

I know, everywhere you look all you can see and hear is ‘Have you got your SPF’? Well if you are a regular salon client you will be so used to hearing this that you call us out if we don’t mention it!
So why do we make such a fuss about UV rays and our skin health?
Do the Sun’s rays really damage my skin?
Do they? but the sun feels soo good! I can’t see how it can be so bad for me…..
Here is a bit of science to briefly explain why there is so much fuss-
Energy from the sun reaches the earth in different light wavelengths. These are :visible , Ultra Violet and Infra Red rays. The Ultra Violet rays have three wavelengths called UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC is the shortest (C.100 nm) and the most powerful of all wavelengths and is filtered out by our ozone layer surrounding the earth. UVA and UVB reach us here on earth.
UVB is the second most powerful wavelength and can cause damage to the DNA structure of skin cells. Overexposure to UVB even without sunburn can cause cancer, advanced aging (destruction of collagen), damage to our immune systems, skin and eyes.
UVA also causes damage and is the weaker wavelength – although prolonged exposure to UVA can also cause cancer and cataracts.
But I tan easily so I don’t need to worry…..
A suntan caused by sun exposure is the body’s defence against those harmful rays. Melanin is produced to try to act as a shield of protection for the skins deeper layers however overexposure soon exhausts the protection and damaging rays are still allowed through. If you tan easily you may not be fully aware of the damage that is being caused to your deeper layers of skin, simply because the surface is hiding it.
If you produce less melanin you become more quickly aware of the damage that the sun is doing because you can feel it!
How much is too much?
We don’t actually ‘need’ sun exposure directly to our skin to remain healthy. Visually seeing the sun and feeling the ambient temperatures rise will have an effect on serotonin levels – as will the excitement of being able to do more social activities in the lighter brighter days…
Vitamin D absorption should be achieved through diet.
So the answer is not a lot at all.
Will sun exposure make my skin look ‘older’?
YES! and skin that has sustained sun damage – visible by pigmentation, deep freckles, uneven skin tone and texture, skin lesions- will also be much less responsive to collagen treatments.
What can I do to protect my skin?
It is recommended by medical professionals to limit your exposure to sun- i.e stay in the shade! but we all know that this is not totally practical or possible so you should be applying a high factor SPF of 30 or above daily in moderate climate and every 2 hours in strong climates.
No SPF gives 100% protection but using one will certainly help- and it will certainly slow the visible signs of aging as well as reducing the damage to the skins superficial layers.
What SPF should I choose?
Here at Skinfit we recommend using physical sun filters as these interfere less with the skin functions that chemical filters. This is especially important if we are helping you to manage other skin conditions.
We highly recommend:
AlumierMD Sheer Hydration SPF 40 for drier skin types. This product also comes with a versatile tint if you want a little colour.
Alumier MD Clear Shield Spf 40 for combination/oily skin types. This gives you a lightweight, matte colourless finish.
Alumier MD Moisture Matte Spf 40 in 3 colours.

Heliocare Fluid Creme Spf 50
Heliocare Gel Oil Free Spf 50
Heliocare Pigment solution fluid Spf 50

But we don’t want to ruin all the fun…….
We still LOVE to enjoy the odd non alcoholic (!) cocktail or G & T on a summers evening..mmmm the best! We can enjoy that from our shady position by the pool or on the terrace

We would love to hear from you|!
If you have had a good experience with us here at Skinfit in Hampton we would absolutely love to hear how well we did. Please consider leaving us a review on GOOGLE because it will really make our day! Click Here to leave a review.
We always look forward to seeing you in the salon and can’t wait to see you very soon X
Book Now https://www.skinfitclinic.co.uk/book-now
And Finally….Queen’s Jubilee Bank Holiday
WE WILL BE CLOSED FROM THURSDAY 2ND JUNE UNTIL MONDAY 6TH JUNE FOR THE JUBILEE BANK HOLIDAY. PLEASE BOOK IN ADVANCE FOR TREATMENTS WHERE POSSIBLE.
Sam and the team
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