FACE | PLEASE DON'T GO LEAN ON YOUR SUNSCREEN, EVEN IN WINTER!

Sunscreen is crucial to protect our skin from UVA and UVB rays. But did you know it also protects from High Energy Visible Light from all that extra screen time we are getting of late?

Regular readers will know that I’ve covered sun creams and SPFs here before, (look out for my reminder cheat sheet at the bottom of this blog!) but let’s take a look at some of the latest products and innovations I’ve been reading about and testing across the skincare industry…

These impressive SPF's help prevent a range of other skin concerns such as facial brown spots, reduces the appearance of red veins and protects against photoaging. SPF's are hugely important for everyone's daily skin regime but also help make your skin look great too!

Nimue Tinted SPF 40 - €45.50 

These days we are wearing a lot less makeup but it’s still nice to gussy up for that daily zoom call. Nimue’s Tinted SPF 40 will not only protect your face from harmful UVA and UVB rays but also from High Energy Visible Light from Smartphones, computer screens and blue light so you can look good and feel protected. 

Nimue Sun-C Environmental Shield SPF 50 - €60.00 

We may not be basking in the sunshine just yet but SPF is a massively important part of our everyday skin regime. The Sun-C Environmental Shield will protect the skin from free radicals and offer high protection against the key causes of premature ageing; UVA, UVB, Infared and – the lesser-known pollutant – High Energy Visible Light from Smartphones, computer screens and blue light, which we are all using a little bit more at the moment.  

 Dermalogica Invisible Physical SPF €59.00 

100% blendable. 100% physical. Invisible on all skin tones. 

Say goodbye to the thick, white residue that physical sunscreens leave behind. Introducing Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30, a weightless, all-physical sunscreen that blends easily on all skin tones, helps defend against UVA/UVB and blue light, and soothes all skin types, including sensitive. This crowd-pleasing formula has it all: 

·         Ultra-sheer Zinc Oxide for Broad Spectrum/blue light protection. 

·         A Bioactive Mushroom Complex, which helps soothe skin and reduce UV-induced redness and dryness. 

·         Antioxidant Green Tea to help fight free-radical skin damage. 

·         No chemical sunscreens, artificial colors and fragrances. 

·         Certified cruelty-free, gluten-free and vegan to fit more lifestyles. 

  Finally, people of all skin tones and types can love a physical sunscreen – and wear it every day for critical defense. 

Let's get physical. 

Do you know the difference between physical and chemical sunscreen? Get the facts from Dermalogica skin therapists, along with your personalized sunscreen picks, powered by Artificial Intelligence. Visit invisiblephysical.com 

Yon-Ka Paris SPF 50 UVA – UVB €39.50 

This high protection face sun cream is fragrance-free, rapidly absorbed and is perfect for fair skin 

that does not tan easily. It is suitable for all skin types during sun exposure. Skin hydration is 

maintained and helps the skin fight oxidative stress and photo-aging. Containing 3 teas polyphenols 

and liquorice extract which revitalizes and protects the skin 

Image Skincare Prevention+ Matte Moisturizer (SPF 32) 95ml-€47.50 

This oil-free, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen delivers high sun protection in a mattifying, antioxidant-rich base that’s perfect for oily and acne-prone skin types. Micro-sponge technology absorbs surface oils and gives skin a flawless, shine-free finish. It doubles as a protective primer to create a healthy glow before makeup application. 

Image Skincare Prevention+ Lip Enhancer (SPF 15) -€30 

Hydrating, restorative lip complex with SPF 15 protection for everyday use. Formulated with marine collagen microspheres that promote the look of plumpness and fullness in the lips. Thoughtfully formulated to be reef-friendly without the sunscreen actives octinoxate and oxybenzone, and free of parabens and artificial fragrances. 

NUXE Sun Fluid SPF 50 (€20.00 50ml) 

This new SPF 50 light sun fluid for the face protects skin from the sun’s rays and prevents cellular photo-ageing. Enriched with a Water Hyacinth extract, its water-resistant formula strengthens the skin barrier to protect from dehydration and enhance tanning. Its ultra-convenient pocket format is designed to be shaken before application to provide a light non-sticky texture with a “bare skin” effect. 

