We always decide which SPF factor we will use compared to the number, and it seems to lower the number the less likely you are to buy it. I completely get it because this is how I used to be until I attended a conference where doctors from around the world spoke about SPF and sun protection and it opened up my eyes to a whole new world.
Now before I continue I just wanted to give you some stats- The two countries which wear SPF 50 are England and Australia- we come from two completely different environments but yet we are the TWO biggest skin cancer countries, I just want you to keep this in mind as I carry on to explain the value of that number attached to SPF.
I also want to explain the different levels that UVB UVA reaches. As you can see in the diagram below UVB is our burning ray. This is our superficial ray which we can see through skin burning and this is only present in the summer (in the UK). UVA is our silent Ageing ray! This ray we cannot see and is present all year round and is present indoors and outdoors. It can come from the sun, through windows (including car windows) through phones, laptops, computers, tv’s. Anything that is emitting a light is emitting UVA. This is the ray that DEPLEATS your Vitamin A and causes cell mutation. Therefore it is so important to protect your skin everyday all year around!
So now I am going to tell you exactly what that number is and it WILL make you feel differently towards SPF. First that number is only talking about the level of protection against UVB. So in England we should be wearing a SPF which protects us from UVA all year round and this is the most damaging ray in terms of ageing and cell mutation as it penetrates into the Dermis layer of the skin.
SPF number value is based on TIME not on PROTECTION. So for example if you can be out in the sun for 10 minutes before your skin begins to burn and you apply an SPF 15 then you are protected 10 x 15 = 150 minutes. Now MOST SPF 15 are purely PHYSICAL Spf’S. What this means is that 95% of the sun is reflected away from your skin and is not absorbed. So this is a SAFE spf for you to use. However It is so important that you are protected from UVA so finding a SPF which contains high antioxidants is a given. This will stop cell mutation by protecting your cells.
As we know it is a given that it is recommended to re apply your SPF at least every 90 minutes, so even at SPF 15 you are protected in that time. When you go above an SPF 15 most of the time these SPF contain chemicals in which causes cell mutation and damage in the deeper layers of the skin. They can also contribute to Prickly Heat and Pigmentation because these chemicals have a huge reaction with the skin in those deeper layers. Now this isn’t all SPF in higher number but it is for MOST. Not only this but SPF does enter the blood within an hour of application and there is no scientific research to show that these chemicals are safe for your body.
So just to summarise:
1.THE SPF number isn’t about the LEVEL of protection it is the LENGTH of time of protection
2. It is important that you reapply every 90 minutes REGARDLESS of the SPF level
3. More and often not any SPF higher then a 15 use chemicals which can react in your skin and cause more skin damage and advance the ageing process
So what do I recommend?
These are my 6 MUST have products that I use for SPF protection, these don’t just protect but they are also great to treat other concerns, or as a makeup!:
RAD SPF 15
This Is the product I recommend for use on the body and face (if you don’t wear makeup) This product has the physical SPF of Titanium Dioxide but it also FULL of antioxidants to protect against UVA DAMAGE. This product retails at £19.95.
Antioxidant Supplements
As we know supplements reach the DERMIS of the layer therefore it is SO important to take internal antioxidants to protect your skin from the inside out! These retail at £32 for a two month supply.
Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Powder
This is my favourite foundation base to use which has SPF protection. This product is approved by the Skin Cancer foundation for a safe way to protect your face from Skin Cancer Damage. Because it has no chemicals or bulking agents this can be used just as foundation by itself which is very rare in a powder! This comes in 22 different shades and retails at £35.
Powder me SPF
This product comes in a translucent or it does come in colour. This product is amazing to top up but to also apply to the neck and chest! I take this product with myself on holiday to top up my face in the daytime! This product retails at £36.
Hand Drink
Have you ever heard people complain about them getting older because their hands are ageing? Well this is because our hands are out ALL of the time and any hand creams do not use SPF to protect. It is important we protect our hands. This hand cream is so nourishing but also protecting! This retails at £19.95.
Lip Drink
In the salon we often see clients coming in with sun damaged lips. Again this is because A LOT of lipsticks contain chemicals and no SPF in. This Lip Drink is an amazing Lip Balm that will not only HYDRATE but also Protect. It comes in 5 different colours and a sheer and retails at £15.
If you quote purchase 3 or more of these products and quote SPF15 I will honour a 15% discount.
this offer can only be used once
Cymone x
