With this hot weather we’ve been experiencing, I thought it appropriate to remind us about the importance of summer skincare.
Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ? Well, I didn’t, but I found that out, plus a lot more, when I attended an event last week for one of my favourite skin care brands, Hada Labo. It’s the No 1 skincare brand in Japan and luckily for us, it’s available in the UK (Superdrug and Amazon)
While a lot of us are aware of the importance of applying sun cream, a new report – Skin Matters – by Hada Labo Tokyo – the brains behind the very latest skincare hydration essentials, has found that only 29% of women use sunscreen that contains hyaluronic acid, the hydration hero known for its anti-ageing properties. This is despite 81% acknowledging a clear link between sun damage and skin ageing and three-quarters being concerned about the sun’s impact on ageing their skin.
On top of this, worryingly 80% of women have gone out for the day without suncream on, even if it’s been sunny and warm, while only 31% of women choose an SPF 50, 26% opt for an SPF 30 and 13% do not use any SPF at all!
GP, women’s health specialist and a member of the Hada Labo Tokyo expert hub, Dr Janine David says: “The sun’s UV rays can be extremely harmful to our delicate skin. In fact, UV exposure could be responsible for a high 80% of visible facial ageing signs such as fine lines, pigmentation and wrinkles. A high SPF is vital and must be worn every day. But as well as this, using a suncream with hyaluronic acid helps to support skin further, keeping it hydrated, plump and supple.”
Wear ENOUGH suncream
As well as ensuring you apply sun cream in the first place, it’s also important to use enough. In the latest Hada Labo Tokyo report, of those who do wear SPF, 31% use ‘a 50p piece’ sized amount for their face, 25% use a 20p piece and 19% use two finger-lengths worth of sun cream for their face. Dr David recommends using half a teaspoon’s worth for your face. But use more if you feel that this doesn’t cover your face.
As for your body, aim for roughly one-shot glass of suncream, or six to eight teaspoons.
Avoid Sunburn
Do you wear Factor 50 sunscreen on your face every day? If not, you should! Sunburn aside, the sun will age your skin, so wear sunscreen on your face even in the winter.
You might think sunburn is just temporary discomfort. It’s not! It’s a warning that your skin’s been damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays. And scarily, just five sunburns in your lifetime can double your risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate, and while anyone can get it, there are certain areas where we are more vulnerable. For men, the back, scalp, ears, and chest are particularly high-risk zones—especially if hair is thinning or they spend lots of time outdoors. For women, skin cancers often appear on the legs, shoulders, and face. These areas typically receive more sun exposure over a lifetime.
Keep Applying…
It’s easy to apply sunscreen in the morning and forget about it. But SPF wears off over time, especially with sweat, water, or just being out and about. Reapplying every two hours— more frequently if you’re swimming or perspiring a lot—is essential for full protection. Don’t forget the smaller spots too: ears, lips, tops of feet, and the back of your neck.
There’s a misconception that sunscreen is only needed in summer. Not true! UV rays are present all year round and can even reflect off surfaces like snow or glass, making your exposure worse in unexpected ways. SPF should be part of your daily skincare routine, every single day.
Kids and Babies Need Extra Care
Children’s skin is far more delicate and thinner than ours, so UV rays can cause even more damage, and more quickly. Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight, but older babies and children should always wear SPF 50, ideally with a formula designed for sensitive skin. It’s a lifelong gift to protect them now.
Sun Protection for All Skin Tones
Another important reminder: all ethnicities need sun protection. While darker skin tones contain more melanin and may not burn as quickly, they are not immune to skin damage or skin cancer. Plus, SPF helps reduce hyperpigmentation and supports even skin tone. We’re all in this together.
Here’s the solution
Hada Labo sun protection range is great for both face and body. The SPF 50 applications are lightweight, non-greasy, absorb beautifully into the skin, as well as providing reliable, high-level protection. The ease of application and the gentle, hydrating feel make them ideal for daily use—even under makeup or on-the-go.
For a reasonably priced sunscreen that delivers comfort and coverage, Hada Labo is a great answer.
