being crafted from iron and wood, this liquid
shield is made with a combination of two very
important components; mineral and chemical
UV filters. Together, they create a strong line of
defence against the skin-ruining effects of the
sun by targeting UV rays where it really counts.
Mineral filters form a physical barrier over
the surface of the skin which reflects UV
rays away from the body, limiting their impact
on the health of the cells. Chemical filters,
around 93% of UVB rays while an SPF30 only
manages to filter out around 97%.
Secondly, you need to look for products with a
high UVA star-rating to protect against the ageing
and collagen-destroying rays that turn soft,
plump skin into tough, leathery skin. An SPF
rating does not relate to both UVA and UVB
rays, so remember to only spend money on
products that can offer protection against both.
Finally, quickly check out the ingredients list.
If you notice mineral filters like Titanium
When the sun graces us with its presence it emits two types of
UV rays, both of which are incredibly damaging for the skin
on the other hand, pass through the epidermal layer and absorb any rays that have
successfully penetrated the skin before redistributing their energy elsewhere in the body
as heat, ensuring their DNA-damaging
powers are significantly reduced.
Along with minimising the possibility of
burning, this combination of filters will also
keep the skin looking clear, plump and youthful. A study in 2013 revealed that consistent
daily application of a broad spectrum sunscreen
(one that defends against both UVA and UVB
rays) prevented the skin from ageing when
compared to skin that wasn’t protected. In fact,
in four years, those who used sunscreen every
day were 24% less likely to show any increased
signs of ageing.
How to read the label
Let’s start with SPF. There are a lot of misconceptions about what SPF means and the numbers
that are used alongside this initialism but it
basically stands for Sun Protection Factor, and
was designed to be a quick way to tell how effective a product is at protecting against UVB rays.
When rifling through shelves of sunscreen, it’s
best to disregard anything below an SPF15.
Most experts will recommend going no lower
than factor 30 but the truth is SPF15 filters out
Dioxide or Zinc Oxide featuring high up in the
list then you can feel positive that the product
will provide your skin with a good level of
broad spectrum protection. You should also
look out for Octylcrylene, Avobenzone, Oxybenzone and Homosalate, which are classed as
chemical filters and are well-known for their
UVA capturing abilities.
Ways to maintain protection
So now that you are a fully paid up member of
the Sunscreen Appreciation Society, how can
you make sure that your skin health is protected
day after day? Once you have completed your
morning skincare routine, whatever that entails,
apply your sunscreen as the very last step after
your moisturiser and before make-up, if you
choose to wear any.
Don’t forget to take it down your neck, onto
your chest and massage some into any other
exposed areas of the body such as the arms
and hands, as these are the areas that get unexpectedly scorched on your drive to work or on
your lunchtime dash to the shops.
To top up your sun protection during the day,
try a mineral powder sunscreen which isn’t as
messy to apply and can be worn over make-up
without disturbing any coverage you applied
earlier in the day.
ISSUE #01 | SUMMER 2016 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 13