SPF - what is it and why should I use it? – Gatineau Skincare

      SPF - what is it and why should I use it?

      Why should an SPF be part of my daily skincare regime?

      We can all be guilty of over indulging our skin when the warm weather arrives - I mean who doesn’t enjoy the warmth of the sun’s rays on your body and a bronzed healthy glow- but the truth is protecting skin against the harmful UV rays should be a year round commitment.  Aside from potentially causing skin cancer, the ravages wrought by the sun’s UV rays also degrade collagen in skin which causes unnecessary wrinkles as well as an over production of ‘melanin’ (our skin pigment) creating pigmentation flaws and age spots.

      What are the different types of UV rays?
      There are two types of UV radiation that can affect your skin.  UVA rays (the ageing rays)  which are consistently strong throughout the year, even on overcast days and penetrate deep into the dermis causing wrinkles, skin slackening and pigmentation flaws and  the shorter UVB rays (the burning rays) which are much stronger in the summer but can lead to sunburn and possibly skin cancer.

      What does SPF stand for?
      SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect the skin from UVB rays. Whether its winter or summer, rain or shine any time spent outdoors can leave the skin vulnerable to sun damage so it is always important to safeguard the skin by using an SPF.  The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin when using the product versus the amount of time without any sunscreen. So ideally, with SPF 30 it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.

      What is the meaning of ‘broad spectrum’?
      A sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage offers more protection against both UVA and UVB rays and will help to protect against sunburn, and DNA damage.

      How have sunscreens evolved in the last century?
      Sunscreen used to consist of thick white, sticky and heavy textured creams that felt greasy and clogged pores but they are now being replaced by weightless lotions and sprays. What I love most is that high-end skincare brands like Gatineau are now developing daily moisturisers which include an SPF as well as anti-ageing actives so it takes all the effort out of protecting the skin on a daily basis, and there is no need for layering.

      What is the best overall strategy to protect the skin?
      It’s important not to rely on high-SPF sunscreens alone. No single method of sun defence can protect you perfectly. Sunscreen is just one vital part of a strategy that should also include seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses.

      What steps have Gatineau taken to create skincare with SPF protection?Gatineau skincare are renowned as true skincare visionaries when it comes to science-backed formulas and anti-ageing skincare and as it is well-known that sun is the main culprit to accelerated ageing Gatineau scientists really have pulled it out of the bag when it comes to creating advanced skincare with SPF protection.  This is all about elevating your daily regimes without the fuss of heavy-duty, greasy and pore-clogging sunscreen. 

      Perfection Ultime Daily Urban UV Shield SPF50+ PA+++ is all about ‘protecting and perfecting’ and is a non-greasy, weightless formula suitable for all skin types. It is an absolute must-have in your morning-time skincare ritual and boasts a full-proof formula without that tell-tale ‘chalky film’. You could say it’s a sunscreen dream come true as it forms that all important protective layer against the ageing rays of the sun and environmental aggressors whilst injecting a potent cocktail of anti-ageing actives.

      These include botanical Ginger Root herb which offers excellent anti-ageing and anti-oxidant properties due to its ability to almost totally inhibit collagen degradation together with Salicylic Acid derived from Willow Bark which promotes a radiant and dewy complexion whilst offering a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.   And with deeply nourishing Olive oil, rich in essential fatty acids, skin cells are infused with essential moisture leaving the complexion soft, silky smooth and totally protected.

      Gatineau Perfection Ultime™ Nourishing Lip Balm with an SPF15 is a really hard-working lip balm brimming with highly conditioning and nourishing wax extracts including Beeswax and Candelilia Wax together with a double dose of super-powered Soybean and Corn oils. This lips balm has been designed to rehabilitate dry, chapped and delicate lips whilst maintaining optimal hydration levels. This has to be a firm fixture in any women’s handbag, beach bag and bathroom cabinet, and the subtle and understated pop of various colours are immediately uplifting and blossoming enhancing any skin tone.

      Lucy x

       

       

       

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