It only took me about three decades to realise that my skin would never tan. Despite years of defiant sunbathing – and a woefully misguided stint “building resilience” on sunbeds – my chalky complexion refused to emulate the gorgeous, golden glow of my melanin-enriched friends. Instead, my skin would weep and sizzle like a cut-price pork sausage, breaking out in random bursts of freckles and jagged magenta blotches. Had I known then what I know now, I probably would have never left my house.
It was only when I got to my late twenties that I realised what a mistake I’d made. No matter how many times beauty experts and older, sun-worn relatives scream at you to wear, it’s easy to dismiss until the damage – such as deep lines, hyperpigmentation and even, in worst-case scenarios, skin cancer – is already done.
Everyone. While pale skin tones are more susceptible to UVB damage, darker complexions are still at risk of UVA’s ultra-ageing rays – they’re just less likely to notice it .Every day, after your moisturiser and before your make-up, and ideally in all seasons. You’re still exposed to UVA on cloudy summer days and in the depths of winter, even if it doesn’t feel that way. You also supposedly need to wear it when working near a window, as 50 per cent of UVA rays can penetrate glass.