Although we live in a country synonymous with bad weather, we’ve actually been seeing some sunshine this year. When the sun does appear, we all want to rush out and make the most of it - but your skin needs to be prepared in order to reduce the chance of damage. Luckily, just a few small changes to your routine will make all the difference this summer.
We all know that the sun can cause havoc for skin if it’s not protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays, but what do ultraviolet rays actually do? UVA, ultraviolet A, are rays with a long wavelength and are associated with skin ageing. They reduce the skin’s elasticity, which can contribute to wrinkles. Ultraviolet B rays have a shorter wavelength and are a contributing factor to sunburn, something we’ve probably all been subject to after underestimating just how powerful the sun can be.
The outer layer of skin does contain something that is designed to help protect it - called melanin - but time in the sun can reduce its effectiveness and upset the delicate nature of the way skin repairs itself after damage.
Of course, the sun has its benefits too. We need vitamin D for bone health, and sun exposure can help reduce blood pressure, not to mention improve mood and promote mental wellbeing. So, we get it, you don’t want to just sit inside and watch the summer pass you by. This is why it’s vital to protect yourself so you can get the best of both worlds - a happy summer with healthy skin.
A good summer skincare routine for men should factor in the way heat affects the skin. For example, the heat makes us sweat more than we would during colder months, which means an increase in pore-clogging oils, and the potential for breakouts. It’s therefore important to exfoliate more often than you probably would during the winter. Similarly, summer skin needs extra time to repair than winter skin, so keeping up with your evening routine is a good way to mitigate some of the damage your skin takes during the day.
Yes and yes. SPF (sun protection factor) is a vital part of summer skincare. But, how do you know you’re actually being protected? UVA, UVB, SPF, PA+++? If it’s all Greek to you, let’s break it down.
SPF is a rating given to products like sun cream and moisturisers that show how good that product is at protecting your skin from UVB rays, the type of rays known to cause sunburn, damage to skin cells, and potentially melanoma. The higher the number after SPF, the higher the protection. Protection against UVA rays are categorised under PA+. The more pluses after PA, the higher the protection will be.
With tons of products throwing the whole alphabet at you, it can be hard to choose something that will offer you adequate protection during a British summer season, which is why we’ve combined everything you need in one product.
The Anytime Daily Moisturiser SPF 30 is a broad spectrum SPF that protects against UVA and UVB rays with PA+++. It also contains lots of natural skin-loving ingredients like Vitamin C, which offers antioxidant protection and guards against environmental pollution, and Safflower Seed Extract, a natural UV filter booster that improves skin hydration.
