Skincare is something we're all getting better at, with multiple step routines tailored to your skin needs becoming the norm for many. However, once the sun comes out we often forget about actually protecting our skin.
As the sun peaks through the British clouds and many of us jet off on holiday, sunscreen can often be left forgotten about in favour of products that promise a golden glow.
TikToker @mammybanter posted a video showing the stark contrast between her daughter's "16 step" skincare and her own baby oil sunbathing routine at the same age but skincare expert Bruce Green is warning not to be tempted by the promises of a quick tan.
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The chartered chemist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, said: "Baby oil to help you tan is not a method any skin expert would promote. It's no new trend, baby oil has been used for decades by our parents and their parents as a way to boost your tanning chances, as baby oil attracts and absorbs UV rays easily as there is no SPF element."
Baby oil sits on the surface of the skin, attracting UV rays, which can boost your tan but comes with all the dangers of high exposure.
Although MammyBanter is not condoning her 14-year-old self for doing this, there is a concern that people may take inspiration from the video.
Bruce said: "As a culture, we hear 'a healthy glow' or 'a healthy tan' when someone has been on holiday or perhaps even used a sunbed or spray tan, but the idea of a healthy tan is false - no unnatural tan is healthy as sun exposure in intense measures is bad for your skin."
Sun exposure has been well documented to increase fine lines and wrinkles, causing premature skin ageing but also comes with the increased risk of skin cancer too.
These long term effects aren't the only danger as you could be heightening your chance of sunburn if you sit outside without SPF for long periods of time. Bruce notes this can "lead to further issues" such as discomfort, itchiness, dry skin/dehydration, burn blisters and even scarring.
"Mixing baby oil with an SPF is also not the answer," he added. "You shouldn't mix sun cream with other oils but also just wearing a diluted version of SPF can create a falsehood of being protected from the sun" which could encourage people to stay out for longer.
Brits are not in the height of summer yet but the skincare expert warned that SPF should be worn year round, especially if your job requires you to work outside.
"UVA/UVB rays are active whatever the weather" shared Bruce and sun protection is a "great anti-ageing skincare step" for your daily routine.
He explained: "Using a higher level of SPF doesn't stop you from tanning, which is the misconception and why many people feel opposed to using an SPF 50. It's creating a higher safety measure if you are inevitably going to spend time in the sun or more time outdoors in the summer."
SPF reflects the harmful UV rays away from the skin, as a physical blocker with minerals like Zinc Oxide protecting the skin like a shield. Bruce recommends using a minimum of SPF 30 all year round on exposed skin, even when the sky is grey and you have your winter coat on.
Boosting your protection to an SPF 50 sun cream is extra important for those with fair skin, freckles, moles and sensitive skin too - don't risk a painful sunburn by skimping on your SPF.
Bruce concluded: "Baby oil means no SPF and no protection. It will help to moisturise the skin and help to reduce surface drying but it's a little like basting a chicken - it won't give you any protection from the sun."
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