Mostly, my blog posts talk about beauty for Women fifty plus, but today it is all about Fifty Plus Sun Protection Factor . Beauty professionals, including myself, are always harping on about using SPF and that it must be fifty plus on your face. So I thought I would give some clear reasons why.
Protection Against UV Rays
- UVA Rays: These rays penetrate deeply into the skin and contribute to premature aging and skin damage. They can also pass through windows and clouds, causing harm even when you’re indoors or the weather is overcast.
- UVB Rays: These rays are primarily responsible for sunburn and play a significant role in developing skin cancer. SPF 50 offers better protection against UVB rays than lower SPF products.
2. Prevention of Skin Cancer
- Regular use of a high SPF sunscreen can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, which is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer. SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays, providing robust protection.
3. Anti-Aging Benefits
- Exposure to the sun accelerates the skin’s aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Using SPF 50 helps in maintaining a youthful appearance by protecting against these aging effects.
4. Reduction of Hyperpigmentation
- Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation and dark spots, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. SPF 50 helps to minimize these effects by providing more comprehensive coverage and protection.
5. Consistent Protection in Harsh Conditions
- SPF 50 is particularly beneficial in environments with intense sun exposure, such as at the beach, in snowy areas (where UV rays are reflected by the snow), or at high altitudes. It provides a safety net against unexpected high levels of UV radiation.
6. Longer Duration of Protection
- While no sunscreen can provide all-day protection, SPF 50 can offer a longer period of effective defense compared to lower SPFs. It is still necessary to reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
7. Suitable for Sensitive Areas
- The skin on the face is often more sensitive and exposed than other parts of the body. Using SPF 50 ensures these vulnerable areas receive the best possible protection.
Tips for Effective Use:
- Apply Generously and Evenly: Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas of your face, including ears and neck.
- Reapply Regularly: Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
- Check for Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ensure the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Complement with Other Protective Measures: Use hats, sunglasses, and seek shade whenever possible.
Incorporating SPF 50 sunscreen into your daily skincare routine is a proactive step toward maintaining skin health and preventing sun-induced damage.
Which SPF 50 +products are best
Like anything we use on our skin it is not always one fits all and it can depend if you want to use the spf cream under make up. If you are like me, very sensitive to products and have found alot of SPF ‘s can give you spots on your face or streaming eyes. So, I have a few favourites to share, which I have tried and they have suited my sun and product sensitive skin.
Look Fabulous Forever:
I have recently been trying Look Fabulous Forever Daily SPF 50+ Serum Broad Spectrum with Hyaluronic acid UVA +UVB. Boy! have I needed it over the last couple of days with temperatures reaching over 30 degrees in South West UK. So, perfect trial conditions. I have found this product very light and goes on to the skin smoothly. My sensitive skin has been fine with no reaction and it is light enough to wear under make-up. Being a serum it penetrates and protects the skin and the Hyaluronic acid hydrates while the aloe vera moisurises. At £35 it is reasonably priced for a skin serum and spf in one.
https://www.lookfabulousforever.com/daily-spf-50-serum
La Roche-Posey
This is my usual go to face spf 50+ cream it is easy to get hold of as it is sold in Boots (for those of us in UK) it is light invisible fluid and sits well under make up. it is non perfumed and works well on a sensitive fairy like myself. Also had no issues with this one. At around £20 is the cheaper of my suggested creams.
Chanel CC cream 50+
If you are looking for something with a bit more coverage then the Chanel CC cream could be just the thing. I came to use this after being given an instore sample. It has very good cover with a high factor and skin correction. I have used this instead of factor then foundation. It goes on smoothly and my skin doesnt react, always a bonus. I would say, for me, no need to use a foundation as well. A little pricier at £52 but you get skincare, spf and colour corrector all in one product.
https://www.chanel.com/gb/skincare/p/140565/cc-cream-super-active-complete-correction-spf-50
Clarins
When I first realised, a few years ago now, that I needed a seperate spf cream for face and body, I did use Clarins and was happy with the result. However, after finding it had sold out everywhere, even trying to get it at the airport as a last resort. I confess I switched. I guess it tells you it is a good product. So I am adding it to my suggested few tried and tested on a pretty sensitive skin.
https://www.clarins.co.uk/skincare-sun-spf-sun-protection/410/?start=0&sz=36&scrollTo=CS00967830
Photos of me by me.
Product shots by me- except for Clarins and Chanel
Karens Workshops and One 2 Ones
The Graceful Disgraceful Make up Experience is for small private groups (6) of women 40+, so grab a group of friends and book this fabulous self care workshop that celebrates women, guiding them through the early challenges of ageing from 40s to menopause and beyond. Booking now for September (click link below for details)
