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When we say ‘sun care’, what springs to mind? Lounging beside the pool? Summer holiday suitcases? Well, for Sun Care Awareness Week, we’re here to remind you that sun protection is an everyday essential, and not just for special occasions.
That’s right, everyone, no matter the weather, your skin type, tone or ethnicity, should be using sunscreen every single day – even if you’re spending the day inside, and even if you’re in the rainy UK.
What is UV?
- UVA has a longer wavelength and penetrates more deeply into the skin. It causes skin ageing.
- UVB has a shorter wavelength and reaches the outer layer of the skin, causing burning.
Although UVB rays are strongest in the hottest months of summer, they’re present all-year-round and can cause burning even when it’s cold. In fact, icy surfaces and snow reflect up to 80% of UV, meaning the rays strike you twice, and further increasing the risk of skin damage.
UVA rays remain steady and constant throughout the year. Penetrating through clouds and even windows, it couldn’t be more important to keep any uncovered skin shielded with an SPF.
Why should I wear sunscreen all year round?
UVA and UVB can both negatively affect skin health, and it’s important to know the difference. Put simply, UVA is associated with ageing, while UVB is associated with skin burning.
What SPF should I use?
To keep your skin as safe as possible, you should opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as they protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
That’s why our entire range of reef-safe sunscreen is proudly broad-spectrum. Plus, each formula boasts a whole host of skincare benefits too. From hydration to brightening, so you can reap those rewards all year long.
Seriously though, sunscreen indoors?
If you drive, we’re sure you’ve noticed that your tan deepens on the arm closer to the driver-side door of your car, showing that UV rays can work their way through a window. The same applies in the home.
Although domestic windows block most UVB rays, UVA rays still make their way through and cause skin damage while you’re indoors. What’s more, harsh fluorescent lighting and screen time can also expose our skin to blue light, accentuating the effects of UV damage.
The good news is that our Sun Day Facial UV Defence, Sun Stick and Great Barrier Sun Lotion offer blue light defence in addition to broad-spectrum UV protection.
How much sunscreen should I use?
When using a facial sunscreen, like Sun Day, squeeze the bottle along the length of your index and middle fingers, then apply onto your face, neck and ears. Rub any excess into the back of your hands to keep them protected too.
To keep the rest of your body protected, you should apply around a shot glass (or two tablespoons) worth of sunscreen.
Remember, you should reapply your sunscreen regularly throughout the day, and at least every two hours if you’re exposed in the sun.
The bottom line
For optimum protection, we recommend using an SPF of at least 50 every day to minimise the effects of harmful UV rays. Although fairer skin types can be more at risk, anyone and everyone can develop skin cancer, which is why it’s so important that we all protect ourselves.
And don’t forget, daily sunscreen use helps to dramatically reduce premature ageing too. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF daily and your skin will thank you later!
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*Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. Sep 27, 2013.
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