Protecting your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays is essential, but SPF comes with its own host of questions. We’ve teamed up with the experts at Ultrasun to answer some common SPF queries.
I’m not going on holiday this year, why do I need SPF?
We hear “should you wear SPF everyday?” a lot. The answer is simple: yes! Whether you’re heading for sunnier climates or just chilling in the garden, SPF needs to be a part of your daily routine.
“UVA rays are a year-round skin damager, penetrating cloud and glass and impacting cumulatively beneath the skin’s surface. Think UV “A” for ageing. 365-day UVA protection is particularly important for those looking to prevent and control existing pigmentation.”
Even if you’re just going for a stroll around the local park, your skin is still being exposed to harmful rays. Plus, with sun exposure linked to the appearance of ageing skin, SPF is a great tool in your anti-ageing arsenal to help maintain a more youthful-looking complexion.
“A good UV protection product now multi-tasks, delivering a lightweight, under make-up formula while also giving anti-ageing, anti-pollution, skin radiance and smoothing benefits, alongside the crucial high SPF and UVA filter as standard.”
We love Ultrasun‘s Face Essentials Trio, which boasts three SPF formulas specially designed for your face. Each one goes brilliantly under make-up as they’re super lightweight and sink into the skin quickly, while helping to keep your complexion moisturised. With classic Face SPF 30, a tinted version and a handy Face Mist SPF 50, there’s a formula to cover your skin whatever you’re up to, plus each one is a really quick step to tack onto the end of your morning routine. It’s facial protection without the fuss!
Another area of your face you shouldn’t neglect is your delicate eye area, which is not only prone to fine lines and wrinkles, but can just as easily get damaged by harsh UV rays. Choose a formula that’s designed to treat it, like Ultrasun‘s Eye Cream SPF 30. As well as delivering excellent sun protection, it works to reduce the look of wrinkles around your eyes, giving you instant, long-lasting results.
What can I do about pigmentation?
From prevention to how to get rid of pigmentation, uneven and patchy skin tone is a big concern. Once you learn what causes pigmentation, the solution seems simple.
“UV rays are chief instigators when it comes to uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation as it sends the melanin-producing cells, melanocytes, into a production overdrive that causes a patchy, uneven, blemished skin tone.”
Using SPF daily is your best defense when it comes to prevention, but how can you help existing pigmentation? Ultrasun has you covered. The Anti-Pigmentation Face SPF 50+ is formulated to help improve the look of the visible signs of ageing, including pigmentation, and features a blend of skin-loving ingredients such as hexylresorcinol and Ecotin. What’s more, this one comes in an amazing supersize, so you can stay stocked up for longer!
Ultrasun’s biggest pigmentation tip? Be careful with your fragrance!
“Sprayed directly onto skin, perfume is so aggressive that it undermines the skin’s ability to protect itself against UV damage. Perfume-covered skin becomes more vulnerable to sun damage. That means the level of protection you get from your sunscreen is diminished. That’s why you often see women with speckled pigmentation patches on their necks and chest.”
What do I do about sunbathing?
If the sun is shining, it’s fair to say that many of us will want to be outside, and a lot of us probably haven’t protected our skin well in past pursuits of a tan. Luckily, Ultrasun has a range of formulas, including Tan Activators for your face and body, that’ll help to keep you protected while you enjoy the warmer weather. If you’re keen to promote a gorgeous summer glow, don’t compromise on sun protection and instead opt for formulas like Ultrasun‘s Pre-Sun Tan Activator and After Sun Tan Booster, which will work to enhance your natural tan without prolonged sun exposure. Paired with SPF, you’re ready to head out into the sun. Here are some important tips to remember:
It’s all in the application
“Application is key. Apply liberally to all exposed, or potentially exposed parts of the body. The official guidelines state one teaspoon worth for the face. As a rule of thumb, use a teaspoon of sunscreen for each arm, leg, front, back and face including neck and ears.”
Know your skin and your formula
“Choose the right protection level for you, where you are and the temperature. Know the formula you’ve chosen, read the application instructions and, if advised, reapply as required, for example after swimming, perspiring or if you’ve rubbed it off.”
Protect more vulnerable areas
“For women it’s more likely on the shins and feet. The most common site for men to develop a malignant melanoma is on the chest, back and scalp. Lips are often forgotten and with no natural shade like the lower lip, the upper lip area in particular shows ageing from sun damage quicker.”
To ensure you’re covered from top to toe in stellar SPF formulas, why not check out Ultrasun‘s six-piece Discovery Collection? Boasting two formulas for the body, face and lips, every inch of your skin can be covered, so all you have to do is step out into the sun and enjoy.
Stay protected this season and check out the rest of the Ultrasun range here.
