Why We Swear By SPF 50!
If you’re not already using a high SPF in your daily skin care regime now, we hope you will be by the end of this article!
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures the level of protection a product will give you from UVB. The British Association of Dermatologists recommend always using a minimum of SPF 30, which blocks 97% of UVB.
There are three different types of UV rays. (UVA,UVB & UVC). The main ones of concern to us are UVA and UVB. These ultraviolet rays penetrate deep into the skin causing damage to both surface and deeper skin layers.
These rays are the cause of sun damage which presents itself in the form of dullness, uneven pigmentation and loss of skin elasticity. More severe effects include wrinkles, sagging and eventually skin cancer.
While we know that everyone is keen for that bronze glow, it comes with longer lasting issues that people tend to forget. Not until years later do they regret their lack of protection when skin starts to form rough patches and/or sag.
Logically, those with fair complexions should always opt for a higher SPF where possible, but we recommend SPF 50 as standard for all patients. Those with fair skin and hair, light-coloured eyes, freckles and/or moles, present the highest risk.
It is also important to note that UV rays CAN PENETRATE GLASS! Yes, that’s right! So even if you’re staying inside on sunny days, it’s important to still wear protection. The easiest way? Incorporate it into your daily skin care regime!
Your sun protection should be applied after your moisturiser and before your foundation. This protection should be re-applied every two hours for the best results and in order to be effective. Even on winter days! It is recommended by leading dermatologists and doctors to be applied all year around.
Our recommendation comes from the Obagi medical range. The Obagi Sunshield Matte SPF 50 is our first choice for a high factor sun cream. This is because it is a physical suncream containing the miraculous healing and light reflecting mineral zinc oxide. This means that the UV rays are reflected off the skin rather than absorbed by toxic chemicals that are found in standard chemical suncreams such as Piz Buin. Zinc oxide has outstanding anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties, aiding in reducing inflammation and redness of the skin, and is excellent to use on sensitive, dry, oily and acne prone skin, as well as post aesthetic treatments such as peels. The Obagi Sunshield Matte SPF 50 is also perfume and oil free, meaning it causes no irritation to the skin, and those nasty breaks outs that most other sun creams tend to cause on the face. And, lastly, anything under an SPF 50 does not give a sufficient amount of protection against the damaging effects of UV rays, that cause skin cell breakdown, destroying collagen and prematurely wrinkling and ageing the skin, along with inflammation and pigmentation. Want to stay young? Well this product is a must!
Stay safe, Love & Light,
Katie & Daniella x