If there’s one piece of advice I could give every single client (and shout from the rooftops while I’m at it), it’s this: never skip your SPF—especially in summer. As an aesthetics nurse, I spend my days helping clients achieve glowing, healthy skin, and while treatments absolutely play a role, nothing replaces the power of consistent, daily sun protection.

Whether you’re poolside in Ibiza, walking your dog, or sitting by a sunny window, your skin is constantly exposed. And that exposure adds up.

SPF: Your Anti-Ageing Essential

Forget fancy marketing jargon. SPF is the most effective anti-ageing product on the market. Up to 90% of visible skin ageing is caused by UV exposure; think fine lines, pigmentation, dullness, and loss of elasticity. Every time you leave the house without sunscreen, you’re allowing UV rays to silently break down your collagen and trigger pigmentation.

The good news?

With the right SPF, you can slow down that process significantly.

The Summer Skincare Switch-Up

In warmer months, our skin produces more oil, we sweat more, and UV exposure skyrockets. That means your skincare routine needs to shift to match the season.

Here’s what I personally recommend (and follow myself):

1. SPF 50+ Daily, No Excuses

Broad-spectrum. Every. Single. Morning. Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors. My favourites are lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that don’t clog pores or leave a white cast.

2. Antioxidants Under SPF

Vitamin C, niacinamide, or green tea serums work beautifully under sunscreen. They help neutralise free radicals and boost your skin’s protection from environmental stressors.

3. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Use a lighter moisturiser if your skin tends to get oilier in the heat, but don’t skip it. Hydrated skin is happy skin, and it helps maintain a healthy barrier against the elements.

4. Exfoliate—But Don’t Overdo It

A gentle exfoliant (like lactic or mandelic acid) used 1–2 times a week will keep pores clear and brighten the skin, but avoid anything too harsh, especially if you’re in the sun a lot.

Treatments and Sun: What to Know

I always advise clients to be cautious about doing stronger treatments like chemical peels, laser, or microneedling right before holidays or heavy sun exposure. Your skin is more vulnerable post-treatment, and the risk of pigmentation is higher in summer.

That said, hydrating facials, LED therapy, and certain injectables (with proper aftercare and SPF!) can still be done safely and actually boost your glow for summer events.

SPF is a Daily Habit—Not Just a Holiday One

If you take anything from this blog, let it be this: SPF isn’t just for the beach. It’s for every day. You can be using the best skincare and aesthetic treatments in the world, but if you’re not protecting your skin from the sun, you’re taking two steps forward and one step back.

Glowing skin starts with protection.

Invest in a good SPF, stick to your routine, and give your skin the respect it deserves this summer. Trust me – it will thank you for years to come.