Article 30

Melanie Grant on the importance of SPF

Melanie Grant is a leading global skincare expert and celebrity facialist with exclusive studios in Los Angeles and Australia where she offers specialist skin treatments, experiences and education.

I always say if it's the one and only thing you do when it comes to skin care, wear a broad spectrum, high factor sunscreen each and every day no matter the weather. It's truly the cornerstone of any good skin care regimen.  Often underestimated, the regular use of an SPF is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. And I'm a firm believer that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to skin health.

Sunscreen’s role in protecting against UV-induced damage, preventing premature aging, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and maintaining an even, unified skin tone is becoming more well known. By simply applying a broad-spectrum, TGA approved sunscreen correctly and consistently, you can significantly enhance the health and longevity of your skin.     

Regular and proper use of SPF is not only a preventive measure against immediate sunburn but also as a long-term investment in your overall skin health.

The importance of SPF for overall skin health

The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can cause significant damage to our skin. There are two primary types of UV rays: UVA and UVB.

UVA Rays: These rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the thickest layer of the skin. They're responsible for long-term damage such as wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots and other pigmentation disorders. UVA rays are present all throughout the year, even during winter,  penetrating through clouds and even windows.

UVB Rays: These rays affect the upper layer of skin, the epidermis, causing sunburn and contribute to the development of skin cancers. UVB intensity varies with season, geographic location, and time of day, being strongest between 10am and 4pm.

Photoaging, caused by exposure to UVA radiation, involves the degradation of collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in sagging skin, wrinkles, and age spots. So, it's really a no-brainer to apply SPF each and every day to significantly reduce these signs of aging by providing a protective barrier against UVA rays.

Sun exposure can exacerbate hyperpigmentation conditions such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Daily application of SPF helps to prevent the darkening of existing spots and the formation of new ones, resulting in a more even, radiant skin tone.

The epidermis

Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Range

What to look for in an SPF

An effective sunscreen should offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. The SPF value indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. For prolonged outdoor activities, a higher SPF value, such as 50, offers increased protection.

Sunscreens approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia have undergone rigorous testing for safety and efficacy. The TGA in Australia set the highest standards in the world, so Australian made is usually my preference. These approvals provide that added level of confidence in the product's performance and protective capabilities.

The Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral range fuses SPF 50 with advanced skincare actives. The collection delivers a multidimensional approach that prioritises both efficacy and luxury in equal measure. Along with the TGA-certification to underpin its commitment to the highest standards of suncare, ensuring true protection and visible results.

The Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème is a featherlight formulation offering invisible broad-spectrum protection along with infusing the skin with high grade actives. Niacinamide works to even out skin tone, while Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 boosts collagen production. And for a dose of hydration, Saccharide Isomerate delivers an intense, long lasting surge of moisture.
 
The Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Body Crème is a luxurious hydrating formula. The decadent crème is infused with antioxidant-rich botanicals, including Pongamia pinnata seed, a natural extract that shields the skin from environmental aggressors and reduces redness. Saccharide Isomerate delivers deep, long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin feeling supple, plump and nourished.

How to apply and how often

Amount: Always apply a liberal amount of sunscreen to all exposed areas.

Timing: Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to form an effective protective barrier.

Coverage: Ensure thorough and even application, paying special attention to often-missed areas such as the ears, back of the neck, hands, and the tops of the feet.

Layering: When using multiple skincare products, sunscreen should always be applied as the final step before makeup.

Frequency: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

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