Most of us already take care of our skin when we are on a beach holiday, applying a high SPF skin cream or lotion before we sunbathe. However, how many of us use a daily SPF cream or lotion, even during the winter or on dull days? And why do we need to? Make SPF part of your daily skincare regime.
The skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and hypodermis. Premature ageing occurs when the collagen in the dermis is damaged from UVA rays penetrate the epidermis. And because 80% of UVA rays can penetrate even through clouds, it is not enough just to wear sun cream on hot, sunny days here or abroad. UVA rays can even penetrate glass, so beware sitting in full sunlight by your window without wearing protective cream.
As we age, our collagen levels naturally decrease and unless we protect our skin by using a daily SPF screen, the collagen that does remain in our dermis will be depleted further, causing saggy skin and deep wrinkles.
Unfortunately, beauty is not just skin deep, nor are the negative effects of sun damage. We may joke about our ageing spots and wrinkles, but if we understood the potential damage that our love of the sun and lack of sufficient protection caused at the cellular level we might change our habits. We are all taught that sun damage is a major contributing factor to skin cancer and other serious skin diseases, so the only answer is to start with the top layer of our skin: the epidermis.
How can we incorporate SPF into our daily skincare routines? First of all, establish a non-time consuming routine with the focus on nourishing your skin at night (you don’t need SPF at night) and protecting your face, neck and chest area during the day. Choose a range of product that contains SPF in the moisturiser, primer and foundation. That way, you can be sure to be adequately screened not only from UVA and UVB rays but also other potentially skin-damaging environmental aggressors, such as pollution, free radicals and drying wind and weather.
And don’t forget if you want a fresh, glowing complexion always drink plenty of water, get good sleep and exercise regularly. As in all women’s health matters, there is no magic pill. A whole-body approach is needed and when it comes to skincare, nothing can beat a simple, but daily routine.
