With thousands of products to choose from, new trends popping up daily and what seems to be an endless number of experts recommending different skincare tips and tricks, one thing that all dermatologists and skincare experts agree on is that SPF is a non-negotiable in any skincare routine.
Although some sun exposure is essential for our bodies to produce vitamin D, the sun's powerful rays can have a negative effect on our skin health. In this blog post, we explore the top three reasons why it's crucial to wear sunscreen every day if you want to maintain your skin’s health and vitality.
SPF – THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION
Before we get into it, it is important to note that no matter your age or skin type, everyone should be wearing a broad-spectrum SPF every day. When shopping for sunscreen, always look for a broad spectrum as this type of formula protects against both UVA and UVB rays and both SPF 30 and 50 will provide you with enough protection. UVA rays are responsible for premature ageing and UVB rays cause the skin to burn so SPF needs to be applied generously to the face and neck to protect against them. UV rays can even penetrate through clouds, so it is still essential to apply even if it’s a cloudy day.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO WEAR SPF EVERY DAY
- PREVENTS PREMATURE AGEING
The sun's UV rays accelerate the skin’s ageing process and cause it to lose its firmness and elasticity. As we age, our collagen and elastin levels naturally decline and exposing our skin to the sun can cause them to break down at a much faster rate. Lower levels of collagen, which supports the elasticity of the skin, means it can begin to sag and fine lines and wrinkles will become more prominent. Research has found that 80-90% of premature ageing is caused by sun exposure so applying sunscreen daily will help you delay the onset of premature ageing signs such as fine lines, wrinkles and sunspots.
- HELPS MAINTAIN AN EVEN SKIN TONE
Excessive sun exposure can lead to uneven skin tone because when the skin is exposed to the sun it starts to produce extra melanin which is the pigment that gives our skin its colour. Typically, this looks like dark patches on your skin and they’re most common on the face, chest and hands. Also known as sunspots, they are often difficult to get rid of and can affect people’s confidence and self-esteem. Wearing SPF helps to prevent the development of pigmentation problems and will help you achieve a more even and radiant complexion. If you already have sunspots, using ingredients like retinol and vitamin C can help them to fade.
- PREVENTS SKIN CANCER
Prolonged and unprotected UV exposure is the main cause of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen daily can reduce your risk of skin cancer as it blocks the UVB rays that cause DNA damage to the skin’s cells. People with lots of moles, a pale skin tone or who have had serious sunburn in the past can be more susceptible to developing skin cancer so if you fall into one of these categories it is even more important for you to wear SPF.
HEALTHY HABITS WITH GLIST
As well as making wearing sunscreen a daily habit, we suggest adding premium East Asian sheet masks to your skincare routine as a proactive step to help replenish your skin and maintain its overall health. Our Instant Rescue Purifying Mask gently calms and soothes irritated skin, encourages cell regeneration and restores the essential nutrients and hydration your skin needs after it has been exposed to the sun and pollution. It is the perfect rescue mask to use when your skin is feeling inflamed or irritated. As our skin naturally loses essential hydration every day, hydrating face masks can also help to keep your skin looking healthy. Using our Ultra Hydro Plumping Mask just twice a week will hydrate the surface and deeper layers of your skin to leave you with a deeply hydrated and more even complexion.