The Truth About Sun Damage – Why SPF is Non-Negotiable!

Let’s talk sun damage. Yes, I’m back on my SPF soapbox, but for good reason! Over the past few years, I’ve seen a noticeable rise in skin cell damage, and I’ve had to refer more clients for skin cancer checks than ever before. That’s scary stuff. And the worst part? So much of it could have been prevented with one simple habit: wearing broad-spectrum SPF every single day.

The Science Bit – What Are We Actually Protecting Against?

The sun throws out two main types of ultraviolet (UV) rays:

☀️ UVB (The Burning Ray) – These rays are the ones that give you that oh-so-lovely lobster look after a day in the sun without protection. They cause immediate damage (hello, sunburn!) and play a big role in skin cancer formation. They’re strongest in the summer and during peak hours (10 AM – 4 PM).

☀️ UVA (The Sneaky, Aging Ray) – This is the real troublemaker. UVA rays are around all year long. They penetrate deeper into the skin, breaking down collagen, causing wrinkles, and triggering pigmentation issues like sunspots and melasma. Even worse? They go through clouds, rain, and even windows—so whether you’re indoors, in the car, or walking the dog in dreary British weather, you’re still getting hit by these rays.

But What About the Ozone Layer?

Great question! The ozone layer is like the Earth’s natural sunscreen—it absorbs a good chunk of UVB rays, but thanks to years of pollution and environmental damage, it’s thinner than it used to be. That means more UVB is getting through and hitting our skin harder. UVA, on the other hand, isn’t affected by the ozone layer at all—it’s coming at us full force, every single day.

Why Broad-Spectrum SPF Matters

Not all sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays—some only block UVB, which means while you’re preventing burns, your skin is still aging faster than a forgotten banana in the fruit bowl. That’s why I only recommend broad-spectrum SPF, like the ones from AlumierMD, which shield your skin from both types of damage.

How to Apply SPF Properly (Because Slapping It On Isn’t Enough!)

SPF isn’t just a quick swipe across the nose—you need to apply it properly for it to actually do its job:

✔️ Dot, Don’t Smear – Apply dots of SPF all over your face, neck, and ears, then gently massage it in. This ensures every inch of skin is covered (no missed patches!).

✔️ Don’t Forget the Hairline! – Most sun damage I see is right at the sides of the forehead, near the hairline—especially from driving. So, blend it right up into your hairline. Your future, wrinkle-free forehead will thank you!

✔️ Reapply, Reapply, Reapply! – Sunscreen isn’t a one-and-done deal. If you’re out in the sun for extended periods, sweating, or touching your face (guilty!), you need to reapply every two hours.

The Bottom Line: Protect Your Skin, Always

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this, it’s that sun damage is real, it’s serious, and it’s preventable. Every single day, UVA rays are breaking down collagen and increasing the risk of skin cancer, even when it’s cloudy. Over the years, I’ve had to refer more and more clients for skin cancer checks, and it’s something I never want to have to do.

So please—wear your SPF every day. Make it part of your routine, like brushing your teeth. Your skin (and your future self) will be forever grateful.

Natural Protection & The Vitamin D Top-Up

Now, before you think I want you to live in a cave covered in SPF 50, let’s talk about natural sun protection and vitamin D.

We all know the sun is our body’s main source of vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system, and even boosting our mood. But did you know that short, controlled sun exposure can also help your skin build its natural defense system? This is where my very Greek upbringing comes in…

Growing up, my mum (proudly Greek and full of wisdom) swore by something she called “getting weathered.” Every sunny morning, she would march us outside in just a vest—no sunscreen— and make us play outside for exactly 10 minutes. “You need the sun to get strong!” she’d say, probably while holding a wooden spoon for extra authority. This wasn’t about getting a tan (heaven forbid!); it was about letting our bodies naturally produce vitamin D and stimulating our melanocytes—the cells responsible for our skin’s natural protection.

Now, before you run outside and bake yourself, let me be clear: this method is ONLY safe early in the morning or late evening when the sun’s rays are weaker. Anything longer than 10 minutes, and you’re stepping into damage territory. But done right, this little ritual helps top up vitamin D levels and supports your skin’s own defense system.

So yes, wear your broad-spectrum SPF every day, but if you want to take a page from my mum’s book, step outside in the early morning, let the sun hit your skin (briefly!), and then slap on that sunscreen like the responsible adult I know you are! 🌞💛

Mediterranean Skincare Secrets – A Greek Salad for the Skin?

Now, if you’ve been to my clinic, you’ve probably heard me go on about this one too… My mum had many tricks up her sleeve when it came to skincare, and let’s just say, she fully embraced our Mediterranean heritage when it came to sun care.

One of her best (and possibly strangest) remedies? Olive oil and tomatoes. Yep, you heard that right.

Before bed, she’d cover us in olive oil like we were about to be slow-roasted. And if we’d been in the sun for too long? Out came the tomatoes. She’d slice them up and rub them all over our skin. We smelt like a Greek salad. But as much as I laughed about it back then, my skin has honestly thanked me for it.

Turns out, there’s some real science behind these old-school tricks:

🫒Olive Oil – The Ultimate Skin Healer Packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, olive oil deeply nourishes the skin, protects against free radicals, and helps repair damage. It’s rich in squalene, a natural skin softener, making it an amazing overnight treatment for dry or sun-exposed skin. But the magic doesn’t stop there!

💇‍♀️ For Hair & Nails – Feeding Your Keratin! Both your hair and nails are made of keratin, a protein that gives them strength and structure. Olive oil is brimming with essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which help nourish and strengthen keratin, making hair shinier and more resilient while preventing nails from becoming brittle and splitting. No wonder Mediterranean hair is so glossy, and our nails grow like weeds!

🍅 Tomatoes – Nature’s After-Sun RemedyTomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize sun damage. They also have natural enzymes that soothe and cool the skin, reducing inflammation from sun exposure. So basically, my mum was way ahead of her time—who needs after-sun lotion when you’ve got a Mediterranean fridge stocked with skincare magic?

There’s definitely something to be said for these traditional remedies. While I won’t be slathering my clients in olive oil during facials (tempting though it may be), I love that these age-old tricks still hold up today.

So next time you overdo it in the sun, maybe skip the expensive after-sun gels and try reaching for a tomato instead. Just don’t blame me if you start craving feta cheese afterwards! 🫒🍅😆