It probably sounds like a broken record when someone says how it important it is to wear SPF. At least, in the beauty and wellness industry, it does. But, it really is so important! And so many people still don’t understand that. So let us remind you why wearing SPF is so important, and even if only one person starts wearing SPF daily when they didn’t before, then we will be happy.

As an esthetician, I see first-hand the damage that is caused by not wearing SPF. So here is why it is our ride or die:

It’s Your First Line of Defence

SPF protects your skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. That means less risk of sunburn, sun spots, fine lines, and serious skin damage. Even on cloudy days or during winter months, UV rays still reach your skin—so daily SPF is a must.

It Prevents Premature Aging

One of the biggest causes of premature aging is sun exposure. Think wrinkles, dark spots, uneven texture... SPF helps slow that all down by shielding your skin from the harsh effects of UV radiation. Trust us—your future self will thank you.

It Boosts the Results of Your Treatments

Investing in facials, peels, and good skincare? Amazing! But if you’re not wearing SPF, you're undoing a lot of that hard work. Post-treatment skin is often more sensitive to sunlight, so sunscreen is essential for healing and maintaining results.

It Helps Prevent Skin Cancer

This one’s big: SPF reduces your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma. Wearing it daily (yes, even when you're not at the beach) is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself long-term.

Medical-Grade vs. Non-Medical Grade SPF: What’s the Difference?

Not all sunscreens are created equal. While drugstore SPF can offer basic protection, medical-grade SPF is formulated with higher standards in mind—often backed by clinical research and designed to deliver consistent, superior results. Here's how they differ:

Medical-Grade SPF
These formulas typically contain pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, offering broader-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with added skin benefits like antioxidants, peptides, or hydration. They’re often non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and tested for efficacy on sensitive or post-procedure skin. Plus, they’re formulated to better absorb and remain stable on the skin throughout the day.
Non-Medical Grade SPF
Over-the-counter sunscreens can still offer good UV protection, but they may contain fillers, fragrances, or ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin or clog pores. Their formulations aren’t always tailored for use alongside clinical skincare or treatments, and the consistency in quality can vary from brand to brand.

Our SPF Faves

At Collingwood Esthetics, we carry high-quality, skin-loving SPF products like Biophora’s Tinted SPF (hello, no-makeup days), Nuda SolarGlow SPF for an extremely lightweight and shimmery base, and Tizo SPF Lip Balm to keep your lips protected too. We’ve got options for every skin type—lightweight, hydrating, tinted, mineral—you name it.

Make SPF a Non-Negotiable

Incorporate SPF into your morning routine—after your moisturizer and before makeup. Reapply throughout the day, especially if you're outdoors, sweating, or swimming. Keep it in your bag, your car, your makeup kit… anywhere you’ll remember to use it.

Your skin is with you for life—protect it like it’s priceless.
Stop by the studio to shop our top SPFs or chat with us about what will work best for you.

Let’s Talk About SPF (Again)