We all know the frightening stats out there; that too much exposure to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. But, did you know that this also contributes to up to 80 per cent of visible ageing? Not by too much stress, too little sleep, or too much of a good time (especially over the holidays).
Those fine lines and age spots? They’re likely to damage from the sun. And, while many expensive scientifically researched products on the market claim to reverse the visible signs of ageing; prevention is always the best cure. “If you’re not protecting your skin from the sun in the first place, then there’s no need for you to look for products to treat age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation, as you’ll be fighting a losing battle. Plus, sun care is the least expensive form of anti-ageing product,” explains Bevan Lewis from sun care brand Everysun.
Research has shown that 95 per cent of the rays that make it to the Earth’s surface, and your skin, are UVA. Prolonged UVA exposure damages the collagen fibres in your skin. So, it’s not just long days on the beach that cause visible ageing. UVA exposure happens every time you walk to your car, that two-minute walk to into your office building from your car, outside on overcast days, or even sitting by a window. Therefore, avoiding the outdoors isn’t the answer — covering up, especially with sunscreen, is. Lewis recommends applying a ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreen daily. This will be stated on the label and it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
“Everysun’s Anti–Ageing Face Crème SPF 50 is specially formulated with VitaLock, an infusion of superfruits, antioxidants, vitamins and advanced UVA and UVB filters with photostability. This advanced complex protects against sun-induced skin damage, prevents premature ageing and promotes skin elasticity and firmness.”
He explains the SPF number is important as it’s the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers mean you are protected for longer (i.e an SPF of 20 means it will take 20 times longer for the skin to burn while using the product compared to without the product). “Also, look for a statement regarding ‘water resistance.’ This does not mean ‘waterproof.’ No sunscreen is completely waterproof or ‘sweatproof.’ The ‘water-resistant’ label must specify how long it will remain effective on the skin during swimming or sweating,” Lewis adds.
When it comes to how much sunscreen you should apply, and how much you are in fact applying, you’re probably not using enough to prevent the signs of ageing. SPF ratings are based on an application of two milligrams per square centimetre of skin. That works out to an average of a quarter teaspoon for your face alone, to ensure you’re getting the promised protection on the label. That’s substantially more than people think they need.
Use Everysun’s Anti–Ageing Face Crème SPF 50 as an everyday sunscreen and moisturiser to help fight the signs of ageing while protecting your skin from the harsh sun. Available at all leading retailers and pharmacies at a RRSP of 99.99.
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