04 Skin Shield SPF 50 PA+++ (€42.00, 50ml) 

Skin Shield SPF is not only your daily broad-spectrum SPF, it’s your primer, with a peachy tint and a dewy finish – no need to stress about a chalky white cast and no photo flashback. Non-comedogenic, oil-free, water-resistant and non-greasy, so it’s perfect for all hoomans®, and provides UVA, UVB, HEV and pollution protection. Suitable for all, particularly sensitive skins, in the AM. 

ULTRA UV PROTECTIVE DAILY MOISTURISER SPF 30 HYDRATING €49.00 

This broad spectrum SPF 30 daily moisturiser  offers triple skin protection (UVA, UVB and antioxidant) with a boost of hydration. This non-whitening fast absorbing formula protects the skin from harmful UVA & UVB rays to help prevent the signs of premature skin ageing.  

When used daily as directed this skin anti-ageing must-have works to help prevent the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture and loss of firmness, leaving the skin looking more youthful and radiant. 

NOTE BB Cream - €11.95 

BB Cream balances your skin tone and provides natural coverage. Its moisturising and nutritious properties smooth your skin and help conceal dark spots. It illuminates your skin. Wheat Germ helps your skin look younger and healthier. Citrus skin and grape extract help diminish dark spots and skin imperfections. Vitamin E protects your skin against environmental factors. Sunflower oil helps even out skin tone. SPF 15 

Hopefully that list will give you a lot of different SPF options - but not too many! SPF can be a minefield, so to help you navigate the product info above, I’ve also compiled a bit of a cheat sheet for you: Read on to find out more…

 1. What are UVA and UVB?

Simply put, UV rays is the umbrella term for ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. These rays are broken into two categories: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are the longest light on the spectrum and are present all year round (yes, even if it’s cloudy). They penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for 90% of visible skin ageing as well as more concerning factors like skin cancer.

UVB rays, on the other hand, are responsible for sunburn and are at their strongest in the summer months. Make sure you’re protecting your skin from both with a hardworking formula.

2. How much SPF do I actually need?

There seems to be a ‘How long’s a piece of string?’ mentality when it comes to how much SPF to apply. Too little, and you won’t be properly protected. Too much, and your skin feels it’s enduring a cream overload. Aim for two tablespoons of SPF for your body and a pound coin dollop amount for your face. Remember, UV rays are present all year round and can penetrate windows, so you should be making sun protection a core factor of your skincare routine.

3. Isn't it all the same?

When you’re considering SPF it’s important to incorporate it in a way that’s effective and realistic for your lifestyle. For example, if you’re heading abroad a thin layer of SPF 20 on your face isn’t going to be sufficient. Shiseido’s SPF collection ranges from SPF 50 full face and body protection to a handy invisible stick you can shove in your handbag for those days you’re sitting in a pub garden and want a quick top-up you can apply over your make-up.

4. When should I apply it?

SPF should always be the final step in your morning skincare routine as applying further moisturisers after your sun protection can dilute it. If you’re heading outside, make sure you leave half an hour after applying your SPF to give it time to sink in and reapply. If you live in a city, choose an SPF that fights pollution as well as UV rays.

As usual, share your own faves & raves with me as always here in the comments or via our social feeds @thefwordsonline or @cathymartin xox

FACE | The DL and the WTH of SPF

“Nothing looks better in your 50’s than suncream in your 20’s”

Jennifer Garner

The DL and the WTH of SPF

We all know we’re supposed to use it, yet so many of us still skip sunscreen. If you’re young, count yourself lucky that we’re so much more clued up about UV damage these days and start using SPF today. We may not be able to turn back time, and of course it’s good to get a dose of Vitamin D when we can, but all of us can take a moment to protect our skin and help prevent further damage.

If you do like a tan, fake it with my favourite, He-Shi – so many products right across the range - and/or add a few drops of Tan Luxe or Clarins tanning drops to your regular moisturiser for a golden glow on the face. 

5 reasons to slather on sunscreen - rain, hail or shine ...

1. Depletion of the ozone layer has increased our risk of damage from ultra violet rays.

2. Not a single ray of sun is required for skin damage to occur; UV rays are out in force every day, every season (even here in the UK & Ireland!).

3. Sunscreen protects against skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the UK & Ireland, accounting for 31% of all cancers.

4. Sunscreen is the most powerful anti-ageing product. There is zero point in spending a fortune on the best skincare around if you don't add sun protection, end of. And if you only use one product on your skin, it should be sunscreen.

5. Products containing retinol, liquid exfoliants and some serums leave skin particularly vulnerable to UV damage and must be paired with SPF50+.

