The Sun and Your Skin: Protection and Sun Safety
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Sunshine can lift our mood, support vitamin D production, and encourage us to spend more time outdoors which is great for our overall wellbeing. Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone health, immune function, and emotional balance, and safe exposure to sunlight can help maintain healthy levels. But while the sun offers some wonderful benefits, too much of it - especially without protection, can have long-term consequences for your skin. I often see clients who are surprised to learn how much the sun affects their skin - even when they haven’t had a visible sunburn. Understanding how the sun interacts with your skin is one of the most important steps in maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion. In this post, I’ll walk you through how the sun impacts your skin, why protection matters at every age, and how to enjoy the sun mindfully while keeping your skin healthy and happy.
How the Sun Affects Your Skin
The sun emits UVA and UVB rays, both of which impact the skin differently. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, speeding up collagen breakdown and leading to fine lines, sagging, and long-term skin ageing. UVB rays primarily affect the surface, causing burning and direct DNA damage.
Collagen production naturally starts to slow from around age 28, making it even more essential to protect the skin as we get older. What’s more, sun damage can take years to show - meaning the effects of sun exposure in your 20s and 30s may not appear until your 40s and 50s.
The Effects of Sun Exposure on Your Skin
It’s easy to associate the sun with healthy skin, but unfortunately, too much exposure is one of the most common causes of visible and invisible skin damage. Here’s what’s really happening beneath the surface:
Premature Ageing – The sun speeds up the breakdown of collagen and elastin (the structural proteins that keep your skin smooth, firm, and plump). UVA rays penetrate deeply into the dermis, causing fine lines, sagging, enlarged pores, and a leathery texture over time. These changes can start subtly in your 30s and become much more noticeable by your 40s and 50s.
Pigmentation – Uneven skin tone, sun spots (also known as age spots or liver spots), and melasma are common pigmentation concerns caused or worsened by UV exposure. Melanin is your skin’s natural pigment, and when over-stimulated by sunlight, it can lead to patchy, stubborn discolouration.
Skin Cancer – The most serious risk of sun damage is skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. These are directly linked to UV radiation. Early prevention and consistent protection are vital.
Weakened Skin Barrier – Your skin barrier is your body’s natural protective shield (made up of lipids, ceramides, and skin cells) that keeps moisture in and irritants out. When it’s healthy, your skin feels soft, balanced, and resilient. But sun exposure, especially without proper protection, can compromise the skin barrier. UV rays weaken the lipid layer that holds your skin cells together, making it more permeable and prone to: Water loss (dehydration), Dryness, flakiness, or tightness, Inflammation, sensitivity, or increased redness, A sudden shift in skin type or the appearance of ‘combination’ skin.
Sun Protection Tips
Here’s how I recommend protecting your skin on a daily basis:
Facial SPF – Choose a standalone SPF (not just what’s in your moisturiser or foundation). I recommend wearing SPF on days when your skin will be exposed to the sun - whether you’re spending time outside, sat in a car, or near a window. Reapply every 3 – 4 hours for extended outdoor exposure.
Antioxidants Underneath SPF – An antioxidant-rich serum can neutralise free radical damage from UV rays and enhance the effectiveness of your SPF.
Eat for Skin Health – Foods rich in beta-carotene, watermelon, and green tea offer internal support by helping to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin’s defences.
Cover Up – Wear a wide-brim hat, plastic sunglasses (better than metal as they block the light that triggers pigmentation and reduce reflection), and lightweight clothing for an extra shield.
Seek Shade – Avoid direct sun exposure (particularly in the summer) between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV rays are strongest.
Products I Recommend for Sun Protection
I've carefully chosen the products below for their effectiveness and suitability for sensitive or reactive skin. These are my go-to recommendations for everyday sun protection and achieving a healthy glow:
Dermaviduals SPF 30/50 – A non-comedogenic facial sunscreen free from emulsifiers, fragrances, silicones, and parabens. Formulated with Dermaviduals' DMS (skin-mimicking) base, it works in harmony with your skin barrier. I stock Dermaviduals products - ask at your next appointment if you’d like to learn more about their SPF.
Ultrasun Family SPF 30/50 – A reliable, broad-spectrum body SPF that’s fragrance-free, water-resistant, and ideal for sensitive skin. It applies smoothly without feeling sticky or greasy and provides long-lasting protection.
Ultrasun SPF 50 Face & Scalp Spray – A lightweight, mist-style SPF perfect for topping up face and scalp protection throughout the day. Easy to apply over makeup without disturbing it - great for reapplication on the go.
Solbari SPF Hats & Clothing – Solbari’s UPF 50+ certified hats and clothing provide excellent UV protection, especially during peak hours. Their wide-brimmed hats protect your face, ears, and neck, while breathable fabrics keep you cool.
Merit Beauty Bronze Balm – Want that sun-kissed glow without the UV damage? Merit Beauty’s Bronze Balm is a game-changer. This lightweight, creamy bronzer melts into the skin without glitter or harsh lines, giving a natural golden glow without compromising your skin health.
*Disclosure: please note some links included are affiliate links which mean for some sales made I get a very small percentage of the cost which goes towards supporting my business.
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Prevention Is Better Than Treatment
Protecting your skin now is far easier than trying to reverse damage later. At Naomi Spurr Studio in Brighton & Hove, I work holistically to support skin health with advanced, non-invasive treatments and tailored homecare. Here’s how:
LED Light Therapy – A powerful, non-invasive treatment using specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and regeneration. Red light penetrates the deeper layers of the skin to boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and accelerate repair - ideal for treating sun-induced ageing, fine lines, and barrier damage. Regular sessions improve tone, texture, and skin resilience.
Microcurrent Facials – A non-invasive treatment that uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles. It helps firm and tone the skin, reduce puffiness, and enhance circulation - all of which are negatively impacted by UV exposure.
Dermaviduals Skincare – At the heart of my approach is bespoke skincare using Dermaviduals - a unique corneotherapeutic range that supports skin barrier function. Free from emulsifiers, silicones, parabens, fragrances, and preservatives, Dermaviduals products are designed to work with your skin, not against it. I use them in treatments and offer custom blends for homecare, ensuring your skin receives exactly what it needs, especially helpful for sun-stressed, reactive, or sensitive skin types.
Together, these therapies and homecare form a powerful toolkit for restoring your skin’s health, brightness, and integrity, whether you're repairing sun damage or aiming to prevent future concerns.
In sunny Brighton and Hove, it’s easy to soak up more sun than we realise. Whether you’re walking along the seafront, sitting in a café window, or working in your garden, your skin is being exposed. But with the right care and protection, you can enjoy the sun safely without compromising your skin health. If you’re unsure about your skincare routine or want to prepare your skin for summer, book a facial appointment or online skin consultation at Naomi Spurr Studio. Let’s protect your skin’s future, together.
Written by - Naomi Spurr Studio