Why sun protection should be your number one anti-ageing ritual
The importance of daily sun protection
With a direct link between sun exposure and skin ageing, there has never been a better time to arm yourself with SPF protection.
No matter how perfect our skincare ritual, we need to consider daily sun exposure as ultraviolet (UV) irradiation from the sun damages human skin which causes it to age prematurely. UV rays can damage skin cells directly causing ageing factors such as degradation of skin collagen and inhibition of collagen production. UVA (remember this as ageing) specifically affects ageing due to the depth at which these rays pass through the skin whereas UVB (remember this as burning) is a shorter wave and is mainly absorbed in the upper layers of the skin. Repeated exposure to UVB can however cause formation of wrinkles through loss of skin elasticity in addition to sunburn.
The primary environmental aggressor that causes human skin ageing is UV irradiation from the sun however our skin faces daily battles from both inside and outside our homes. Ambient pollution can induce oxidative stress in the skin which can impair skin structure and function. In addition, low humidity and low temperatures can lead to a decrease in skin barrier function.
Photoageing refers to the changes in skin that has suffered chronic sun-exposure, particularly visible from middle-age. To help reduce the potential effects of photoageing it’s important to commit to a daily sun protection ritual, no matter the weather, all year round. And while we might not spend all day outside, glass typically found in homes and offices generally blocks UVB but not UVA rays. The same goes for windows on airplanes, trains and buses. Therefore, it’s important to choose a product with a high level SPF complete with broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays and that meets global SPF testing requirements.
Sun protection is not just for summer so incorporate a daily sun lotion into your morning skincare ritual that features a blend of sunscreen agents offering broad spectrum protection against UVB (burning) & UVA (ageing) rays. Select a sun lotion that provides high level SPF 50 protection and that possess antioxidant properties to help shield against an array of environmental aggressors. Apply evenly to face, neck and décolletage 20 minutes before sun exposure and gently massage into skin until completely absorbed. Reapply every 2 hours or after towel drying, swimming or perspiring.
Providing a high level of sun defence complete with broad-spectrum protection, discover our UV Defence Lotion SPF 50 High Protection Lotion PA++++. The ultralight, oil free formula, is suitable for all skin types, absorbs easily and sets a perfect foundation for makeup with a non-greasy, non-whitening finish. In addition, our farm grown botanical extract complex contains naturally occurring antioxidants which help to protect, hydrate and soften skin.