At By Sarah, we’re deeply committed to supporting people with stressed and sensitive skin – gently, honestly, and always with care. That’s why we feel it's vital to speak out against a worrying trend we’ve seen grow in recent years: the anti-SPF movement.

Fuelled by misinformation, this movement suggests that sunscreen is unnecessary or even harmful. But as a brand built on restoring and protecting skin, we know just how dangerous this narrative can be. Let’s explore why sun protection is essential every day, and how misinformation around sunscreen is putting lives at risk.

The Truth: Why daily SPF matters

Daily sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin against premature ageing. Sun exposure has a cumulative effect – damaging skin DNA, increasing pigmentation, weakening elasticity, and elevating the risk of skin cancers.

A “good” SPF is one that offers broad-spectrum protection, shielding your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF 30 or higher and a PA++++ rating. Importantly, both mineral and chemical sunscreens can be effective. While chemical UV filters absorb UV rays, mineral filters (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) absorb most UV and also reflect and scatter about 5% of it.

The level of protection depends not on the type of sunscreen, but on the SPF rating and the consistency with which it’s applied.

Put simply: the best SPF is the one you wear, every day.

The Reality: Why sun protection matters

Sunlight plays an important role in our wellbeing, but unprotected exposure can be deeply damaging to our skin. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancers, including melanoma, the fifth most common cancer in the UK, projected to affect over 19,500 people this year.

Sun protection, particularly through daily use of sunscreen, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent:

• Sunburn, which damages the DNA in skin cells

• Premature ageing, such as wrinkles and dark spots

• Skin cancer, especially melanoma

The NHS recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, applying it generously, and reapplying every two hours, particularly after sweating or swimming.

 

Myths vs Facts: Setting the record straight

Myth 1: "Sunscreen blocks vitamin D"

Fact: While sunscreen can slightly reduce the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D, the impact is minimal. You can still get enough vitamin D through incidental exposure (like walking to the shop) and through your diet or supplements.

Myth 2: "Sunscreen is toxic"

Fact: All sunscreens sold in the UK undergo strict safety testing and must meet rigorous regulatory standards. The idea that sunscreen is harmful is not only inaccurate – it’s dangerous misinformation.

For sensitive skin, it's about choosing a well-formulated SPF. Look for fragrance-free options that avoid known irritants like benzophenones, camphor derivatives, and cinnamate derivatives.

Our Serene Daily SPF 50+ uses modern, biodegradable UV filters and is dermatologically approved for even the most sensitive skin, including eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis. In independent clinical trials, it achieved the highest possible classification for skin compatibility.

Myth 3: "People with darker skin don’t need SPF"

Fact: While melanin offers some natural UV protection, it’s not enough to prevent sun damage or skin cancer. All skin tones can suffer the effects of UV exposure, and all benefit from sun protection.

For science-led, verified skincare facts, we recommend the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) and the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), which offer accessible factsheets on ingredient safety and UV exposure.

A look at the numbers: Why it matters

Despite growing awareness, sun safety habits in the UK remain inconsistent. A 2024 survey by the British Skin Foundation found that over half of Brits (51%) have accidentally sunburned themselves, even though 81% recognise the importance of sun protection.

Just five sunburns in a lifetime can double your risk of developing melanoma, and even one blistering sunburn in childhood can significantly raise the chance later in life.

Misconceptions persist. Many believe SPF isn’t needed on cloudy days or for darker skin. But UV rays penetrate clouds, and melanin alone doesn’t block UV damage.

These numbers remind us: sun protection isn’t seasonal or optional, it’s an essential part of daily skin care.

A personal story: Hannah’s wake-up call

Hannah Lowery, a 32-year-old from Redcar in Yorkshire, had always associated sunscreen with holidays abroad. As a teenager, she often skipped applying it during the UK's cooler summers, leading to frequent sunburns. In July 2024, she noticed two moles on her neck had changed shape. Upon consulting her GP, she was urgently referred and diagnosed with melanoma. Both moles were removed, and fortunately, the cancer hadn't spread.

The experience was a stark reminder of the risks of neglecting sun protection, especially for young parents like Hannah, who had a two-year-old son at the time. She now advocates for regular skin checks and daily SPF use, emphasizing that it's "really not worth it for a tan." 

Hannah's experience underscores the importance of sun safety, regardless of age or weather. Regular skin checks and consistent sunscreen use are vital steps in preventing skin cancer.

Daily protection: Simple, sensible, essential

At By Sarah, we believe that everyday skincare should be soothing, restorative, and protective. Here’s how you can integrate SPF into your daily ritual:

Your SPF Checklist:

• Choose Broad-Spectrum Protection: This guards against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays.

• SPF 50 or higher is ideal for daily wear.

• Apply generously - most people underuse sunscreen. A teaspoon for the face and two tablespoons for the body is a good guide.

• Reapply every 2 hours, especially when outdoors.

• Wear protective clothing like hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses.

• Stay in the shade during peak sun hours (11am–3pm).

Let’s make sun safety second nature

We understand the hesitation around certain ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin. That’s why we spent over two years developing Serene Daily SPF 50+, combining proven science with a deep understanding of delicate skin needs.

To ensure safety, efficacy, and peace of mind, Daily SPF 50+ has undergone rigorous third-party laboratory testing and meets all regulatory standards for sensitive skin care. It's Dermatologically Approved, and formulated without common irritants or fragrance, so you can wear it daily with confidence.

At By Sarah, science and sensitivity go hand in hand. We don’t just care for your skin, we work hard behind the scenes to protect it with formulas that are as safe as they are soothing.

By making sun protection part of your daily ritual, you’re not only protecting your skin, you’re safeguarding your wellbeing, your story, and your future.

Want to learn more?

We’ve gathered a few thoughtful reads to help you along the way:

• Your guide to Sun Awareness Week – Learn how to protect your skin with confidence, this season and beyond.

• Sunscreen Myths: Your guide to SPF for sensitive skin – Separating fact from fiction so your skincare choices feel empowered and informed.

• Why is sunscreen important? Q&A with Dr Rakesh Anand, Consultant Dermatologist – A dermatologist’s perspective on what your skin truly needs for daily sun care.

Explore more in our Skin Health Guides and By Sarah Journal for seasonal rituals, skin-loving advice, and soul-soothing inspiration.

Not sure where to start with sun care for sensitive skin? We’re here to help you choose what feels right for your skin – gently, thoughtfully, and without overwhelm. Just drop us a line at care@bysarahlondon.com. We’d love to support you.

Wherever this season of sunshine takes you, let your daily SPF be a quiet act of self-care.

Protect your skin. Protect your story. We’re with you – every day, every drop.

 

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