We’ve all heard that it’s important to wear sunscreen, but do you know why?
Our skin protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. When the ultraviolet (UV) rays hits unprotected skin, it causes DNA to change at a cellular level. This happens in the deepest layers of the skin known as the dermis. Because this damage happens in the deepest layer of the skin it can take years before damage becomes visible.
Sun exposure can have both a short and long-term effect on our skin:
Short-term effect generally involves sun exposure that leads to painful sunburn, the skin however is able to heal itself with-in a few days. Long-term sun exposure will however have more severe effects on the skin, leading to prematurely aging and increasing your risk in developing skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation people between the ages of 41-59 have a 74% chance in developing a type of skin cancer.
Prevention is better than cure
Sunscreen acts as a shield that protects our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and decreases your risk for developing skin cancer. Wearing a sunscreen daily lowers the damage caused to the DNA, thus having a much better long-term effect on your skin health.
What is SPF?
SPF measures the length of time that your skin is protected from the UV rays before you develop a sunburn. The SPF number is only a guide to its level of protection. As the SPF value increases, sunburn protection increases.
Not all skin types react to the sun in the same way. The time it takes to develop sunburn depends on your skin type, location and the time of year. On average it takes between 5 to 30 minutes.
UVA and UVB protection
Most sunscreens on the market protect us from UVA and UVB rays however these aren’t the only forms of light we are exposed to on a daily basis. High energy visible light (HEVL) can also contribute to skin damage increasing your risk in pigmentation. It’s essential in making sure your sunscreen protects you from all form of light giving you optimal protection.
The best sunscreen for you
When choosing a sunscreen, our aesthtician’s always recommend a SPF 50. Anything below this factor is simply not enough for our Namibian climate. A good sunscreen contains both UV blockers and powerful antioxidants to fight off the damage caused by the sun by neutralising free radicals and repairing DNA damage. A Sunscreen needs to fit your skin type, and choosing a sunscreen based on you skin will make it easier to use on a daily basis.
Gone are the days of sunscreens being a sticky cream, that makes you look white and ill when applying it.
Top 5 sunscreens at Aesthetic Centre Olympia
1. Heliocare 360 Water Gel SPF 50+
This sunscreen provides long-lasting hydration while meeting the highest photoprotection standards with broad-spectrum protection against UVB, UVA, High Energy Visible Light, and IR-A. The ultra-light, water-gel absorbs rapidly and leaves no white residue. This product is suitable for those with sensitive eyes it can also be used on all skin types including those with oily but dehydrated skin.
2. SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defence SPF 50+
This daily moisturising sunscreen protect the skin form UVA and UVB ray, providing the skin with optimal protection against sun-damaged that leads to hyperpigmentation and premature ageing. Suitable for normal to dry skin with few sensitivities.
3. ZO Skin Health Daily Sheer SPF 50+
This is a sheer matte sunscreen that absorbs quickly with an invisible finish. Daily sheer SPF protects the skin against UVA and UVB ray also providing additional protection against IR-A rays, and HEV light. Suitable for combination or oily skin. Does not leave a white residue. Water and perspiration resistant.
4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
This sunscreen has an ultra-light, moisturising texture that is instantly absorbed into the skin without leaving a white residue or stickiness. The non-greasy, invisible finish is suitable for normal, combination or oily skin types with any skin sensitivities.
5. Heliocare 360 Invisible Spray BODY SPF 50+
It’s a transparent continuous spray allows for comfortable protection of the body, this product is even effective on wet skin, thanks to its WET SKIN formula. The invisible and refreshing spray, is fast absorbing allowing it to be both water and sand resistant, perfect for outdoor activities. Suitable for all skin types for light and easy application.