This article is a translation of the original French article “SPF et crème de jour : pourquoi c'est indispensable” and is intended for the French market. Treatments, availability and prices may differ at our London clinic.
What effects do UV rays have on the skin?
Premature ageing: wrinkles, fine lines and loss of elasticity
Daily exposure to UV rays, even when the sun is not visible, is one of the main causes of premature skin ageing. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis and accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin.
The consequences:
- Faster appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Loss of skin firmness and elasticity.
- Skin laxity and thinning of the skin tissue.
Daily sun protection helps to limit these effects and keep skin looking younger for longer.
Pigmentation spots and uneven skin tone
UV rays stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning, but also for brown spots when it is produced unevenly.
Without appropriate sun protection:
- Pigmentation spots on the face, neck and hands.
- Uneven skin tone and loss of radiance.
- Worsening of pigmentation problems such as melasma.
A day cream with built-in SPF helps to prevent these pigmentation imbalances and maintain an even, luminous complexion.
Risks of long-term skin damage
Cumulative exposure to UV rays causes damage that is invisible in the short term but irreversible in the long term:
- Weakening of the skin barrier, making the skin more vulnerable to external aggressors.
- Increased risk of skin cancers, linked to UV-damaged DNA.
- Redness, inflammation and chronic dehydration of the skin.
Including an SPF in your day cream is therefore a simple, effective step to protect your skin against these harmful effects over the long term.
Why choose a day cream with SPF?
Daily protection against UV rays, summer and winter
Contrary to popular belief, UV rays are present all year round, even when the sky is overcast. In winter, UVA rays continue to penetrate deep into the skin, accelerating skin ageing and encouraging the appearance of pigmentation spots.
Choosing a day cream with SPF allows you to:
- Prevent premature ageing by blocking UV damage.
- Avoid spots and an uneven complexion, for even, radiant skin.
- Protect the skin from external aggressors, particularly in the city, where pollution worsens the effects of the sun.
Whether in summer or winter, including an SPF in your daily skincare is an essential habit to preserve the youthfulness and health of your skin.
A 2-in-1 skincare product: hydration and sun protection combined
Day creams with SPF offer a dual action: they hydrate the skin while protecting it from UV rays. This combination simplifies your beauty routine by avoiding layering several products.
The benefits of a moisturiser with SPF:
- Save time by combining two essential steps.
- Preserve your skin's hydration with nourishing actives such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin E.
- Avoid the greasy or sticky feel that some conventional sunscreens can leave.
By choosing a built-in SPF, you combine protection and comfort, while keeping your skin fresh and hydrated all day long.
A practical alternative for sensitive skin
Some skin types react poorly to traditional sunscreens, which can be too rich or clog pores. Day creams with SPF are often formulated to be lighter and suitable for sensitive skin:
- Non-comedogenic formulas to avoid blemishes.
- Light, fluid textures, ideal under make-up.
- Sun filters that respect reactive skin, with fragrance-free, allergen-free formulations.
Choosing an SPF in your day cream means choosing effective, comfortable protection, with no compromise on the quality of your skincare.
How to choose the right day cream with SPF
Which sun protection factor should you choose (SPF 15, 30 or 50)?
The choice of sun protection factor (SPF) depends on your skin type, your sun exposure and your lifestyle.
- SPF 15 to 25: Light protection suited to olive or darker skin or to people who spend little time outdoors.
- SPF 30: A good compromise for daily use in the city, ideal for fair to normal skin.
- SPF 50+: Recommended for sensitive skin, skin prone to pigmentation spots or in case of prolonged exposure (walks, café terraces, etc.).
As a general rule, a minimum of SPF 30 is advised for effective protection against premature ageing and UV damage.
Ingredients to look for in an effective cream
A good day cream with SPF should not only protect against UV rays, but also care for the skin. Here are the essential actives to look for:
- Effective sun filters: Opt for a combination of mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) and organic filters for broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB).
- Hyaluronic acid: Maintains the skin's hydration and prevents dryness linked to sun exposure.
- Vitamins C and E: Powerful antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals and improve skin radiance.
- Niacinamide: Reduces pigmentation spots and soothes sensitive skin.
Avoid formulas containing denatured alcohol or allergenic fragrances, which can sensitise the skin and cause irritation.
Tinted or classic cream: which option should you choose?
Day creams with SPF come in classic or tinted versions, and the choice depends on personal preference:
- Classic cream: Ideal for a minimalist routine, it hydrates and protects while letting the skin breathe.
- Tinted cream with SPF: Evens out the complexion and offers discreet sun protection, perfect as a replacement for foundation.
💡 Tip: If you wear make-up, opt for a light cream under your foundation or a BB cream with SPF for a natural, protective finish.
In short, choosing a day cream with SPF suited to your skin type allows you to combine hydration, protection and comfort throughout the day.
How to include a day cream with SPF in your beauty routine
When should you apply it, and in what order with other skincare?
A day cream with SPF should be applied in a specific order to guarantee its effectiveness and compatibility with other skincare. Here is the ideal routine:
- Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and prepare the skin to receive your skincare.
- Applying a serum (hydrating, anti-ageing, antioxidant): The serum should be applied before the cream so it can penetrate deeply.
- Day cream with SPF: Hydrates and protects the skin in a single step.
- Make-up (optional): Foundation, BB cream or powder can be applied on top.
💡 Tip: If you use a classic day cream and a separate sunscreen, apply the moisturiser first, then the SPF to maximise its protective effect.
Can you wear make-up over a day cream with SPF?
Yes, you can absolutely apply make-up after a cream with SPF, provided you follow a few good practices:
- Wait a few minutes after applying the cream so that it is well absorbed by the skin.
- Opt for a light foundation or a BB cream, which blends well with sunscreen.
- Avoid overly absorbent powders, which could compromise the sun protection.
- Use a setting spray with SPF, if necessary, to reinforce protection throughout the day.
Correct application gives you a dual benefit: an even complexion while maintaining effective sun protection.
How often should you reapply for optimal protection?
For your SPF to remain effective, it is essential to reapply according to your sun exposure:
- In an urban setting (daily life, office), a single application in the morning is sufficient.
- For prolonged time outdoors (café terraces, walks), it is recommended to reapply every 4 hours.
- In case of direct sun exposure (beach, outdoor sport), protection should be reapplied every 2 hours.
💡 Tip: If you wear make-up, you can reapply SPF in the form of a mist or mineral powder so as not to disturb your look.
Adopting these habits guarantees optimal protection throughout the day, for protected, radiant skin.
Conclusion: A simple step for protected, radiant skin
Including an SPF in your day cream is much more than a simple beauty step: it is essential protection to preserve the youthfulness and health of your skin. By protecting against UV rays, it helps to prevent premature ageing, the appearance of pigmentation spots and long-term skin damage.
By opting for a day cream with SPF, you simplify your routine while giving your skin combined hydration and sun protection. All that remains is to choose a formula suited to your skin type and apply it daily to enjoy its protective effects all year round.
Adopt this anti-ageing, preventive habit now, for brighter, more even and lastingly protected skin.
