SPF = SUN PROTECTION FACTOR
This month’s blog is all about hydration on face and body and protecting you from the rays from the sun, whether that’s in a hot country, at home, going on a stay -cation or also protecting when working at a screen from the damaging blue light.
MYTH– higher the SPF = better the protection. Leading studies maintain that an SPF of 15-20 is all that should be used. Higher SPF creams have minimal added protection, but mean greater concentrations of the chemical sunscreen agents, which in themselves may have unwanted side effects. We absorb sunscreen ingredients, and many causes more damage by having a negative reaction (creating free radicals that damage the skin) when struck with UV rays. So, it is important to choose an SPF with protective ingredients.
Sun protection is a crucial aspect of any skin care routine. Weaving year-round sun protection into your routine helps minimise UV induced ageing and is vital for reducing the risk of skin cancer.
We know that by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen is important, however I would like to share with you a holistic approach to your sun protection plan to include oral supplements as we know that some of the ingredients found in specific supplements are effective in targeting and repairing existing damage and therefore an essential part of treating pigmentation too.
For years I have heard the same reasons for not reapplying SPF after 1.5-2 hours
“Once I have make-up on, I am not going to put a cream on over the top” Annon
“I have an SPF in my moisturiser so I don’t need to reapply” Annon
These reasons are why Jane Iredale was introduced to homeSPA last year.
So let’s talk ingredients for your sun protection cocktail
POWDER ME SPF £44 by Jane Iredale
Refillable. Reusable. Recyclable. Powerful on-the-go sun protection. A weightless, dry, physical SPF 30 broad spectrum sunscreen for face, body and scalp in a refillable flow-through vegan brush. Perfect option for wearing over makeup.
RAD SPF 15 £19.95, is a face and body sun protection cream with a combination of sun filters and reflectors that assist in fighting against free-radicals
What does RAD stand for:
REFLECTS – the sun’s UV radiation with Titanium Dioxide (mineral found in nature that sits on the skin like a crushed mirror reflecting the UV radiation.
ABSORBS – part of the sun’s UV radiation
DEFENDS – Protects, containing Vitamin C and E which bubble wraps your DNA
RAD Sheild Mineral £30 contains new generation zinc oxide and titanium dioxide mineral ingredients which assist in providing a powerful physical block against UVA and UVB, transparently and beautifully.
SKIN ANTIOXIDANT £32 Antioxidants are vital in protecting against the sun. You may ask how… Ok so here is the science bit.
Atoms need a balance of protons and electrons for stability. Free radicals are atoms that are missing an electron which makes them unbalanced and unstable. This results in the atom damaging surrounding cells and tissues. When a photon of sunlight hits an atom, it knocks off an electron causing the instability and creating a free radical. Excess free radicals in the skin ca be inhibited by antioxidants.
SKIN VIT A+ £20 Vitamin A helps support skin cell renewal and promotes skin rejuvenation
SKIN OMEGAS+ £29 containing fish oils and Vit A, is recommended for overall skin health and hydration. It provides support for all skin types.
Last but not least, if you know you are going to be exposed in the sun for a prolonged period then wear a hat, the bigger the better in my opinion, your hair may not be great after, but your skin will thank you for it!
Still are not convinced that you should be wearing an SPF and looking after your skin internally…. Here is a photo of a lorry driver. Years of sun exposure to one side of his face whilst driving shows very clearly the effects the UV rays have on our skin.
Have a lovely month, Catherine x
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