We’re hoping that you’re clued up on how important SPF is for the overall health and appearance of your skin and have taken the necessary steps to avoid sun damage of any kind. If not, you’ve come to the right place - let’s get educated!
Applying SPF every day (yes, EVERY DAY - even when it’s cloudy) should be an absolute non-negotiable part of your skincare routine. Without it, you are exposing the sensitive skin on your face to unnecessary damage from sun exposure (think premature aging, sunburn, skin cancer, hyperpigmentation - nobody wants those, right?) If the Skin Gods had it their way, we would never allow our skin to come into contact with direct sunlight so if you want to be a skincare teachers’ pet, keep your face out of the sun where possible by wearing a wide brimmed sun hat at all times when out in the sun, sitting in the shade when you can and investing in a high protection, high star rating facial sunscreen. Not convinced yet? Check out our top five benefits of using SPF below:
Sun Protection
The primary and most vital benefit of wearing sunscreen is that it protects your skin from the sun by blocking its broad spectrum of harmful UV rays before they can penetrate your skin and potentially trigger a variety of skin disorders. Keep in mind that even the mildest of sunburns can have damaging effects so it is important to avoid this at all costs.
Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer
Fortunately for the sun worshippers among us, sunscreen is very effective in reducing the risk of developing a variety of skin cancers, especially melanoma which is known to be extremely aggressive and can be life-threatening. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, 80% of skin cancer cases are preventable, making it a smart decision to ensure you are adequately protected when outdoors.
Prevents Premature Aging of the Skin
You want to maintain that youthful, radiant, and healthy glow, right? Overexposure to sunlight can cause a breakdown of collagen in the skin, increasing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Prevention over treatment, my friends - you’ll thank yourself in 20 years!
Encourages an Even Complexion
Using sunscreen on your face helps to maintain an even skin tone and ward off dark spots or hyperpigmentation - both consequences of overexposure to heat and direct sunlight. Again, hyperpigmentation is notoriously hard to treat so we urge you to take the steps now to prevent this from happening to your skin initially.
Helps Keep Building Blocks Healthy
Overall, skin is going to look and feel healthier as a result of using SPF regularly. Essential proteins in the skin, like keratin and collagen, are protected when sunscreen is applied.These proteins are primarily responsible for keeping the skin smooth and healthy both in appearance and function - in other words, the building blocks of great skin.
Applying SPF daily may seem like an unnecessary step to add to your skincare routine, especially if you don’t spend long periods of time outdoors, but it should be a crucial step if you want to achieve optimum skin health now and in the future. We know, you dread it, but it’s really all about finding the right product for your skin - there are literally THOUSANDS out there, so don’t panic. (Side note - SPF’s themselves don’t cause you to breakout, but not removing it properly at the end of the day will.)
We prefer to recommend mineral SPF’s because they are the least likely to cause any irritation but any SPF is better than no SPF. Consider your skin type when choosing an SPF. Dry skin sufferer’s should opt for cream or gel-based products for an added boost of hydration, oily or acneic skin types should choose oil-free formulations to avoid clogged pores, and those with sensitive skin should look for oil-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products that contain fewer chemicals.
Our top four recommendations for SPF’s to try this summer are:
Shiseido Sun Expert 50+
La Roche Posay Anthelios
Dr Sam Bunting SPF
Heliocare 360
For more skincare tips and recommendations, connect with us on Instagram @33dowanhill or get in touch at info@33dowanhill.com.
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33Dowanhill
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