Sunscreen - A Must This Summer
As we are entering the summer months, I think it is important to remind you of the utmost important skincare product you can have in your skin care routine during the hot sunny days - sunscreen.
While sunscreen should be applied on your face all year round, no matter the season, it is absolutely non-negotiable during summer, regardless of your skin type or skin concerns.
SUNSCREEN IS NON-NEGOTIABLE FOR A HEALTHY COMPLEXION
It is a widely known fact that ultraviolet (UV) rays , especially strong ultraviolet (UV) rays are extremely damaging to the skin. In the majority of cases, premature skin ageing is caused by environmental factors, especially UV rays. By using sunscreen every day, you can diminish the damaging effects that UV rays can have on your skin. The strong UV rays during the summer season can cause sunspots, uneven skin texture and hyperpigmentation. Using skin care products with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) will protect your skin of UV rays and will help you prevent uneven pigmentation and skin damage such as sunburns.
MISCONCEPTIONS
One misconception we noticed is that some seem to believe that choosing a foundation or make up products in general formulated with SPF is sufficient to protect your skin from UV rays.
Unfortunately, although having SPF in your make up products is better than wearing no sun protection at all, the SPF in your make up is not sufficient to substitute sunscreen.
The SPF found in make up products often protects against UVB radiation and do not offer protection against the UVA rays that will go through windows, clouds or rain.
UVA rays are the most dangerous to the skin and are the main cause for premature aging. So by relying on the SPF found in your make up to do all the work, you are failing to protect yourself against all UV rays. This is why it is crucial to apply sun screen, preferably with a high SPF, prior to applying your make up. It is also important to reapply sun screen throughout the day, every 2 hours, while you are exposed to UV rays - even indoors by the windows- to continuously keep your skin protected.
I cannot stress enough the importance of SPF for your skin. Sunscreen is the most important step in your skincare routine. If you are not using sunscreen on a regular basis, especially during summer, then all of the other skin care products you are using, not matter how good they are, will be essentially wasted. The skin damage you get from UV rays is the main cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation and melasma which means you will not get to see the benefits of the other skin care products you may be using to prevent or combat these conditions.
WHICH SUNSCREEN IS RIGHT FOR YOU
When it comes to SPF, there are a lot of options on the market. You should always pick the one that feels right on your skin. We normally recommend non-fragranced sunscreens, especially for face, as they work better on all skin types, even the most sensitives ones. We also recommend, especially during summer, to use only sunscreens with a SPF over 30, preferably reaching for a sunscreen with SPF 50. We narrowed down a list of our favourite sunscreen products for the summer.
SKINCEUTICALS ULTRA FACIAL UV DEFENSE SPF50
This is Dr Adil Sarwar’s favourite sunscreen all year round. This daily, moisturising sunscreen protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays and helps prevent visible signs of premature ageing and photodamage such as skin discolouration. Its lightweight formula is easily absorbed into the skin, sits perfectly under make-up and it is suitable for all skin types.
SKINCEUTICALS SHEER MINERAL UV DEFENCE
This is a great option for a mineral sunscreen. Formulated with titanium dioxide, the sunscreen rests on the upper layer of the skin preventing UV penetration. It is suitable for all skin types and leaves a lovely matte finish to the skin. This is a lightweight formula, perfect for summer.
SKINCEUTICALS MINERAL MATTE UV DEFENCE SPF30
Another lightweight 100% mineral sunscreen formulated to protect your complexion against UVA/UVB rays through titanium dioxide. What sets this sunscreen apart, is that it has been formulated for oily or combination skin, although it works wonders on normal skin types as well. It can absorb up to 15x its weight in oil to maintain a matt finish to the skin at high temperatures and reduces the appearance of open pores.
EFFACLAR DUO+ F30 40ML
This dual action daily mattifying moisturiser for acne prone skin provides immediate protection from UVA and UVB rays and long-term protection from pollution and infrared that can damage skin over time. The lightweight formula as designed for oily and acne-prone skin to noticeable reduce spots and help reduce the appearance of pigmentation marks.
SKINCEUTICALS DOUBLE DEFENCE C E FERULIC KIT FOR DRY AND AGEING SKIN
This is a fantastic, great value, limited edition box set including the best-selling CE ferulic and Dr Adil Sarwar’s favourite sunscreen – the Skinceuticals Ultra UV defence mentioned above. Skinceuticals CE ferulic was formulated through the scientific research of Dr Pinnell, one of the pioneers of topical vitamin C and quickly became the staple in the skincare industry when it comes to vitamin C. If you are not currently applying sunscreen on a daily basis, this would be the perfect time to invest in an SPF as we drift towards the summer months!
SPF – TOP TIPS
While we, at SKIN65, are very passionate about SPF and its benefits for a healthy skin, and could go on and on about this topic, we summarised the main top tips you need to keep in mind when it comes to sunscreen.
- Try to choose all year round a sunscreen with a SPF between 30 and 50. During summer especially, never use a sunscreen with a SPF lower than 30.
- Use sunscreen on a daily basis, all year round, especially during summer - even if working indoors around windows.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while you are exposed to UV rays.
- Make sure your sunscreen is “broad spectrum” and it protects from both UVA and UVB rays, unlike the SPF you usually find in make-up products.
- Never rely on SPF in make-up products and always apply sunscreen under make-up