124 HEALTH & WELLBEING
PROTECT YOUR SUMMER SKIN : BEYOND JUST SUNBURN
Rethink what your sunscreen can do for you . We want more from our skincare – and this includes sun protection .
We have up to 90 % control over how our skin ages . The remaining 10 % is beyond our control , as it involves intrinsic factors like genetics .
But it ’ s not just what we put on our faces that ’ s important , it ’ s how and when we apply too .
Dr Sonia explains “ Several studies have found that most people apply less than half of the amount of sun-cream required to provide the level of protection indicated on the packaging . You need half a teaspoon of sunscreen for your face and neck ( which equals to 2 finger length strips roughly ). I advise applying one finger strip and letting it absorb , then going over it again so you can cover any areas you ’ ve missed .
You should always reapply sunscreen every two hours after you put it on as the sunscreen layer on your skin get broken down by several things like direct exposure to sunlight or by sweating / being in the water
You should apply sunscreen all year round . We all know that the sun is at its strongest in the summer and you are more susceptible to UV damage , but that doesn ’ t mean that the risk isn ’ t present throughout the year . UV rays are present all year round , so make sure that SPF is a staple in your routine . UVA rays can penetrate through clouds , glass etc .
Along with sunscreen use , I ’ d recommend wearing protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt , pants , a wide-brimmed hat , and sunglasses . Look for clothing with a UV protection factor ( UPF ).
Dermatology expert Dr Sonia Khorana explains “ Extrinsic factors include pollution , the sun ’ s rays , IR , and HEV , which all trigger free radical damage and oxidative stress , leading to inflammation , accelerated ageing , and exacerbation of existing skin conditions ”
“ People don ’ t know what their sunscreen can be doing for them ”, Dr Sonia continues . “ We can effectively protect and shield against these damaging factors , along with their associated effects , through daily use of a hard-working hybrid sunscreen – one product which contains multiple hard-working ingredients to greater benefit your skin .”
A great tip is checking the UV index on your phone – When the UV index is 3 or more , the sun is strong enough to cause damage so take care and protect your skin .
Seek shade when appropriate . Remember that the sun ’ s rays are strongest between 11am to 3pm in the UK , but this can differ depending on where in the world you are . If your shadow is shorter than you are , seek shade .”
AlumierMD ’ s reformulated hybrid sunscreens Sheer Hydration and Clear Shield protect are enriched with effective ingredients to protect against six possible environmental aggressors .
THE ART OF LUXURY ISSUE 65 2024