We grew up thinking that soaking up loads of sunshine was actually good for health. While it is still true that ultraviolet B (UVB) rays help with vitamin D synthesis, the “sunshine vitamin” that is essential from bones, risking sun damage (which translates to increased risk of skin cancer) is not the way to do it. Most people make enough Vitamin D from being out in the sun daily, without having to “fry” their skin, and for those concerned, just know that Vitamin D can also be sourced from food such as salmon, sardines, red meat and eggs.
We have also now learnt, women especially, that sun exposure is the cause of certain types of pigmentation. Melasma, a type of pigmentation driven by hormones, is also triggered and worsened by sun exposure. For people with UV- or heat-sensitive hyperpigmentation problems, or those who want to prevent these, sun avoidance is recommended. But no one can stay indoors all the time! Thankfully, sun protection is now a real thing and there are many products in the market to choose from.
THE GOOD OLD SUNBLOCK
Never leave home without Umbrella. Oops, I didn’t mean the real umbrella you have to carry in your hand, I meant the trusty SPF70 physical sunscreen from SW1 Shop! Sunscreens such as these protect your skin from harmful UVB rays, which are responsible for all the painful sunburns, and also UVA rays which are directly responsible for accelerating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK – RINSE OFF SUNSCREENS
Many people can’t find a suitable sunscreen, and if they find one, they probably don’t apply enough of it. If you are one of these people, it is time to try a rinse-off sunscreen. I thought I heard your brains almost explode. I wasn’t trying to tell you how to wash off your sunscreen. I am trying to explain that this is a sunscreen that you rinse off with water, in order to apply it to your skin. Try Guardian Angel for the face, and Bodyguard for the body. Innovative ionic technology makes this form of sun protection water-resistant for up to 90 minutes!
ORAL PIGMENT LIGHTENERS
Now you can have your SPF, and eat it. Heliocare Purewhite Radiance Max 240 capsules are made with proprietary Fernblock, the blend that will help lighten stubborn hyperpigmentation such as melasma. Fernblock has high antioxidant property that reduces free radicals in the skin by up to 50%, increases your skin’s natural resistance against sunburns by up to 300%. There is more! It also slows down the skin aging process caused by UVA rays, and contains ingredients which helps to block the main enzyme that is responsible for melanin production.
