As sunny days become regular, it is important to take steps to prevent sun damage. Protecting the skin from the sun has been a key conversation topic within the skincare industry, as awareness of sun damage rose in the past years. We want to join the discussion and share some key information and tips, ahead of the upcoming sunny days.
The sunscreen conversation
In the past couple of years, sunscreen has become one of the most coveted skincare items. With beauty influencers and specialists spreading awareness about the importance of SPF and encouraging its daily use, the interest and demand for face sunscreens has visibly increased. Both established and newer brands have been releasing new SPF products, making it hard for customers to take a pick.
The conversation around sunscreen is very much divided, with a constant tug of war between mineral and chemical sunscreens. Whilst chemical sunscreens have been around for much longer, they are now coming under scrutiny for their harmful ingredients, from being hormone disruptors to potentially carcinogenic.
With an encouraged daily use, experts are researching whether prolonged and repeated exposure to these ingredients can potentially cause greater harm than UV rays themselves. Whilst a final ‘unsafe’ list has not yet been established, oxybenzone and avobenzone are the main ingredients raising concerns amongst sunscreen users.
As a result, mineral sunscreens have reached an all-time high popularity. With safer active ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, mineral sunscreens are a better option for daily, repeated use and are also better suited to pregnant women and children.
SPF protection
In line with our philosophy, mineral sunscreen is a winner for us. However, consistently applying sunscreen daily is still the most important step to take in protecting the skin from the sun. Whether mineral or chemical is better suited for you, make sure to apply generously as the last step in your skincare routine and reapply every two hours.
What to avoid
When being exposed to the sun, certain products and ingredients can cause serious harm to the skin. Products with high concentrations of drying alcohols, both in skincare and perfumes, react to sun rays and can cause irritation, skin discolouration and burns. Before being exposed to direct sunlight, avoid using products that contain drying alcohols such as denatured alcohol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol high up on the ingredients list.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of keeping your skin healthy. On hot and sunny days, the skin retains less moisture and is more prone to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water is always necessary, but even more so when exposed to the sun. Staying hydrated also helps with regulating body temperature, which sweating contributes to. As you sweat more on hotter days, replenishing your fluids is essential.
Nourish and repair
To repair and protect your skin from sun damage, it is important to use the right products and ingredients. Whilst aloe vera is highly recommended to soothe irritated and sunburnt skin, most gels and creams often only contain small amounts of aloe vera, diluted with chemical ingredients and alcohols. Other natural alternatives are jojoba oil and shea butter, for their deeply nourishing and healing properties.
Adapting your routine as the days get sunnier and hotter is key in preventing skin damage. Although less directly exposed, the underarm skin is still prone to burns, irritation and sun damage. We have carefully selected our natural ingredients to create refined formulas that work with the skin and body, all day, all year.
