
