(Real Talk Friday) Keep your skin protected

There is a widespread misconception relating to sun protection and when you need to be taking it seriously. The notion that it is only necessary to cover your body & face in suncream on a hot summer's day is not at all accurate. To put it simply, you should be keeping your skin protected against harmful UVA and UVB sun rays every single day! This means sun cream should be part of your daily routine and not a seasonal one. 

Whether there is rain or sunshine outside, keeping your skin protected from harmful light rays is crucial for the skin's overall health. The sun's rays can get to your skin even when you are not directly in the sun. For instance, you could be sitting at your desk in front of the window and you could still be exposing your skin to the dangerous rays!

 This is why being outdoors under direct sunlight is not the only time your skin is at risk of UVA and UVB damage. 

What's more, there is also a worrying amount of misinformation regarding who needs to use suncream. It is not just for light or fair skin tones, people with darker complexions and skin tones should also be taking sun protection seriously. Nobody is exempt from sun damage as everyone can be at risk!

If you are a little sceptical or find it difficult to believe that the sun can cause that much damage to the skin, then think about how painful the skin can be when it gets burnt. If it can damage the visible layer of skin - that you can see- that much then imagine what damage it could be doing deeper inside the body…

UVA and UVB rays can penetrate through the skin and damage the DNA in skin cells. This can cause genetic defects or mutated cells that can lead to skin cancer as well as premature ageing. 

This is why the most effective method to prevent such concerns is to keep the skin covered up in the sun thus avoiding the harmful rays to cause long-term damage to the health of your skin. Sun Cream should be in your daily routine and applied to any skin exposed to the sun. 

A high-factor suncream is the most effective method of sun protection that can still allow you to enjoy the sun but not be completely put at the risk of harmful rays. If you are going to be in the sun for a long period then re-application will be essential, as applying just one layer intended to last a full day will not keep you protected for long at all. 

We recommend you find a formulation that works best for your skin and its needs. For instance, a high-factor sun cream that is non-comedogenic and water-resistant will be best for a beach or vacation full of outdoor activities. Alternatively, you might opt for a lighter cream for daily face application to avoid clogged pores and white cast. 

Protecting your skin daily from the sun is crucial to avoid long-term damage, please do take it seriously!