Sun Facts

• Most sun damage is done in our youth. (Count yourself lucky if you didn't grow up when SPF4 was the norm like me. I used actual olive oil on my skin in my teens, eek!).

• You can't layer SPFs. Makeup with SPF15 + sunscreen with SPF30 = protection of SPF30, not 45. Only the highest factor counts.

• Broad spectrum means you are covered for both UVA and UVB protection.

• SPF should be reapplied every 2 hours (more often if swimming, although please also think of the environment and the water pollution you can cause, so try not to jump straight in after applying, then reapplying and so on…)

• Sunscreen may be water resistant but not waterproof - and should always be replenished after swimming.

• Sunscreen has a shelf life and must be replaced every Summer to work optimally.

• SPF rarely causes breakouts; not removing it properly does. It's designed to stay around, so double cleansing is advisable for complete removal.

I like to use a separate SPF for my face as these are usually non-comedogenic (won’t block pores), have a lighter texture for under make-up and offer higher protection.  Always extend your facial sunscreen down your neck and décolleté - both of which are very delicate and equally prone to sun damage. I also apply any excess to the backs of my hands, one of the first areas to show signs of ageing.

My SPF tick list:

·                     high protection

·                     light, quickly absorbed formula

·                     no greasy feel

·                     no white cast

·                     won’t interfere with make-up application

·                     won’t cause breakouts

Which Sunscreen?

Choosing the best sun screen can be a bit of a minefield and with so many formulas available, it’s difficult to know where to start. Gone are the days of thick white creams that leave a white cast and greasy texture... facial SPFs are much more sophisticated now and as pleasurable to use as skincare. Speaking of which, SPF should be the last step in your skincare routine, directly before any makeup.

Note whether the active ingredients are chemical or physical sunscreens. Physical (often described as natural or mineral) sunscreens most commonly contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provide a physical barrier on the skin that reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals, which protect the skin by interacting with and absorbing ultraviolet energy.

The Hawaii state legislature recently passed a bill to ban oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals found in most non-mineral sunscreen products. Studies show that these two chemicals have damaged Hawaii’s marine environment, causing coral bleaching and possible coral death. If the bill becomes law (in 2021), it will affect most chemical sunscreens sold in the United States and force manufacturers to reformulate or stop selling these products in Hawaii.

Suncare Favourites

While you’re probably used lashing on the SPF to help protect your skin over the summer, there’s more you can do to protect your skin against the sun: namely, antioxidants. Antioxidants are a great way to help neutralise the visible effects the sun may have on skin (such as dark spots and wrinkles), so picking products with antioxidants can go a long way.

 Just to give you a quick recap about just what exactly antioxidants do - free radicals (or as scientists call them, “reactive oxygen species”) form in our bodies from different causes, particularly UV rays. These molecules are missing an electron, so they scavenge around for one and in this process, they cause damage to other cells. This is where antioxidants come in to save the day. By “donating” an electron to free radicals, antioxidants manage to neutralize them and halt or minimize the damage.

One of my faves is Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract; it is often credited as the source behind the flawless complexions of the Japanese and green tea has long been known for its amazing health benefits. It’s also a potent antioxidant, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products like the IMAGE ORMEDIC Balancing Antioxidant Serum €70.50…

And two of my all-time favourite products, the IMAGE VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum €76.00, and VITAL C Hydrating Antioxidant ACE Serum €67.00 are also formulated with green tea extract for a burst of antioxidant power.

Face:

• La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SPF50+ Tinted BB Cream (available in different formulas for normal-dry or oily) (RRP £17.00)

• ·Sisley Sisley Super Soin Facial Sun Cream SPF50+, 40ml (RRP £114.75)

• Eucerin SPF50 CC crème - ideal for sensitive skin (RRP £12.00)

• Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ (RRP £28.00)

• Tropic Tinted Skin Shade SPF50 (RRP £28.00)

Clarins Sun Care Body Cream UVA/UVB 30

• Eucerin Sensitive Protect Sun Lotion Extra Light SPF30 (RRP £18.00)

• Vichy Idéal Soleil Sun-Milk for Face and Body SPF 30 300ml (RRP £19.00)

•  · Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF30 (RRP £22.50)

For after sun I love LANCASTER After Sun Tan Maximizer (RRP £26.00) and then rich body oils, butter butters (my old faves The Body Shop butters are fab here and usually available in all airports) as well as Aloe products for anyone who has overdone it.