HERE COMES THE SUN

Is Your Sunscreen Protecting The Planet?

John Bell & Croyden’s Alexander Johnston explores how we can protect our skin (and the environment) with SPF.

Sunscreen. It’s a skincare essential, a beach bag staple and a dermatologist’s golden rule. Sun protection factor, or SPF, is a vital part of any skincare routine, as UVA and UVB rays emitted from the sun are not only harmful to the skin, but can cause premature ageing, hyperpigmentation (sunspots) and even cancer.

The higher the factor of the SPF, the more protection it gives you from these rays, reducing the chances of sun damage significantly. It should be a part of your everyday skincare routine, regardless of the season. Even on a cloudy day skin is at risk from sun damage.

However, there is a wrinkle in our sun-safe routine, and that is the environmental impact of some sunscreens on marine life. Chemical sunscreens, the most common type, contain ingredients that absorb UV radiation. While they shield our skin, these chemicals can wash off into waterways, harming delicate ecosystems like coral reefs.

So how do we stay safe in the sun without harming the natural world?

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Brand Spotlight: LifeJacket

LifeJacket is an active, outdoors brand for men and women who are uncompromising about the kit they use. The brand aims to inspire people who love to be outdoors to protect their skin every day, be healthy and do what they love.

Developed and made in the UK with industry experts, LifeJacket’s high performance products are used and stress-tested by pro athletes, Olympians, sports teams, the military and everyday folk alike - make them ideal for every occasion.

Ask The Expert: Jono Sumner

Jono Sumner, Co-Founder of LifeJacket, answers all of our questions surrounding summer suncare…

What are UV rays?

Exactly like light, Ultra Violet (UV) rays are emitted by the sun. There are two types that reach us, UVA and UVB (with UVC rays being filtered out by the earth’s atmosphere). Without sufficient protection, these rays penetrate the skin’s surface, in turn damaging DNA and proteins that perform a range of functions which keep our skin healthy.

What should we look out for when choosing sunscreen?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) represents how much protection a given product offers against UVB rays (UVB rays being strongest during the summer months, but only accounting for five percent of all UV that reaches us), with a higher SPF value offering UVB protection for longer.

UVA (which is present all year round and accounts for the other 95 percent of all UV we are exposed to) protection is represented by a mix of standards, including the star system in the UK, UVA circle in Europe and PA+ system elsewhere.

We always recommend using a product that offers broad spectrum protection (so protection against both UVA and UVB rays), with high SPF and UVA values.

How much sunscreen should we apply to our face and body?

The level of UV protection claimed by a suncare product is based on the assumption you are using 5ml (a teaspoon) of product per body part – and we have seven body parts: two arms, two legs, back, front and head. Using less than this means you will be getting less protection than the product claims or offers.

Do we really need to apply sunscreen everyday?

The single best thing you can do for the short, medium and long term health of your skin is protect it from UV every single day, 365 days a year. So, incorporate an SPF product into your daily routine. Beyond that, please don’t underestimate the risks and, if in any doubt, err on the side of caution. The benefits may not be immediately apparent, but your skin will thank you in the years to come.

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