Most of us understand that it’s important to protect our skin from the sun, but how clued up are you on other types of harmful light, what factor of sunscreen you should be wearing, or the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
Of course, knowledge is power. So, as well as offering science-led SPF skin and body care packed with active ingredients, the experts at TEMPLESPA are committed to helping everyone understand how best to protect themselves..
woman&home has teamed up with TEMPLESPA to bring you this simple guide to sun safety and SPF products. The first question many of us have about SPF is, What do those three letters and the number beside them actually mean?
Sun protection, decoded
SPF stands for sun protection factor. This measures how well sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays. For example, if a sunscreen has an SPF of 30, it should take 30 times longer for sun-exposed skin to burn wearing that product than without it.
Of course, it’s not an exact science, as many factors determine how quickly UVB rays can damage your skin. But, as a general rule, a higher SPF means a longer duration of protection.
Spotlight on harmful rays
As well as UVB rays, which cause skin burning and the cellular damage that is understood to cause most skin cancers, we should also protect our skin against UVA light. UVA gets to every layer of the skin and leads to visible signs of ageing, such as lines.
Another light to watch out for is blue, or high-energy visible (HEV), which is emitted by the sun and digital devices. Increasingly, skincare products are developed with HEV in mind, such as TEMPLESPA LIFE DEFENCE SPF30, which contains Ginseng Root Extract to help filter blue light and digital pollution.
The smart way to wear SPF
You’ve probably heard experts recommend year-round sun protection - and perhaps wondered why, when there’s no chance of sunburn on an overcast day. While sun exposure is the main culprit for UVB damage, UVA light is up to 50 times stronger, present on cloudy days and can penetrate glass to reach our skin indoors.
Environmental aggressors such as pollution, HEV light and smoke also play their part in ageing the skin, making daily SPF use the best habit you can get into for a healthy, happy complexion.
As well as a high-factor SPF, look for products that offer ‘broad spectrum’ protection from UVA, blue light filters and antioxidants to ward off environmental damage. Don’t overlook exposed yet easily forgotten areas, such as your scalp or lips. Using dedicated protection in these sensitive areas, such as TEMPLESPA LIP DEFENCE, ensures the thin and vulnerable skin is protected.
Meet the TEMPLESPA SPF Family
Like a bodyguard in your skincare routine, this light and silky moisturiser combines high-factor UVA/UVB protection with a cocktail of antioxidants to ward off environmental damage. With an elegant texture, high-tech formulation and radiant finish, this will make daily SPF use a pleasure.
A perfect balance of science and sensoriality, this high protection body moisturiser is packed with beneficial actives, including UVA/UVB filters, antioxidant Vitamin E, prebiotics and probiotics. Plus, this creamy lotion sinks in without a trace and has a sophisticated woody-floral fragrance with Jasmine, Iris and Sandalwood
