The Importance of an SPF

With summer seeming like its finally arrived, I wanted to do a post on suncare and how important an SPF is. I tend to wear an SPF all year round, always choosing a moisturiser containing one and usually a foundation too.

 

Why is SPF important?

 

Skin damage from sunlight builds up with continued exposure, whether sunburn occurs or not. In addition to skin cancer and sunburn, other effects can include wrinkling, premature aging, and in time, an almost leathery appearance of the skin.

 

Suncream Splay an important role in a total program to reduce the harmful effects of the sun, along with limiting sun exposure and wearing protective clothing.

Keeping Safe In The Sun

• Stay out of the sun during peak hours. While these times may vary slightly depending on the season and and where you live, the hours between 10:00 (10:00 am) and 15:00 (3:00 pm) should be spent indoors if at all possible.
• Keep covered up. Floppy hats and large umbrellas work well but so do beach cover-ups and the like. Long-sleeved cotton shirts are excellent for hiking, cycling etc; see your sports store for special brands that allow breathing as well as cover-up.
• Use sunscreen on any exposed areas. There are heaps of lipcare and face care suncare products that are realy good.
•  Always reapply after leaving the water, as it’ll have washed off.
• Don’t forget hard-to-reach places. Don’t forget to cover the backs of your knees, back of your neck, elbows and back of your ears (if you have short hair). Feet should also be included if you are wearing sandals, flip-flops or going bare-foot. Even these places can hurt a lot with sunburn.
• Don’t lie in the sun purposefully seeking a tan. This is not only damaging to your skin but might burn you the first few times you try it at the beginning of the season. If you want to tan, do it gradually and sensibly, with short exposure and building up over time.
• Put a small amount of oil or sunscreen in your hair so you will avoid burning your scalp. Or cover it with a hat. Some shampoos and hair conditioners contain SPF protection.

 

My Suncare Picks

 

I'm a fan of three brands when it comes to suncream- Vichy, Hamilton and La Roche Posay. I feel they have really got the best selection in suncare.

 

 

 

 

 

*La Roche-Posay demonstrates its commitment to sun protection and sun education by donating €1 to the Irish Cancer Society since 2006 for every purchase of Anthelios Fluid Extreme 50+ as well as continuingly supporting The Melanoma Trust in their personal mission since 2009.*

 

Do you use an SPF?