why should i wear spf everyday?
Sunbathing on an exotic beach and enjoying the sun’s enriching rays – it is always hard to resist the incredible weather once summer comes around.
However, the truth is that over-exposure can be damaging to the skin. SPF (or Sun Protection Factor) is possibly the most important product that you can incorporate in your beauty and skincare routine. I am sure you are familiar with the importance and constant reminders from skin specialists to lather on sun cream in the height of summer or when we are heading to the beach, but we should be wearing SPF every day.
Yes, even if it is pouring outside, you should still be applying your SPF religiously.
The significance and prevalence of SPF in skincare has increased dramatically in recent years, with a large array of formulas, skin tints and skin type specific sunscreens being constantly released. So, why do you need to apply SPF every day and what benefits can this provide for you?
Keep reading to find out!
Let’s start with the basics.
What is SPF?
Within the beauty realm, SPF refers to sun protection for several areas of your body: your face, neck and chest. The sun emits UV rays known as UVA and UVB rays, and so SPF protects your skin against harmful rays that can lead to pigmentation, sunburn, premature ageing and in extreme cases, skin cancer.
In fact, there are two types of SPF – chemical and mineral (also sometimes known as physical).
What is the difference?
The difference between mineral sun creams and traditional sun creams is the list of ingredients. Mineral sun creams are a more effective way of protecting your skin because the ingredients sit on the surface of your skin and act as a filter as opposed to being absorbed into your skin.
Traditional sun creams (commonly known as chemical SPFs) provide a filter which is made up of small particles that are absorbed into the skin. Mineral sun creams or as they are also called, physical sun creams typically contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are not absorbed into the skin and have an excellent safety record.
Traditional sun creams protect against sun exposure by breaking down UV rays through chemical reactions. This means the UV rays are not absorbed into your skin but the chemicals of the sun cream are. Active ingredients such as Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate are effective in causing these chemical reactions.
Mineral sun creams, however, act as a physical barrier deflecting the harmful rays from your skin. The sun cream is not absorbed into your skin but sits on the surface acting as a physical filter.
Why might someone pick a mineral sunscreen over a chemical formula?
Dozens of studies in the last decade have examined the potential health hazards of small molecule sunscreen chemicals, including skin irritation or allergy, hormone disruption and skin damage that occurs when sunlight interacts with sunscreen chemicals. Many of these chemicals are known or suspected as hormone disruptors, allergens and carcinogens. By contrast, the ingredients in physical (mineral) sun creams, are natural and very rarely cause reactions, as they sit on the skin’s surface.
They contain large particles of ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that safely remain within the stratum corneum (outer dead layer of skin). Mineral sun creams are made up of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both natural active ingredients making mineral sun creams perfect for use on sensitive skin. In addition, zinc oxide is an anti-inflammatory and calming agent. This means that the use of mineral sun creams can actually help soothe conditions such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, melasma and acne.
Beyond the two obvious categories, there are a lot of options available. From serums, to sprays and creams to gels, there is a formula for every skin type, texture, and concern, all depending on what you are looking for.
When considering the SPF factor, we will always suggest that the higher, the better, particularly during the peak of the summer months.
90%!
That’s how much the sun accounts for the visible signs of ageing.
Want to prevent lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dull skin? This is where daily sunscreen comes in clutch.
By defending your skin against daily UV rays, you can maintain your youthful, healthy skin AND boost your pre-clinic and post-treatment results.
AlumierMD sunscreens are all broad-spectrum meaning they protect your skin against both sunshine rays (UVB) AND daylight rays (UVA). They come in a range of tints including a Sheer Hydration Tinted moisturizer and three shades of Moisture Matte full coverage.
Prefer non-tinted? You can choose between super lightweight, oil-free Clear Shield and nourishing oil-rich Sheer Hydration Untinted.
No matter your skin tone or type, we have a sunscreen formula you’ll love!
Book in your consultation with us today and discover the perfect sunscreen for your skin.
how much spf should i use?
We have found, that at most times, it is a lot more than you think. Ideally, you should be applying the length of three fingers. Make sure to cover your eyes, lips, neck and chest too. Ideally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. Of course, this may not always be achievable, so try and stick as closely to the guidelines as possible. A top tip? Why don’t you bag yourself a spray formula that can be reapplied over makeup for maximum protection.
Now that we know what sunscreen is and the different types, let’s delve into the reasons why you should use SPF every day:
- Protection against harmful UVA & UVB rays
- Reduction of signs of ageing
- It is more protecting than moisturisers/foundations with SPF
- It usually contains antioxidants
- It can protect yourself against antioxidants
- It can strengthen your skin barrier.
Our top sunscreen recommendations
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