Essential Summer 2018 Beauty - Sun Protection Factor - Wear Your SPF

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

The Fitzpatrick Scale or how to choose your SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

TheFitzpatrick Scale or how to choose your SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

                                                       

The Fitzpatrick Scale (also Fitzpatrick skin typing test or Fitzpatrick phototyping scale) is a numerical classification schema for human skin color. It was developed in 1975 by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, MD, of Harvard Medical School, as a way to estimate the response of different types of skin to ultraviolet (UV) light.

The Fitzpatrick Scale or how to identify your SPF (Sun Protection Factor) strength. SPF 30, the one I use, is for Type 2 skin, fair but tanned needing effective protection. Find your skin type for essential all year round skincare, especially during the Summer months - DC

Zinc-based Sunscreens

Zinc-based sunscreens reflect UV rays, while lessening aging, free-radical 

damage. The importance of zinc physiologically is especially evident 

in studies of wound healing and inflammation reduction. Dietary 

zinc deprivation causes moderate to severe dermatitis - a skin condition 

or rash. Our skin is in a continuous state of renewal, placing a high demand 

on zinc-based enzymes and proteins which direct this process.

For a moment forget aging, or smoking or never using a moisturiser, it 

is the sun which causes skin the most damage. UV filters have been
manufactured for use in sunscreen products for the past forty years.
Always apply sunscreen generously to block out both UVA and UVB rays.
Protect yourselves from premature skin aging, and skin cancer which is on
the increase, particularly in women in their late twenties. Use zinc-based
sunscreens to reflect UV rays, while lessening aging, free-radical damage.

      Badger Balm Damascus Rose Face & Body Sunscreen SPF16

The Badger Balm Damascus Rose Face & Body Sunscreen SPF16 pictured
uses safe, effective mineral Zinc Oxide in a base of antioxidant-
and nutrient-rich extracts to protect and restore delicate facial skin
in particular. This is a light, restorative, and nearly invisible sunscreen
for the face which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Ideal for
everyday use, even under makeup. Non-Comedogenic (non-pore
clogging) and organic, it's Active Sunscreen Ingredient - Non-Nano,
Uncoated Zinc Oxide 10.55%. 25.1ml £12.49.