Sun damage, explained.

Sun damage, explained.
Arguably the most important step in any great skincare routine - sun protection. But what exactly are you protecting yourself from? Wrinkling, skin leathering and hyperpigmentation is happening with sun exposure - even if you can’t see it right now. But when you do, it’ll be much harder to reverse - even with the best of anti-ageing skincare. So let’s talk sun damage, and why you should protect your skin, come rain or shine.
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UVA, UVB and you. 



The sun emits many different types of radiation and while we all love sunny weather - the effects it has on skin aren't so bright, namely with UVA and UVB rays. It’s not all bad, UVB rays are known to stimulate the production of Vitamin D, but they're also responsible for skin tanning and burning. UVA rays have a longer wavelength and can penetrate beyond the skin surface, and while they’re not known for tanning or burning - they’re actually the rays that cause the most skin-ageing effects. 



Sun exposure is to blame for most of the visible skin damage and degradation - more than any other factor combined. Scientific studies across different countries over many years have shown that up to 90% of how young you look is down to how much sun exposure you’ve had. The consequences of sun exposure being leathering of the skin, increased wrinkling, reddening, hyperpigmentation and the tendency of sun-damaged skin to get more easily irritated and bruised.

 


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Let’s talk about sunscreen.



This conveniently leads us to sunscreen. They’re formulas which combine ingredients to help prevent UV radiation and skin damage and there are two types: Chemical and Physical. Chemical filters e.g. formulas with Oxybenzone, absorb harmful rays, converting and emitting them from the body as infrared. Physical filters like Zinc Oxide however sit on the skin surface and reflect UV radiation away from the skin. Think of Chemical filters as a sponge to trap UV radiation, and Physical filters as a mirror, bouncing UV light away from the skin.



With each, it’s important to opt for ‘Broad Spectrum’ protection, which protects skin from both UVA and UVB radiation. And to have the correct Sunburn Protection Factor (SPF) - the measure of length of time a sunscreen will keep you protected. Protection factor should be based on skin tone (fair, medium or dark), climate and length of exposure to the sun, for example, the lighter the skin tone and longer the exposure - the higher SPF you’ll want. Regardless of strength, no SPF usually gives adequate protection longer than three hours due to oxidation - so be sure to reapply regularly throughout the day.

 


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Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30.



Our solution? Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 is a silicone-free daily facial vegan sunscreen, with broad spectrum UVA/UVB and blue light protection. The mineral (physical) technology reflects the sun immediately, so no waiting to go in the sun, while we’ve used naturally-derived non-nano zinc oxide which has shown to be more environmentally friendly. Clean Screen goes beyond sun protection, too. By adding antioxidant-rich Passion Fruit Extract, skin is protected from harmful free radicals, with an improved skin barrier and boosted skin self defence. Lastly, Rice Extract not only soothes reddened skin, but gives a mattifying finish to combat sun-induced shine and excess oil for skin that looks fresh all day. Say hello to an easy-to-use sunscreen that makes skin look great, too.