Wearing sunscreen every day is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. The sun’s harmful UV rays have the potential to harm and even destroys skin cells, resulting in hyperpigmentation, sunburn, wrinkles, a leathery skin texture, and in some cases, skin cancer.
Despite the accessibility of sunscreen products, some people are still reluctant to use one, thinking they don’t need it, or forgetting to apply it. If you fall in that category, this image might change your mind.
This photograph was shared on social media by Dr. Avi Bitterman, a dermatologist in New York. It depicts the cheek and neck of a 92-year-old woman, who for more than 40 years, applied UV-protective moisturisers on her face, but not on her neck.
The consequences are visually striking. The skin on her cheek shows significantly fewer spots of discolouration, fewer wrinkles and has a smoother texture and more even appearance than the skin on her neck.
While it’s only recently made waves on social media, this image was originally published in the Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in October 2021 as part of a report on skin cancer and ageing. Read more about this image here.
How does the sun damage our skin?
The sun’s rays emit UV light, which is an invisible form of radiation. Exposure to this radiation can result in damaged skin cells, which manifests in the form of wrinkles and discolouration (also referred to as hyperpigmentation). UV exposure can also result in skin cancer. While those with fair skin and light hair are at higher risk, the truth is that anyone can get skin cancer, no matter what your age, skin type or ethnicity. UV radiation is not just a summer concern. The sun’s rays can damage your skin on overcast and wintery days too, so it’s important to stick to your sun care regime all year round.
Help is at hand in the form of SPF. It is recommended that everyone (including children and babies over the age of six months) wear a broad spectrum SPF on all exposed areas of the body, whenever they go outside. Broad spectrum means that it offers protection against both UVA rays (the rays that are responsible for ageing the skin) and UVB rays (the rays that are responsible for burning the skin).
And if this image has taught us anything, it’s that you shouldn’t neglect any parts of the body! The skin on our necks is as vulnerable as the skin on our faces, and because both are usually exposed, it’s essential that they are protected by sunscreen every time you step outside.
For skins sensitive to the sun, try:
Eucerin Sensitive Protect Sun Creme SPF50+ (R299.95)
Eucerin Sun Creme Sensitive Protect SPF 50+ is an advanced facial sunscreen designed specifically to protect against sun-induced skin ageing and pigment spots. This innovative formulation provides comprehensive protection against UV damage – in both the upper and lower layers of the skin. The formula is suitable for sensitive skins, including those with atopic dermatitis and after a chemical peeling or laser therapy.
Shop online here.
Piz Buin Allergy Face Cream SPF50 (R190.00)
Offering very high protection to sun-sensitive skin, this sun cream combines immediate and effective UVA/UVB sun protection with Calmanelle®, a unique anti-irritant shield complex proven to help strengthen the skin’s resilience to the sun. It provides hours of moisturisation to keep the delicate skin on the face soft.
Shop online here.
For everyday protection, try:
SKNLogic Protect SPF40 (R315.00)
Protect is a full spectrum sun protection cream that provides a certified high broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and anti-ageing benefits. It goes beyond UVA and UVB protection to help defend from blue light (digital pollution) and pollution and Infrared light emitted by the sun. It repairs DNA damage caused by free radicals while mitigating the damage from environmental and digital exposure. Protect is a non-whitening formula and is suitable for all skin types.
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Lamelle Nourish Multi-Active Sun 30 (R565.00)
Lamelle Nourish Multi-Active Sun is a non-whitening, non-glossy and non-stick SPF 30 that comes packed with the famously powerful antioxidant Pycnogenol. This antioxidant protects skin against free radicals produced by UVA and absorbs some UVB while suppressing inflammation. The formula does not leave a white cast and has a mattifying effect.
Shop online here.
For advanced anti-ageing protection, try:
Heliocare 360° Age Active Fluid (R612.00)
Heliocare 360° Age Active Fluid is a light, hydrating fluid providing high-level broad-spectrum protection plus a triple anti-ageing complex to help prevent the visible signs of ageing. The complex features a trio of hydrators to help plump the skin and smooth lines, while an additional ‘soft focus’ complex helps diffuse light, reducing the appearance of fine lines. High and broad-spectrum photoprotection protects against the four types of radiation UVB-UVA-VL-IRA, including blue light emitted by digital devices. It has an antipollution system and a triple antiaging complex, which helps prevent and correct photoaging signs.
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Everysun Anti-Ageing Face Crème (R129.99)
This even tone moisturiser which has been dermalogically tested. It has been specially formulated to care for skin using Vita Lock™, an infusion of superfruits, antioxidants, vitamins and advanced UVA and UVB filters with photo stability. This advanced complex protects against sun-induced skin damage and premature ageing, and promotes skin elasticity and firmness. Everysun Anti-ageing Face Crème offers UVA and UVB protection, is water resistant, and light and non-greasy. Use as an everyday moisturiser and sunscreen. Every day is fun in the sun with Everysun.
Shop online here.
For skins prone to redness, try:
Bioderma Photoderm AR SPF50+ (R315.00)
Bioderma Photoderm AR SPF50+ is a high-tolerance sun protection cream with soothing and redness-reducing benefits. Suitable for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. It has a universal tint that suits all skin tones. It contains UVA & UVB filters to protect against sun damage, and helps to relieve redness.
Shop online here.
