Did you know 90% of the visible signs of ageing in the skin is caused by the sun as it prematurely ages and damages our skin. We are exposed to the sun even on cloudy days so the best way to protect your skin is to wear sun protection every day.

THE BENEFITS OF DAILY SPF PROTECTION - why do I need sun protection every day?

• Reduce the risk of developing skin cancer - protecting your skin with an SPF of just 15 can help to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by up to 50% according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The higher the SPF number the longer you are protected, an SPF of 15 means you can stay in the sun 15 times longer, before you will burn than without protection.

• Protect your skin from sunburn - every time you go outside your skin is exposed to the sun's rays UVA and UVB, and you are exposed to the sun more than you think! It isn't just those days in the garden, at the beach, or long walks in the country that can cause sunburn or damage to the skin! A trip to the shops, walking the dog, catching the bus or going to and from your car, without sun protection can all increase the risk of damage to your skin. UVA rays (used in tanning beds) are linked to long term damage in your skin such as redness, sensitivity and wrinkles. They are associated with some types of skin cancer, however UVB rays cause sunburn and are associated with most types of skin cancers.

• Prevent premature signs of ageing - UVA exposure is linked to 90% of the visible signs of ageing, it weakens our collagen and elastin fibres which give strength, support and elasticity to the skin, if these fibres are damaged it leads to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging in the skin. Prevent this type of premature ageing by protecting your skin with a daily SPF moisturiser.

• Reduce inflammation and redness in the skin - sun exposure can lead to sunburn, inflammation in the skin and severe skin reddening as the skin tries to protect itself by increasing circulation to aid the healing process. If this exposure persists these effects can become permanent causing long term damage to the health of your skin. Inflammation speeds up the ageing process in our bodies, increasing our risk of illness and disease not just in the skin but the body as a whole.

• Prevent uneven skin and hyperpigmentation - regular exposure to the sun can lead to uneven skin and dark spots - also known as hyperpigmentation. These areas of uneven tone can be found anywhere your skin is continually exposed to UV rays such as; the face, neck, chest, hands, tops of ears and for some the top of the head too. In fact, any area of skin regularly exposed to the sun without protection can be affected. Don't worry though as the simplest way to prevent hyperpigmentation is to wear your SPF every day... come rain or shine or clouds!

• Reduce DNA damage - studies have linked sunlight to an increase in DNA damage, triggering carcinogenisis and photoageing. According to these studies "the health effects that results from sun exposure are associated with a chain of events that begins with the formation of DNA damage. These lesions can lead to inflammatory and immunosuppresive processes in the epithelial tissue as well as accelerated ageing and tumour development".

As you can clearly see sun exposure can have a dramatic effect on our skin with the potential to induce premature ageing, increase the risk of skin cancer and affect our overall health, proving that protection and prevention is the best "medicine".

To help you protect your skin and prevent damage from the sun there are some other interesting points you should consider.

• Windows! - UVB rays are mostly blocked by windows however, UVA rays can penetrate through windows and not just at home or at work! You are also exposed in a car on a bus or even on an airplane. If the sun is streaming through those windows you're being exposed to a similar amount of UVA rays as if you were outside! Protect yourself with SPF protection, clothing or even a UV protective film on the window.
• Winter! - you need protection the whole year round not just spring and summer. During the winter months the ozone layer which helps to protect us from UV rays by absorbing radiation, can actually become thinner offering less protection from the sun. Make the application of SPF a daily habit all year long.
• Cloudy Days! - UV rays can still affect you on a cloudy day as up to 80% of the sun's radiation can penetrate through the clouds. Just like the winter months SPF protection should be applied every day to prevent damage to your skin.
• Cover Up! - most of us would think our clothes would protect us from UV rays... right! Not quite... although clothing in general does offer protection from the sun there are some lighter fabrics that may not be as effective such as: silk, crepe or light cotton. Darker fabrics will offer more protection than lighter colours, for example a white cotton T-shirt will only provide the equivalent of SPF5. You can look for clothes that offer UPF protection (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) which indicates the fraction of UV rays that penetrate through the fabric. For example, clothing labelled UPF50 allows just 1/50th of the UV radiation to penetrate through to your skin.
• Be Shady! - when you are outside think of the shade as your friend! Reduce sun exposure by simply walking in the shade where possible, sit under an umbrella or awning or under natural shade from a tree. Especially between the peak hours of 10am to 4pm.

WHAT IS THE BEST DAILY SPF PROTECTION FOR ME?

Firstly, look for sun protection that offers "broad spectrum protection" this means it is formulated to protect you against UVA and UVB rays. Secondly look at the SPF number - the Sun Protection Factor rating that indicates its effectiveness at blocking UV rays. You should choose an SPF with a minimum rating of 15.

Eminence has a range of SPF products that will help to protect you from the sun including; a moisturiser or SPF fluid for every skin type, a sport sunscreen SPF 30 and protective lip balm SPF 15 all with mineral SPF protection. Eminence also has a tinted SPF fluid with a 50+ SPF rating for the ultimate in sun protection. They are all silicone free and contain active organic botanicals to help to heal and repair the skin with targeted benefits. Designed to give you daily protection from head to toe!

• Perfect for daily use
• Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide
• All mineral SPF protection
• Silicone free
• Reef friendly

Radiant Protection SPF Fluid -offers an SPF30 protection in an easy to apply liquid formula. Suitable for all skin types, this SPF fluid can be used on its own or over another moisturiser of your choice for additional benefits and SPF protection. It also contains a botanical retinol to plump and hydrate the skin.

Daily Defense Tinted SPF50+- a unique liquid tinted formula with a sheer tint that is versatile and suits a variety of skin tones, this offers a 50+ SPF protection which is one of our highest factors and is suitable for all skin types. It leaves your skin glowing, hydrated and or course very well protected!

Bright Skin Moisturiser SPF40 - designed to target hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, this brightening and lightening SPF moisturiser contains Natural Hydroquinone Alternative and Swiss Alpine Plant extracts.

Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturiser SPF40 - contains Cocoa Seed extract to protect the skin against blue light damage and Satsuma Mandarin Peel to help prevent premature ageing from pollution. This is not just an SPF moisturiser!

Lilikoi Mineral Defense Sport Sunscreen SPF 30- a water-resistance sport sunscreen for face and body designed to protect you from head to toe whilst enjoying your favourite outdoor activity.

Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm SPF15 - an all-natural SPF lip balm with soothing Rosehip and Lavender, hydrates and softens the lips whilst protecting from dryness and UV exposure.

SPF Application Tips

• Treat the skin prior to applying SPF products with a serum or concentrate to hydrate the skin
• Start with a pea-sized amount of product - you can add more later if required
• rub the pea-sized amount of moisturiser between your hands to warm it up
• Apply to the high points of the face first - forehead, nose and cheeks
• Work moisturiser into the rest of the face applying to neck and chest last
• If you need more coverage apply more as required

SPF's has a BFF!

Pairing your mineral SPF with a Vitamin C serum enhances the benefits and protection of your SPF. Use underneath your favourite SPF moisturiser or fluid for additional antioxidants which help fight the free radical damage you get from UV rays. Plus it will give your skin added glow and is very calming and soothing helping to reduce inflammation and ageing in the skin. We love our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum with 16% Vitamin C. It easily absorbs into the skin so you can easily incorporate it into your daily sun protection routine.

Re-written by Debbie Polden, original post by Debbie from Summer 2021.