Most of us are aware of the importance of wearing SPF during the summer months to avoid getting burnt, however, it should be considered a year-round preventive health measure, no matter your skin colour or tone.
Dating all the way back to ancient Egypt where rice bran extract and jasmine were used to help shield skin from the hot sun, sun cream has come a long way since then! Now, most SPFs are water resistant and can be found in many cosmetics and beauty products such as the Amare Vita all-in-one serum, moisturiser, primer and SPF dubbed The One.
Here are 5 reasons why you should incorporate SPF into your everyday skincare routine:
Protect against sunburn
UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and are thought to cause most skin cancers. Not only are sunburns painful, but they also have a direct link to the most fatal types of cancer. According to Healthline, “Even a single sunburn can increase a person’s risk of skin cancer. This is because when the skin absorbs ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, it can damage the genetic material in skin cells.” SPF defends the skin against UV rays by absorbing, reflecting and scattering sunlight.
Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds, so even on an overcast day, SPF is an important preventive health care habit that should be maintained, including throughout the winter months. Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, increasing your risk of exposure to sun damage. Also, the higher the altitude, the greater the UV exposure, so SPF is not only crucial for beach holidays but ski trips too!
Lower your risk of skin cancer
It’s important to properly protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays on your skin, even in overcast or colder weather. Incorporating a broad-spectrum SPF, such as Amare Vita’s The One into your skincare routine will not only protect your skin from harmful UV rays and pollution, but also free radicals – molecules in the environment that damage your skin by clinging to your collagen and weakening elasticity – while a host of antioxidants including Vitamins C and E work hard to deeply moisturise and enrich the skin.
SPF protects your skin and reduces your risk of developing skin cancer and skin pre-cancers. Applying sun cream alongside other sun protection behaviours – like wearing dark clothing and sunglasses – reduces the harmful effects of sun exposure. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation claims that regularly applying sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 15 reduces your chance of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and your melanoma risk (the deadliest skin cancer) by 50%.
Prevent the signs of ageing
Sunlight consists of UVA and UVB rays which are both harmful to our skin. Commonly used in tanning booths and beds, UVA rays are linked to long-term skin damage in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as being associated with some skin cancers.
Repeated sun exposure with little to no protection can cause a breakdown of collagen, damaging your elastin and skin cells over time, leading to premature signs of ageing, including discolouration and a thick, leathery appearance. Premature ageing – or ‘photoageing’ – is common in those who spend time in the sun without SPF, however, these skin issues are preventable with daily sun cream use.
Maintain an even skin tone
Sun exposure is the leading factor for unwanted skin pigmentation. Our melanocyte cells are stimulated by sunlight and produce more melanin when exposed to UV rays, resulting in a beautiful, sun-kissed tan in the short term, but can lead to our skin becoming unhealthy and damaged over time.
It can be difficult to live with areas of skin discolouration, especially when they appear later in life. They can develop on the face, head, hands and arms, and affect both women and men! Applying SPF throughout the day helps prevent redness, discolouration and dark spots, helping you maintain a smoother and more even skin tone.
Reduce inflammation
When our skin is regularly exposed to UV rays and for long periods of time, it can cause painful redness and inflammation. It can be especially challenging for individuals who suffer with skin conditions such as psoriasis or rosacea, however, wearing SPF every day helps to lessen and even prevent these symptoms over time.
If you are prone to redness or have sensitive skin, invest in an SPF that contains gentle ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and try to avoid sun creams that contain harsh formulas such as alcohol that can dry out the skin.
