Category: Lifestyle | 2-Minute Read
Hi All
Hope you are keeping well and staying safe!
Have you ever thought that sunscreen was just for the warmer months and that in the colder months it is not really needed? Many may think this, but it is important to wear sunscreen all year round, as the rays are still there and can penetrate through the clouds and effect the skin.
Starting with the basics, there are two types of UV rays:
- UVA, which causes you to tan and in turn, can prematurely age the skin.
- UVB, which can cause sunburn potentially leading to Melanocytic nevi (moles, to you and me) [6] and even skin cancer [1].
For me as an acne sufferer, making sure that I am protecting my skin as much as I can from developing additional concerns in the future, is my main aim!
So, here are some SPF points to consider:
Anti-Aging Benefits… Oh Yes!
Let’s face it, we all want to avoid getting wrinkles and then going through the arduous journey of trying to get rid of them or even minimise them [2]. Fortunately, for me this is something I haven’t been affected by yet. However, anything I can do to minimise future concerns… I’m all for it, as wearing sunscreen can have some anti-aging benefits, which is just another reason (besides the obvious) for lathering on the SPF every day! [3, 4]
SPF 50 All The Way… For Me Anyways…
For as long as I can remember, I have always used SPF 50 on my face and body. It originally took me a while to work out which product was suitable for my skin and there was a lot of trial and error. Subsequently, I have found the product that for many years has worked for me (La Roche-Posay [4]). However, this product may not be suitable for everyone and it is extremely important to ensure you read the advice label, on any product. If you feel that your current SPF isn’t working for you, then please speak to a medical professional, they’ll be able to guide you on what may be a better alternative.
If you experience any reaction to products you are using such as: itchiness, stinging, spots or redness, please stop using it immediately and wash your face. If required, seek medical attention.
SPF Indoors Too!
As working from home has become the new normal, it can be easy to diverge from your usual routine and as SPF is usually associated with the outdoors, you may feel it is unnecessary whilst around the house. As Dr. Natasha Verma says… ‘if you can see out of your windows, the sun is there…”. So, whether you are working from home, or if your work requires you to be away from your home, in which case, you will be exposed to more direct-sunlight. Please remember her words, and read her blog about the importance of wearing SPF indoors.
Top It UP… Every Two Hours When Outdoors
So, this can sometimes be easy to forget to do!… however, just as you would in the warmer months, it is important to top up the SPF every two hours [5] even in the colder months. Whether it’s just going about the usual day to day activities or getting that much needed exercise. When I find myself outside of my house, carrying a small bottle around with me, allows me to top up as and when I need to.
If I know I am going to be outside, I need to make sure I apply my SPF at least 30 minutes before I leave the house. Therefore, it’s important to read the instructions very carefully to ensure you are applying the SPF in the best way possible, to ensure its effective when you need it most!
The content of this blog might not be suitable for everyone. One of the many lessons I learnt about my skin is that is it so important to speak to the right person to ensure you are getting the right care for your particular skin type. Speaking to the right person means you will receive bespoke and effective skincare advice!
For bespoke advice, contact Skin NV for effective solutions for your skin and hair concerns.
Have a lovely week!
Punam
References
[1] Mohania D, Chandel S, Kumar P, Verma V, Digvijay K, Tripathi D, Choudhury K, Mitten SK, Shah D. Ultraviolet Radiations: Skin Defense-Damage Mechanism. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2017;996:71-87.
[2] Ganceviciene, Ruta et al. “Skin anti-aging strategies.” Dermato-endocrinology vol. 4,3 (2012): 308-19.
[3] Shanbhag S, Nayak A, Narayan R, Nayak UY. Anti-aging and Sunscreens: Paradigm Shift in Cosmetics. Adv Pharm Bull. 2019 Aug;9(3):348-359.
[4] Gabros S, Nessel TA, Zito PM. Sunscreens And Photoprotection. 2020 Sep 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan
[5] Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+ | Sun Care | La Roche-Posay (laroche-posay.co.uk)
[6] Rungananchai C, Silpa-Archa N, Wongpraparut C, Suiwongsa B, Sangveraphunsiri V, Manuskiatti W. Sunscreen application to the face persists beyond 2 hours in indoor workers: an open-label trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2019 Aug;30(5):483-486.
[7] Barón AE, Asdigian NL, Gonzalez V, Aalborg J, Terzian T, Stiegmann RA, Torchia EC, Berwick M, Dellavalle RP, Morelli JG, Mokrohisky ST, Crane LA, Box NF. Interactions between ultraviolet light and MC1R and OCA2 variants are determinants of childhood nevus and freckle phenotypes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2014 Dec;23(12):2829-39.
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