You've probably heard that the best skincare in your 30s and 40s is sun protection (and also the fact that SPF isn't just for the beach or the sport-watching side lines). But, did you know that a good SPF does way more than just protect your complexion from UVA and UVB rays? In fact, applying SPF every morning is a crucial part of your daily skincare regime for all sorts of reasons – past, present and future. From sun time to screen time, SPF is your skin's BFF.
LET'S TALK BROAD-SPECTRUM…
First things first, you need an SPF that's a broad-spectrum SPF, one that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays because both types of UV rays damage your skin differently. UVB rays are responsible for burning (sunburn and potentially skin cancer), while UVA rays – making up more than 90% of all UV radiation – are responsible for ageing (fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation). Broad-spectrum sunscreens include combinations of ingredients that offer full protection from both types of rays courtesy of a combination of ingredients including but not limited to zinc oxide, octinoxate, octisalate and titanium dioxide.
LET'S TALK TURNING BACK THE CLOCK…
While prevention is always better than cure, the new generation of SPFs do more than protect your skin in the present; they work hard from the first application to forgive your skincare sins of the past. Lamelle Helase Photo Repair Cream SPF 50 is one of the SPFs we stock at Skin Renewal. It can physically repair skin cells on an atomic level thanks to the fact that it contains Photolyase, a powerful DNA-repairing and DNA-correcting enzyme that physically corrects dangerous DNA breaks and "kinks" such as dimers.
LET'S TALK WHITE RESIDUE…
Gone are the days when the only way to wear sunscreen every day was to make peace with a greasy, ghostly white layer on your skin. The new, innovative formulations are the epitome of beauty with brains, sinking effortlessly into the skin, delivering glow-getting benefits and even giving your go-to makeup application a boost. An example of one of these "White residue be gone!" sunscreens is the anti-ageing, hydrating SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50. A high protection, broad-spectrum sunscreen that prevents sun-induced collagen breakdown, protects your skin from the ever-lengthening laundry list of environmental skin stressors and leaves your skin radiant and glowing – with absolutely no white residue.
LET'S TALK PIGMENTATION…
One of the most obvious signs in your 30s, 40s and 50s that you neglected to do your sunscreen homework in your 20s is pigmentation – dark marks and patches most often seen on the forehead, cheekbones, jawline and chin. Sure, it goes without saying that to prevent your pigmentation from getting worse, you should wear a good SPF every day, 365 days a year. But what if wearing a good SPF could improve the appearance of your existing pigmentation, too? Well, it can!
Neoretin GelCream SPF50 is an innovative daytime gel-cream and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen that supports epidermal exfoliation and renewal, combining potent anti-ageing and anti-pigmentation technologies. The Pigment Control System in this product, a combo of Kojic Acid and Retinol Glycosphere, intervenes at all phases of melanin production and synthesis, ensuring the highest quality pigment control while diminishing surface pigmentation to create a clearer, brighter complexion. Talk about an SPF superhero!
LET'S TALK STARTING THEM YOUNG…
The Heliocare range has two multi-tasking SPFs suitable for use on babies, toddlers and children – Heliocare 360 Pediatrics Mineral SPF50 and Heliocare 360 Pediatrics Atopic Lotion Spray SPF50. What makes these ultra-light, waterproof products "multi-tasking" is the fact that they protect young skins, meeting the highest photo-protection requirements while maintaining a healthy skin barrier – whether out and about in the sunshine or indoors in front of screens. Both of these products are designed with sensitive skin and eyes in mind, so less drama, more "Thanks, Mama!"
LET'S TALK FORMULATION OPTIONS…
Whether you prefer a gel or a cream, an oil-free formulation or a tinted option, our online skin shop has a multi-tasking, broad-spectrum SPF (SPF 30, SPF50 and SPF50+) for every skin type, skin condition and 'how it feels on the skin' preference. From dedicated SPF ranges like Heliocare to holistic skincare ranges like Lamelle, SkinCeuticals and NeoRetin, chat to your doctor or therapist at your next Skin Renewal appointment about which SPF is the perfect for your bathroom cabinet, handbag and beach bag.
TOP TIP: If you never leave home without foundation on, check out Heliocare 360 Color Gel Oil-Free SPF50 – the full-spectrum photoprotective "liquid makeup" SPF, available in three 'shades' (pearl, beige and bronze), that covers imperfections and evens out skin tone while repairing DNA, neutralising free radicals and hydrating your skin. And, because it contains silica, it gives your skin a matte finish.
As always, for more info on which of our SPFs is suitable for you and your lifestyle, visit our Online Skin Shop or chat with your Skin Renewal therapist the next time you pop into one of our 18 branches nationwide.