For many women, turning 35 marks a shift—not just in mindset, but in skin. It’s the age where those subtle fine lines, sun spots, and changes in skin texture start to appear more noticeably. While aging is a natural and beautiful process, much of what we consider "premature ageing" is actually sun damage—and it’s preventable.
Whether you enjoy sunny days outdoors or spend most of your time near a window, daily sun protection is one of the most important steps you can take to preserve your skin's health and youthful appearance. And for the modern woman, sun protection isn’t just about sunscreen—it’s about weaving SPF seamlessly into your skincare and makeup routine, without sacrificing ease of use and comfort.
Let’s explore how women, especially those over 35, can prevent sun damage. We’ll explore the role SPF plays in graceful aging, and how the latest product innovations are making it easier than ever to protect and perfect your skin, every day.
Why Sun Protection Matters More After 35
After age 35, the skin begins to experience a natural slowdown in collagen and elastin production. These are the proteins that keep it firm, plump, and resilient. Sun exposure accelerates this breakdown, leading to:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of elasticity
- Pigmentation and sunspots
- Uneven texture and dullness
What makes it even trickier is that UVA rays—the type responsible for aging—are present all year round and can penetrate through clouds, glass, and clothing. That means that even if you’re working indoors or it’s not sunny outside, your skin is still vulnerable to photoaging unless you’re consistently protected.
SPF: The Most Powerful Anti-Aging Ingredient
If you invest in only one skincare step after 35, make it broad-spectrum SPF. It’s the single most effective way to prevent further skin aging and protect the investment you’ve made in skincare treatments, serums, and moisturisers.
But SPF doesn’t have to be chalky, greasy, or separate from your beauty routine. It can be an easy addition to your skincare and makeup ritual, designed to support—not complicate—your day.
The key to SPF success is consistency, and that starts with a daily routine that you enjoy and trust. Here’s how to build one that both protects and pampers your skin.
Cleanse gently and restore the skins barrier
Start with a nourishing cleanser that respects your skin’s moisture balance.
💧Jane Scrivner Nourishing Cleanser is a rich balm cleanser which uses organic jojoba oil—closely resembling the skin’s own sebum—to deeply cleanse while maintaining hydration. It’s perfect for mature skin, gently removing makeup and impurities while prepping the skin to absorb active ingredients more effectively. How does this help? Well effectively it ensures your skin is at it’s optimal health so it can defend itself most efficiently.
Moisturise and Protect in One Step
Incorporating SPF into your morning moisturiser ensures your skin is covered from the start of the day. 🌞 The Studio 10 Hydra Peptide Fusion Daily Defence SPF30 Moisturiser is a revolutionary 5-in-1 daily skincare product that will streamline and invigorate your morning routine - blending seamlessly into the skin, making it look healthy and dewy within seconds.
This highly rated moisturiser is infused with scientifically proven ingredients including a potent blend of four different weights of hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 which helps stimulate collagen production, Peony Extract which minimises age spots and hyperpigmentation and a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30 which provides you with your essential protection throughout the day.
Extra Protection when you most need it
So, what if you are outside going cycling or running or other outdoor activities or even and holiday and wanting to look your best by the pool without resorting to greasy sunscreens? Sports Hai SPF 50 HAI Protection is a highly effective yet lightweight physical sunscreen, containing a combination of clinically proven filters to protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays.
It is water resistant (which includes sweat) and is easily absorbed with a natural tint to give an even appearance while having a hydrating effect on the skin. It is comfortable to wear and easy to apply, to enable you to perform at your very best, without being concerned about the damaging effects of the environment.
SPF and Makeup: Cosmetics that Multitask
The biggest barrier to consistent SPF use is often the inconvenience—especially when it comes to makeup. Many women worry SPF will interfere with the look and feel of their foundation, cause shine, or clog pores.
Thankfully, modern skincare innovations make it easy to incorporate SPF into your makeup routine without compromise. Many foundations, BB creams, and setting powders now offer SPF. While they shouldn’t replace your dedicated sunscreen, they can supplement your protection—especially helpful for reapplying throughout the day.
Studio 10 is leading the way as a make-up brand that also protects. Their Skin Repair Perfect Canvas Treatment Foundation offers a medium to full coverage, without looking heavy or cakey, it perfectly evens the skin tone, covering pigmentation, dark circles and redness, so there’s no need for concealer (bonus).
The colour-adjusting formula reflects light for a brighter, dewy-looking effect, while multilayer soft focus and optical diffusing pigments blend and buff seamlessly, giving a true-skin finish. Formulated for mature skin, this SPF30-enhanced formula also includes two perfectly complementary shades which can be blended for year-round customised colour, or alternatively used for natural-looking contouring to enhance your features.
Another of our favourite make up brands Mii Cosmetics has a beautiful tinted moisturiser that we love. Check out their Skin Secret Cream Tint with SPF25. This ultra-lightweight fluid tint nourishes the skin with a hybrid formula that combines skincare with makeup for a smooth, healthy, radiant finish, and is a bargain at just £24.
Evening Routine: Rebuild and Repair
Your night time skincare is when your skin regenerates, so this is your opportunity to support it with ingredients that repair sun-induced stress and boost collagen production.
We highly recommend the Plantopia Dusk To Dawn Night Oil. This featherweight facial oil restores the skins protective barrier function, soothes irritation and supports overnight renewal. Powered by adaptogenic ashwagandha and bakuchiol, It supports cell turnover, promotes elasticity, firmness, and texture, whilst helping to diminish the appearance and depth of fine lines and wrinkles.
Often people who haven’t used facial oils before are slightly vary of them but you really shouldn’t. Facial oils can penetrate deeper into the skin and hence are better served to repair any damage. We genuinely love this facial oil and believe it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to massage into our face before bedtime. Plus it smells absolutely divine!
Day-to-Day Sun-Smart Tips
In addition to SPF in your skincare and makeup, here are a few simple habits that make a big difference:
- Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
- Reapply SPF every 2–3 hours if you're spending extended time outside.
- Use antioxidant-rich serums (like Vitamin C) under SPF to boost UV defence.
- Stay hydrated—dehydrated skin looks duller and accentuates fine lines.
- Avoid direct sun during peak hours (11am–3pm).
In Summary: Protect, Perfect, and Glow Gracefully
Aging is a privilege, and healthy skin at every stage is absolutely achievable. For women over 35, sun protection isn’t just about prevention—it’s about loving your skin. With thoughtful choices and consistent habits, you can enjoy smooth, radiant skin that reflects your vitality, confidence, and care.
By integrating SPF into your daily routine, you can shield your skin from sun damage without adding extra steps. It’s not about chasing youth—it’s about preserving your skin’s natural beauty and strength. Start now, protect daily, and enjoy the glow that comes with truly nourished skin.