Everything the Experts Want You to Know About SPF

With the weather finally warming up, it’s safe to say that summer is well on its way. So whether you’re picnicking in the park or lounging by the pool, you’ll be needing a broad spectrum SPF to keep your skin shielded. 

Enter Sun Mist Body, Sculpted by Aimee’s newest, weightless SPF for top-to-toe sun protection. 

And we didn’t stop there. Our warm-weather favourite, Sun Mist, also got a summer glow-up with some fresh new packaging. Your beach bag never looked so good.

To mark the launch, we’re doing a deep dive into all things SPF – answering all of your burning questions (sorry, we couldn’t resist), from why your skin needs it to how you can make sure you stay protected all summer long. We even got our Founder and CEO, Aimee Connolly to weigh in on the matter.

We’ll also give you our tips and tricks for spotting the best SPF products so you can get summer-ready with confidence.

SPF Essentials for Summer

Sun Mist Body, our brand new weightless SPF 30 PA+++ body mist, has been enriched with nourishing Vitamin E and a gorgeous Sweet Almond scent. This sweet-smelling summertime must-have delivers all-over, broad spectrum protection and leaves your skin beautifully moisturised. 

The invisible formula applies like a dream and absorbs effortlessly without leaving a white cast or any sticky residue. Plus, it won’t fade fake tan or cause any unsightly streaks, so you can spritz as liberally as you like over or under your faux glow. 

Sun Mist on the other hand has been given a fresh new look, but the fan-favourite formula is exactly the same. This invisible facial mist boasts a powerful broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA+++ for ultimate sun protection against UVA and UVB rays. It works wonders under and over makeup, meaning you can keep your skin shielded throughout the day.

“It is so important to protect your skin and keeping your SPF topped up is an essential part of that. That’s why we created the Sun Mist range. Both formulas are weightless and leave behind no sticky residue, so you can apply makeup or fake tan on top. Plus, they won’t smudge your look or cause any streaks so you can top up throughout the day to stay protected.”

Here's a quick breakdown of the key differences between the two products:

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It's a number that indicates how well a sunscreen protects your skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the main culprit behind sunburns. The higher the SPF number, the stronger the protection against UVB rays.

A common misconception when it comes to SPF is that SPF 30 is twice as strong as SPF 15. Truth is, SPF 15 protects you from around 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 protects you from around 97%. So, if you’re choosing between the two, you’d be better off opting for SPF 30 as it’ll offer you that bit more protection. But more on that later…

Why is SPF So Important?

Nobody wants sunburn, that’s a given. But even if you don’t get sunburn, regular day-to-day sun exposure can still damage your skin and cause premature ageing, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation – particularly to the delicate skin on your face.

“Using SPF whatever the weather is the key to keeping your skin looking healthy and plump while protecting it against age spots,” explains Aimee. 

SPF is your key defence against these harmful effects, so it’s vital to apply and reapply even when you don’t think the sun is that strong. By incorporating SPF into your daily routine, you're actively protecting your skin's health and keeping it looking fresh and radiant.

How Does SPF Work?

Sunscreens with SPFs contain ingredients that work to block harmful UV rays before they can penetrate your skin. Sun Mist Body and Sun Mist Face use a combination of ingredients to provide broad-spectrum sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

An easy way to remember what rays cause which kind of damage is to pay attention to the letters. UVA causes skin to Age, while UVB causes skin to Burn. That’s why it’s important to use products (like our Sun Mist duo) that provide broad spectrum protection from both kinds of radiation. 

Is SPF 15 Enough?

While SPF 15 offers some protection from UVB rays, dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for everyday use. This is especially important for extended sun exposure or if you have fairer skin. Sun Mist Body offers a convenient SPF 30 PA+++ for full-body protection, while Sun Mist Face provides an ultra-protective SPF 50 PA+++ for your delicate facial skin.

How Often Should You Reapply SPF to Stay Protected?

Sunscreen breaks down over time, especially with sweat and swimming. To maintain optimal protection, it’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you're in and out of the pool. 

What to Look for in SPF Skincare?

With tonnes of SPFs to choose from, it can be tricky to find the right formula for you. Here’s what we recommend paying attention to when picking your perfect SPF. 

• Broad Spectrum Protection: Look for a sunscreen labelled "broad spectrum" to ensure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• SPF Level: Choose SPF 30 or higher for daily use, and SPF 50 for extended sun exposure or fair skin. It’s also beneficial to use a higher factor on your face as the skin is much more delicate than the rest of your body.
• Skin Type: Opt for a non-comedogenic formula if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

With Sun Mist Body and Sun Mist in your beauty kit, you'll be ready to take on the summer sun with confidence, knowing your skin is nourished and protected. 

Want to find out more about Sun Mist? We’re here to help! Our makeup and skincare experts are happy to assist you via Instagram @sculptedbyaimee or Facebook DM. Or, email us at hello@sculptedbyaimee.com if you have any questions.

Lots of love,

Aimee & Team x