The skin is the body’s largest organ; most of us know the importance of wearing sunscreen in the summer months, but it really should be a year-round preventive health measurement. Temperature should not be a factor in choosing if you use sunscreen or not, up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds, so if you assume it’s OK to avoid protection on an overcast day, think again. Always wear sunscreen, no matter your skin color or tone!
Did you know that sunscreen dates back to ancient Egypt, where rice bran extract and jasmine were used to help shield skin from the sun?
Chemists invented the first commercial sunscreen in 1936, and it has been improved upon ever since. Modern sunscreens are water resistant, and are included in many cosmetics and beauty products, such as primers, foundations, serums, and creams.
- It Protects Your Skin from UV Rays: The depletion of the ozone layer -that acts as a sun shield for the earth by absorbing harmful UVB rays before they reach the ground – has increased our risk of sun damage. Sunscreen blocks these harmful rays from penetrating the skin and triggering skin disorders.
- It lowers skin cancer risk. This is one of the worst type of skin cancers, which can be life threatening for women, particularly those who are in their 20s. I wear sunscreen everyday, all year long – even under my makeup.
- It Prevents Premature Ageing. 75 per cent of us do not apply sunscreen to our faces daily. It’s hard to understand, given that the humble sunscreen is the most effective anti-ageing tool you can buy. Up to 90 per cent of ageing is caused by external factors, the big one being sun exposure. Sun damage from UV rays causes photoaging of the skin, which is characterized by a thick, leathery look; discoloration; and a breakdown of collagen, which contributes to lines, sagging and wrinkles. Studies show that those below age 55 who apply sunscreen regularly have 24 percent less chance of developing these signs of aging than those who don’t.
- A good cosmetic option. Most of our favourite makeup brands offer bbq cremes, foundations with SVP factors, concealer and lip balms with sun protection.
- Tan is healthy – this concept still persists and it makes us all feel prettier. However, what you should be aware is that while you are sunbathing to tan, you are at the risk of being harmed by the harsh ultraviolet B rays. Choose a sunscreen that has a minimum of sun protection factor 30 to prevent tanning induced by UVB.
Having an extremely sensitive and complicated skin I gladly profited of the free consultation at the Coop Vitality Pharmacy. These kind expert will take their time to talk you through the best options for your skin type and advise you the best products – this offer will take place in all the 76 pharmacies across Switzerland until the end of June, together with 20% of discount on most of the sun protection products!
These is my customised choice of face creme for very sensitive skin, body spray enhancing tan and aftersun.
