UVA & UVB, we hear these terms thrown around all the time, but what do they actually mean? Let's take a look at these rays, SPF and its role in protecting the skin against them. We also share our top sun protection tips & rank our favourite SPF's based on your needs.
UVA vs. UVB
UVA
These rays are present 24/7, even when it's cloudy outside and they have the ability to penetrate your skin and cause damage to your DNA. This can result in premature ageing. UVA rays have been labelled as the sun's “silent killer” due to the fact that you aren’t able to feel the damaging effects of UVA rays. UVA rays reach deep down into the skin and are responsible for the loss of firmness and elasticity found in the skin.
UVB
The damaging effects of these rays depend greatly based on geographic location, the time of day and the season. UVB rays are still present all year round, however they are more prevalent in sunny climates. UVB rays are the ones that are effect the skin almost immediately and will usually result in sunburn.
What about Zinc oxide?
Shielding your skin from UV is important to your skin's health when it comes to daily prevention and protection from sun's harmful rays. Zinc oxide effectively blocks the UV rays that make it from the sun to earth. One of the factors that make this so effective is the fact that zinc oxide is photo-stable, this simply means it doesn’t change when it comes into contact with light. When it is used as an ingredient in sunscreen, it effectively blocks the UV lightwaves.
The SPF ratings on sunscreens are related to the protection from UVB rays. To ensure that the SPF you are wearing is going to protect you from the damaging effects of both UVA and UVB rays, look a sunscreen labeled broad spectrum, this ensures that they have gone through proper testing and are allowed to make this claim.
Follow these tips to ensure you are protecting your skin daily from DNA damage and premature ageing, whilst supercharging your skin with a healthy boost of vitamins and keeping it extra-hydrated all year long.
- Apply a “broad spectrum” sunscreen daily, this ensures it will effectively block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Try and stay out of the sun between 10am and 4pm, these are when UV rays are strongest.
- Wear a hat outdoors, especially when exercising outside.
- Wear sunglasses that offer UV protection.
Here are our FAVOURITE SPF picks:
1. For everyday wear under make-up:
Image MD Restoring Daily Defense SPF 50 $83.95
Image MD Restoring Daily Defense SPF 50 $83.95
2. For your body:
3. For days when you are on the go:
4. For days when you want to achieve a no-makeup, makeup look:
5. For your face on a beach day or outside workout
To see our full range of suncare products, click HERE.
