Since 80%+ of skin ageing is driven by UV damage, the answer seems simple: practice sun safety and wear sunscreen. But for many in Ireland, the idea of wearing SPF 50 on a dull day seems like a crazy idea.
Why do we wear sunscreen?
Skincancer is the most prevalent cancer in Ireland with the numbers set to double by 2040. So we need to be aware of protecting against and respecting the dangers of UV radiation. The purpose of sunscreen is to act as a filter against UV radiation from the sun. This can prevent sunburn, which is a major risk factor for the most dangerous skin cancers, as well as cumulative UV damage, which leads to accelerated photo ageing and contributes to cell DNA damage and skin cancers. UV exposure also triggers some skin conditions, including pigmentation disorders such as melasma, making it important to wear sunscreen.
If you are investing in a skincare routine to optimise skin health you should be using SPF as an essential part of your daily routine. The key to keeping yourself safe from UV radiation is adjusting to the UV index and the amount of time you spend outside. It is best not to just rely on sunscreen.
Sunscreen and vitamin D
Many worry that daily application of sunscreen impacts our vitamin D levels (something people find they supplement, especially through winter). Interestingly some new sun protection factors are being made to optimise vitamin D absorption. Helio care has introduced an Optimised Vitamin D Function: OptiD Effect helps maintain the skin’s ability to produce and utilise Vitamin D.
Vitamin D can be acquired in sufficient doses with ambient short periods of sun exposure, and it will be stored in the body as it is a fat-soluble vitamin – does not require sun bathing Sunscreen is a filter, and will not block all UV. Generally, people who are using it for skin ageing benefits are applying it most consistently to their areas of concern, such as the face, invariably nobody including the experts are applying SPF in the amounts recommended so it is unlikely (if you spend time outdoors that your skin is not synthesising any vitamin D.
Note the sun is good for you in so many ways so we do encourage people to spend time outdoors, it has a great number of health benefits.
Using skincare to optimise against premature ageing prevention
We recommend a routine of Vitamin C &E combined with ferulic topicals scientifically proven to work combined with a good quality broad spectrum daily sunscreen. Where possible if it suits include a retinol at least a couple of times per week. Include a ceramide-based moisturiser to boost hydration – these are key preventative skin pro ageing ingredients.
Skinceuticals Antioxidants are recognised as the Gold Standard in Vitamin C antioxidants – their ability to absorb and their action on the skin is unmatched.
https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/products/skinceuticals-double-defence-c-e-ferulic-kit
If you simply want to protect your skin and you are less concerned about skin ageing, but want to be sensible from a skin cancer risk perspective a quality SPF that is made to protect your skin will also function as a moisturiser by day.
SkinCeuticals Skin Brightening SPF 50 is Dual-action sunscreen which helps prevent melanin production. Protects and corrects the skin. Contains Niacinamide. Alongside state-of-the-art chemical and mineral UV filters, this lightweight sunscreen is also formulated with 1% Tranexamic Acid and 2% Niacinamide, to actively target the appearance of dark spots and discolouration. Tranexamic Acid helps to inhibit the production of melanin within the skin, while Niacinamide brightens uneven tone and prevents the transfer of melanosomes to the surface, to maintain an even and radiant complexion all year round. Suitable for all skin types, apply a generous amount to clean dry skin on the face and neck every morning for best results.
As we age we invariably need to hydrate our skin more than we would have normally have done in youth. Look for skin calming ingredients that correct the needs of ageing skin . Ingredients to look for include Ceramides , lipids such as omega, these help to hydrate and replace what we naturally have in our skin.
Anti Ageing Lipid moisturiser cream for Dry and ageing Skin
Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, is a corrective anti-ageing moisturiser cream with the optimal lipid ratio designed to refill cellular lipids, nourish dry skin.
Ageing skin is increasingly susceptible to lipid depletion: the loss of natural compounds in skin’s surface, present in the form of ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids. This lipid loss compromises skin’s natural protective barrier, resulting in visible signs of accelerated ageing, as skin loses its ability to effectively self-repair. Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is a face cream for mature skin, formulated with a maximised concentration of lipids: 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids. This unique lipid correction cream for ageing skin contains the first 2:4:2 cholesterol-dominant ratio to help restore skin's external barrier, while nourishing ageing skin for improvement in visible signs of accelerated ageing. Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 has been proven to improve the visible appearance of skin smoothness, pores, and overall radiance.
https://www.nualawoulfe.ie/products/skinceuticals-triple-lipid-restore-2-4-2-48ml
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SkinCeuticals Double Defence C E Ferulic Kit. Free Full Sized Ultra Facial Defence Worth €56