Beauty
Why SPF is your most powerful anti-ageing tool
80% of premature signs of skin ageing come from UV rays. Meaning SPF is your strongest ally in combatting wrinkles and blemishes, and maintaining skin firmness. To help you age gracefully and enjoy the sun more safely, here is Oh My Cream’s handpicked selection of invisible-finish SPF products – enriched with advanced active ingredients – that can be effortlessly integrated into your daily skincare routine.
Why is sun protection so important?
The best anti-ageing routine includes: a perfectly formulated cleanser, an antioxidant-rich serum packed with active ingredients, an exfoliator to boost skin cell renewal, an eye cream to minimise signs of fatigue and, of course, a nourishing moisturiser. But an effective anti-ageing skincare routine will never be complete without sun protection... UV rays cause 80% of premature signs of skin ageing. And UV exposure isn’t simply limited to summer; UV rays are present all year round, constantly penetrating the atmosphere, even when it’s overcast. What’s more, UVA rays can even pass through windows. In short, the sun's rays damage our skin every day of the year.
The impact of UV exposure on the skin
There are several types of UV: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays penetrate the deepest part of the skin, right down to the dermis. They trigger changes in skin pigmentation (resulting in a tan), but they are also largely responsible for skin ageing. As they penetrate the skin, they generate free radicals – unstable molecules that damage skin cells and the key proteins involved in skin firmness and elasticity (collagen and elastin). This phenomenon, known as oxidative stress, leads to the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, and makes the skin thinner, rougher and less firm, resulting in a less even complexion.
UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. Under normal conditions, they don’t penetrate beyond the epidermis. However, they can disrupt skin cell DNA. Although they’re stronger in summer, UVB rays can damage and burn the skin all year round, particularly at high altitudes and in environments with reflective surfaces, such as snow or ice.
Finally, UVCs are the most dangerous, but they are absorbed by both the ozone layer and oxygen in the atmosphere, before reaching the earth's surface.
There are 4 SPF levels:
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6 to 10: low protection
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15 to 25: medium protection
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30 to 50: high protection
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50 and over: very high protection
Each SPF (Sun Protection Factor) corresponds to a percentage of UVB blocked. For example, SPF 20 blocks around 92% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks around 95%. Finally, SPF 50 will block 98% of UVB rays. Even if the difference in the percentage of UV rays blocked is not enormous, increased protection will still be more effective, and a high level of protection is always more appropriate – especially if you have fair skin. If you have dark skin, depending on where you're going you could opt for a medium to high protection factor. In all cases, however, sun care products can only deliver effective protection if you follow certain golden rules when applying them.
How to use sun protection correctly?
The various tests used to assign protection scores to sun care products are carried out under certain conditions. Unfortunately, these conditions are far removed from everyday use. For example, when measuring SPF on the face, about half a teaspoon of sun protection is applied – a far greater amount than what we tend to put on as part of our routine.
Our best sun protection products for the face
The perfect mineral sunscreen for blemish-prone skin
Non-comedogenic and free from added fragrance, Dermalogica's Porescreen SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen is the perfect 100% mineral sun protection for blemish-prone skin. Its formula combines Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, Vitamin E, Squalane and Green Microalgae to protect skin from the sun’s harmful effects, reduce sebum production, improve the appearance of pores and even out skin tone. What's more, with its encapsulated pigments, it leaves behind a beautiful, discreet glow...
The super-practical sunscreen stick or makeup touch-ups, for protection on the go
Last but not least, Rudolph Care's Sun Stick SPF 50 is a handbag must-have. Perfect for on-the-go use and easy to apply, it provides good coverage – helping you protect sensitive, sun-exposed areas, such as the lips, ears, nose and neck. Fragrance-free and boosted with Vitamin E and Shea Butter, it’s a nourishing travel essential! And when touching up your makeup in the middle of the day, why not use Oh My Cream Skincare's Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 20 – a multi-use powder, with integrated sun care, that corrects and conceals.
Should sunscreen be washed off at the end of the day?
Whatever sun care you opt for, don't forget to thoroughly cleanse your face at the end of the day to efficiently remove all sunscreen filters, using an oil or balm makeup remover. After this initial step (that effectively emulsifies your sun care product), use a cleansing gel for optimal results and a full double cleanse.
How best to protect your skin in the sun
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Apply sun protection generously. For your face, adopt the ‘mille-feuille’ technique (skincare inspired by the famous French dessert composed of multiple cream and pastry layers!) by overlaying your sun protection. Apply a first layer of sunscreen, wait for it to be fully absorbed, then repeat.
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Choose the right product. Sunscreens with a creamy or lightweight, milky texture are the easiest to apply to your face, whatever your skin type. For your body, treat yourself to sensorial sun care. Sun oils, sun mists or sun lotions? The choice is yours… Simply pick your preferred texture!
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Re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours. This may seem excessive, but it's the only way to guarantee you’re really benefitting from the full effect of your SPF product – especially in summer, when swimming, towel use and sweating puts your sun protection to the test...
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Renew your sun care products every year. Sun filters are fragile ingredients; variations in temperature and frequent contact with the air when opening and closing the product can upset the formula. To avoid any doubts, it's best to start each summer with new sun care products. In theory, if you've applied your sunscreen generously enough, your sunblock bottle is likely almost empty anyway...
Our last few sun protection tips:
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Even with sun protection applied, avoid sun exposure between 12pm and 4pm. During this time, ultraviolet rays bombard the epidermis, provoking skin ageing (whatever your phototype)...
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Pay close attention to particularly sensitive areas: your ears, hairline, décolletage, hands and feet... These delicate areas are easily (and quickly!) prone to sunburn and redness.
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Ensure your travel bag features the right accessories for maximised protection: sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a t-shirt or a loose-fitting blouse…
Still have a question about what SPF products to integrate into your skincare routine, or need help finding the right sun protection for your skin? Write to us at hello@ohmycream.com – our beauty experts will be happy to assist you!
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