Daily SPF: The Number One Way to Get Younger-Looking Skin
Summer season may be over but sun protection skincare should be staying on the skincare shelf all year long! One of the most common skincare myths reveals that sunscreen should only be applied when skin is exposed to direct sunlight. In reality, even on colder cloudy winter days, 80% of the dangerous UV rays manage to penetrate through the clouds. The penetration of ultraviolet lights is proven to be the source of many skin issues, which all target toward premature skin ageing. Is sunscreen the ultimate solution to suspending the skin ageing process? Here is why SPF is the most important step in the skincare ritual.
What are the UV lights and how they affect the skin?
UV radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation emitted by the sun, as well as other artificial sources. It is classified into UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays, both of each can have detrimental effects to the skin. UVB has a smaller range of wavelength and tend to damage to the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, causing sunburns and other visible changes to skin’s surface, including hyperpigmentation. The intensity of UVB in contingent upon geographical location, time of the day and weather condition. UVA rays, on the other hand, operate at higher wavelength and considered more problematic because their effect is more cumulative and long-term. UVA lights are absorbed dermis and hypodermis, the deeper layers of the skin. UVA rays are present in the daylight at any hour, acting as a principal causative factor for age-related changes, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Nonetheless, hiding from the sun is not the most convenient solution. Layering a cream that contains SPF will neutralise the skin and create a substantial barrier of protection. SPF, also known as Sun Protection Factor, is a numerical factor that provides information on how much protection is delivered. Anyone using active skincare or otherwise should always use SPF minimum of 30 broad spectrum regardless and increase the number to 50 during the summer, sun or ski holidays.
To ensure the skin is protected from all UV exposure, apply MZ Skin Nourish & Hydrate Age Defence Moisturiser SPF 30 every morning over a cleansed face, neck and décolleté and leave for 10 minutes to absorb. Rich in Hyaluronic Acid, this moisturiser helps restore hydration, nourish the skin with antioxidant and create a barrier on the surface of the skin for the UV rays to bounce back.
How to incorporate SPF into skincare routine?
SPF should be applied first thing in the morning as the last step of the skincare regimen. MZ Skin latest launch, Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturiser, is a vitamin-rich daytime moisturiser, which aims to protect against free radicals and harmful photo-ageing. The moisturiser employs the second-skin technology to provide sheer, breathable coverage and optical blurring effect. Hence it can be used as a perfect foundation base or underneath heavier makeup. Most importantly, it contains SPF 30 for all year-round UVA and UVB protection. Apply generously every morning at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.
Should SPF be worn indoors?
As bizarre as it may seem, watching TV or scrolling through Instagram feed can cause premature skin ageing and pigmentation. This is so because computer and phone screens emit high energy visible light, also known as blue light. It is considered to be even more damaging to the epidermis due to its ability to penetrate into the skin even deeper than the UV rays. Thus, aside from the afore mention skin concerns, exposure to blue light may result in skin inflammation and weakening of the skin’s surface. What skincare products can help protect the skin from blue light? Sign up for MZ Skin emailing list on MZ Skin website and follow @MZSkinOfficial on Instagram to keep an eye on the upcoming MZ Skin launches 🙂