A Summer beauty routine is incomplete without the addition of essential protection for your skin from strong, harmful UVA and UBV sun rays. UBV rays cause sunburn. UVA rays penetrate the epidermis more deeply, reaching into the dermis, the skin's thickest layer, where most skin cancers occur. Both UVA and UBV sun rays cause premature ageing of the skin - dryness, wrinkles, age spots. Prolonged ultraviolet exposure may also cause cataracts and eye cancer, so shield your eyes as well. SPF or Sun Protection Factor is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn. Applying a SPF cream, oil or lotion with UVA/UBV filters is completely essential and it is essential all year round. A 'broad-spectrum' or 'full-spectrum' sunscreen protects from both UVA and UBV damage. Only sunscreens with a value of SPF 15 or higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.
My go-to SPF, for the glow it gives my skin, is P20 by Dutch company Riemann. It's an oil containing alcohol so rub between the palms to evaporate the alcohol and then apply. P20 is recommended for wear under a moisturiser or make-up so it is suitable for the face. Stocked at Superdrug, £17.99 for 100ml. P20 is highly waterproof.
Or have you tried UV Water, the next generation SPF? Garnier, SPF experts since 1935, have just launched Ambre Solaire UV Water Clear Sun Cream Spray, £8 for 150ml. A 'biphasic' formula, it protects from UVA/UBV, and hydrates with Aloe Vera water. Water resistant, this UV Water Spray feels velvety and gives a softness and a glow to the skin. It contains alcohol but it's refreshing and applies just like water. Shake vigorously as instructed and spread this liquid cream SPF with a rotating movement all over the body. Do not spray directly onto the face - rub between the palms first and then apply, avoiding the delicate eye area. Enjoy your Summer. Wear your SPF! - DC
