Help protect your skin from the sun’s rays & look flawless doing it
We all know we need to wear sunscreen when the sun is beaming down, but what about when it’s the colder months, do we need sunscreen then? Of course we do! Protecting your skin from the sun should be a year-round affair, whether you’re taking a stroll in November or having a picnic in July, sunscreen is your friend.
First things first, what is sunscreen for?
As much as many of us love having fun in the sun, it can give off damaging effects without the right protection, which is where sunscreen comes in. It should be an important part of your skincare regime but it’s good to choose the right one for your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Sunning yourself without sunscreen can lead to premature ageing, wrinkles and sagging skin – but fear not, all can be delayed with the help of sunscreen. Extra care is needed if you have pale skin, freckles, red or fair hair, have moles or have a family history of skin cancer – so buckle up and use that sunscreen!
Why is there sunscreen in make-up & skin care?
Sunscreen in make-up and skincare is there to give us a little extra protection but it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for sunscreen, as the amount in cosmetics isn’t enough to protect your skin fully. The SPF that’s in skincare and make-up is likely to be thinner than what you’d normally apply and probably isn’t rub-resistant or water-resistant. So make sure to use them alongside wearing sunscreen, rather than alone.
L’Oréal’s Senior Scientific Advisor, Atoshi George, says "80% of skin’s ageing is caused by UV rays*. UV rays can still make it through the grey skies and even windows. It’s the small amounts of daily exposure that all lead to damage. Using a daily SPF can sometimes be another product to add to a long list, which many people don’t have the time for and don’t realise the importance of, so having a moisturiser with SPF is the perfect way to get your skin protected without changing your routine."
*298 women, age 30-78, 2013
So, why should I wear sunscreen in the winter?
We might not be exposed to the sun as much in winter, thanks to travelling to work in dark mornings and travelling home in dark nights, but just because you’re not sweating doesn’t mean the sun’s not causing damage! La Roche-Posay’s Dr Hiva Fassihi says, "The best thing you can do to prevent ageing is to use a sunscreen every day. Sunscreen really is the best anti-ageing product you could ever use." If you’re not a fan of wearing sunscreen in the winter, here are some of our favourite cosmetics specifically designed with sun care in mind…
NIP+FAB Post Glycolic Fix Moisturiser SPF30
A loveable lightweight cream
This oil-free moisturiser is the perfect pocket sized wonder, packed with an SPF30 to help keep your gorgeous face protected from the sun. It also contains witch hazel to help soothe skin after using exfoliating glycolic products.
Olay Regenerist Whip Light As Air Moisturiser SPF30
Whip up flawless skin
Whipped to perfection like your favourite ice cream sundae (but not good enough to eat!), this light-as-air formula transforms from cream to liquid as soon as it touches your skin. It also has a matte finish, SPF30 and SolaSheer Technology (oooh fancy).
YourGoodSkin SPF30 Anti-Oxidant Day Cream
For silky, soft skin
If you’re looking for a hydration hero with fabulous sun protection then this is the one for you. It has a lightweight formula, and even though it’s packed with SPF it won’t block your pores, so you can go ahead and have a Your Good Skin day.
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Renew Anti-Ageing Cream SPF25
For firmer & plumper looking skin
Laser may be in the product name, but there’s no heat heading your way with this must-have cream. Your skin is exposed to UV rays every day, so give your face a helping hand with a touch of SPF25, as well as Pro-Xylane™, which is known for its powerful anti-ageing properties.
Now you’re a sunscreen goddess, take a look at the rest of our gorgeous range of cosmetics with SPF in – you’ll be prepared whatever the weather.
