As an esthetician, you’re dedicated to helping your clients achieve the healthiest, most radiant skin possible. You invest time, knowledge, and skill into treatments tailored to individual needs, whether it’s tackling pigmentation, acne, aging, or texture issues. But one critical factor can sabotage all of your hard work: sun exposure. Read on to find out why sun awareness is key to maximising your client’s skin results.

Sun Awareness Is Key

Ultra Violet (UV) rays are among the most damaging environmental stressors for the skin. Even on cloudy days, UVA and UVB rays can penetrate the skin, leading to:

• Accelerated aging (collagen breakdown, fine lines, and wrinkles)
• Pigmentation and uneven skin tone
• Inflammation and a compromised skin barrier
• Increased risk of skin cancers

Advising Clients on Sun Safety

Below are our top tips for advising clients on sun safety.

• Start With the Basics: explain to clients why they need a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ and advise to apply it generously and reapply as necessary.
• Skin Protection: advise clients of other ways they can contribute to protecting their skin, e.g. seeking shade during peak sunshine hours and wearing protective clothing.
• Encourage Regular Skin Checks: remind clients to monitor their skin regularly for any changes and report any concerns.
• Stress the Dangers of Tanning: emphasise to clients the dangers of tanning. UV exposure accelerates skin aging and more seriously, increases the risk of skin cancer.
• Promote Year Round Protection: to combat misinformation and a lack of education, emphasise to clients that sun protection is not just for sunny days or holidays. 
• Lead By Example: don’t forget to practise sun safety yourself and incorporate each of these habits into your daily routine. Clients are much more likely to follow your advice if they see you prioritising the health of your skin too.

Treatment Progress Reversal

Unprotected exposure can reverse progress and lead to new issues, frustrating both you and your client. When clients are undergoing advanced SkinBase treatments, particularly those that involve resurfacing such as Microdermabrasion and Hydro, their skin is often in a more vulnerable state, making it even more susceptible to sun damage.

SPF Is Not Optional

70% of industry professionals also say there is an increase in clients asking for sun protection advice in the summer months. So, it is vital that you ensure your clients understand SPF isn’t just for holidays. It should be a daily habit. Remind clients that:

• UVA rays (the ageing rays) are present all year round and can penetrate glass.
• UVB rays (the burning rays) are strongest in summer but can still cause damage in winter.
• The cumulative effect of daily exposure adds up significantly over time.

Maximising Treatment Results

Reinforce the message: consistent SPF use is a key step in any results-driven skincare journey. Clients who skip sunscreen are unlikely to see the full benefits of the treatments you’re providing.

Building Sun Awareness Into Your Consultation

Here’s how you can build sun awareness into your business processes:

1. Initial Conversation: use this time to assess your client’s sun habits and explain how UV exposure may have contributed to their current concerns. Educate on the importance of protection moving forward.

2. Emphasis on Aftercare: Ensure that post-treatment protocols are specified, and include specific guidance on avoiding direct sun and wearing SPF 30 or higher daily.

3. Retail Recommendations: Stock and recommend professional SPF products to increase the chances that your client will commit to using it consistently.

4. Visual Evidence: Use before and after photos to highlight how the best transformations are achieved when clients are committed to their skincare journey and investing in aftercare. The proof is in the results.

Educating Clients = Better Results

Sun awareness is key to client education and empowerment. When your clients understand the “why” behind SPF, they’re more likely to stick to the plan, protect their investment in professional treatments, and see better long-term outcomes. As a skin therapist, making sun awareness a core message sets your clients and your reputation up for success.