The environment and your skin – What should we know about sun protection this summer?

Main ingredients

3x UVA and 3x UVB sunscreens (SPF 50), Aging molecule inhibitor, Pycnogenol(R) (Super antioxidant), Ingredients that stop-loss of immunity, Anti-inflammatory ingredients, Ingredients that decrease damaging enzymes, Ingredients that  recover the skin’s immunity and Photolyase enzymes that correct recent indirect and direct DNA damage.

How to use

– Apply in the morning over your serum and moisturiser.

– Best applied 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.

– If you are in the sun, reapply every two to four hours.

Special precautions

– The peach colour of the product is a result of the inclusion of the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol(R). The product is not tinted.

– When first applied, Helase 50 might feel a little “pasty”. Give it a few seconds to be absorbed and it will begin to feel like a primer.

– Avoid getting Helase 50 in your eyes. Only apply it up to the ocular ridge.

The largest organ in your body is your skin. Sun protection is your first line of defence to ensure a radiant and youthful you.

SPF ratings, lets make some sense.

There is no simple answer here, higher ratings do not necessarily mean better protection. So what does the number in a SPF rating aim to accomplish? The folks at skincancer.org explaines:

The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin when using the product exactly as directed 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.

An SPF 30 allows about 3 percent of UVB rays to hit your skin. An SPF of 50 allows about 2 percent of those rays through. That may seem like a small difference until you realize that the SPF 30 is allowing 50 percent more UV radiation onto your skin.

Under ideal conditions (like in a laboratory), a sunscreen with higher SPF protection and broad-spectrum coverage offers more protection against sunburn, UVA damage and DNA damage than comparable products with lower SPF values.

But, real life is not like a lab. In real life, products with very high SPFs often create a false sense of security. People who use them tend to stay out in the sun much longer. They may skip reapplying. And they may think they don’t need to seek shade, wear a hat or cover up with clothing. They end up getting a lot more UV damage, which, of course, defeats the purpose.

For people who have a history or high risk of skin cancer, genetic diseases such as albinism or xeroderma pigmentosum or certain immune disorders, SPF 50 may not be enough. Same goes for certain scenarios, such as hiking or skiing at high altitude or vacationing near the equator.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. Regardless of the SPF, though, it’s important to apply one ounce (two tablespoons) 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.”

Be Grateful.

Our skin adapts with the environment and we all agree that it’s changing. Although there may be raging debates about the route causes of environmental changes, a few minutes in the harsh South African sun sends you scrambling for the nearest shade. But don’t be fooled, the shade does not provide the essential protection needed for your greatest asset, your skin.

An overwhelming volume of research proves that as little as 30 minutes of sun exposure damages your skin DNA. Don’t play Russian Roulette, give your body a decent chance to combat the effects the environment has. We trust this blog has equipped you with the right info to choose your SPF wisely.

All images are under copyright © Lamelle