"Sunscreen doesn't need to be complicated or expensive - it needs to be consistent. Keep it simple but do it forever!" Hillary Fogelson
One key and simple ingredient which has been championed by dermatologists everywhere is the daily use of SPF, regardless of the climate you are living in. Below is a round up of the key reasons why.
Key Benefits
Protection from UVA and UVB rays
It is interesting to note that up to 80% of the sun's rays can still penetrate through the clouds. This means that even on cloudy days, when you assume you don't need protection, you still do. Snow, in other extremes, can also reflect up to 80% of UV rays increasing your risk of exposure to sun damage.
UV rays cause photo-ageing which manifests as a coarse, discoloured and leathery complexion due to the severe breakdown of collagen in the skin. Protecting your skin with the use of SPF most importantly not only halves your chances of contracting melanoma (skin cancer), it also protects the skin from premature ageing.
Maintain Even Skin Tone
Our skin naturally turns over every 28 days, however some marks or blemishes take much longer to heal. By wearing SPF daily you greatly minimise your chances of experiencing permanent hyperpigmentation marks from those traces left behind.
Defense Against Blue Light from Phone and Computer Screens
Other than UVA and UVB rays which are radiated by the sun, there is also HEV light to be aware of which are emitted from our phone and computer screens. A great portion of our time is spent inside (especially at the moment) and today's culture is extremely screen centric. Whether watching TV, scrolling through our phones or responding to countless emails on our computers, there are fewer hours in the time we spend awake where we are facing a screen, as opposed to not. Whilst detailed research on the effects of HEV light is still underway, from the facts available to us, we can ascertain that over exposure to HEV rays cause the same premature breakdown of your skin. For this reason, it is recommended to use an SPF containing Iron Oxide which can help to protect specifically from these harmful rays. In addition, using anti-oxidant serums such as Vitamin C can also help to further protect from these harmful rays. To read my post on the importance of using Vitamin C serum in your daily routine, click HERE.
See below to check out our #SkinFood favourite products!
Bare Minerals - Complexion Rescue Defense SPF 30
Bare Minerals has managed to create a line which ties together skin loving ingredients seamlessly with beauty enhancing effects. Their iconic Complexion Rescue Defense delivers SPF 30 with a light glow to keep you protected and feeling your best, especially on make up free days. This SPF helps to protect you from UVA and UVB rays as well as protecting you from HEV light.
Supergoop! - Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Used by skincare guru and aesthetician Shani Darden, Unseen sunscreen has become an absolute favourite thanks to its invisible, flawless and performance based formula. Unseen provides SPF 40 coverage and was also winner of Allure's Best of Beauty back in 2018. This SPF helps to protect you from UVA and UVB rays as well as protecting you from HEV light.