Are you lounging in the sun? SPF up (Photo: Chris Eades/Getty Images)

Exposure to sunlight is the number one cause of skin aging; even so, many of us still resist using SPF.

Depending on where you live and your lifestyle, the effects of damaging rays can be significant.

According to a Clarins Beauty Daily survey, some UK cities and towns are in worse shape.

Using data from the Met Office, which monitors sundials, we found that Chichester residents need to use SPF more enthusiastically.


You need to know two types of UV rays

  • Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays have a longer wavelength because they are known to cause aging.
  • Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays have a short wavelength and can burn the skin without the use of SPF.

It is important to buy an SPF with both UV coatings.

Wherever you are, sunlight hours are primarily 10am to 4pm and you may not need an SPF if it’s not sunny, but this is simply not true.

If the outside is exposed to sunlight, even if it is cloudy, there is a risk of sunlight damage due to UV rays.

Below are the top 10 locations in the UK where sundials are at the highest risk of sun damage to residents.

Skin is aging in areas of the UK where UV rays are high

With sundial (photo: metro)

In the UK, these lucky spots get more sunlight, but the risk of sunburn is higher.

London was not far behind, with 1,559 hours of sunshine, and the people of Delhi experienced only 1,222 hours.

Esthetician Dr. Galina Selesneva said: “Without sunscreen, the skin is exposed to UVA and UVB rays from the sun.

UV rays cause changes in the skin’s DNA, which can lead to premature aging.

Sunburn damage can destroy the collagen and elastin in the skin.

The breakdown of collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin can cause signs of premature skin aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, as the skin loses its elasticity and toughness.

“The face needs at least 50 SPF. As soon as you use a wide range of SPF, you should reapply every two hours.”


Top UK destinations with the highest risk of skin aging due to UV light exposure:

1.Chichester

2. Brighton and Hove

3.Nankai

4. Portmouth

5. Canterbury

6.Plymouth

7. Southampton

8. Salisbury

9.Cardiff

10. Bristol

Tanned skin can manifest itself in the form of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and damaged capillaries.

The sooner you start using SPF, the better; signs of damage often take years to appear.

Using SPF is also essential to protect against skin cancer. So if wearing SPF isn’t enough to get you pumped, it has health benefits too.

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