Skincare enthusiasts, there is a new anti-ageing solution in town, if you don’t know about it already. And that’s anti-ageing sunscreen. But that doesn’t undermine the importance of anti-ageing skincare products like retinol, niacinamide, and vitamin C or serve as their replacement. Anti-ageing sunscreen adds to the benefits of these products, offering you double protection from the harshness of the sun’s UV rays.
In collaboration with The Channel 46, Paula’s Choice sheds light on the differences between regular and anti-ageing sunscreens and offers tips on protecting yourself from the sun and how to wear your sunscreen along with anti-ageing products.
Role Of Sun Damage In Skin Ageing
Sun damage is responsible for many of the signs of ageing that you see around. Essentially what happens is the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays trigger a cascade of free radical damage and inflammation that accelerates the ageing process within your skin. It weakens the skin’s barrier and breaks down the components within the skin that give it its youthful qualities. These components include collagen, elastin, and antioxidants that are naturally present, along with hydrating substances. Skin ageing conditions that can worsen due to the damage caused by the sun include but are not limited to:
- Wrinkles
- Discolourations
- Sagging skin
- Rough texture
- Dark circles
- Enlarged pores
Differences Between Regular Sunscreen & Anti-Ageing Sunscreens
A basic sunscreen delivers only sun protection via sunscreen actives. At times, they may offer a hint of hydration too but not much else to help your skin in any other way. In contrast, anti-ageing sunscreens go a step further to include beneficial ingredients that give the skin an added boost of protection, usually in the form of antioxidants, which neutralise free radical damage and halt premature signs of ageing.
3 Sun Protection Tips To Prevent Skin Ageing
1. Wear Sunscreen All Day, Even When There’s No Sun
Sunscreen use is needed 365 days a year, whether there be rain or shine. The harmful UV rays hammer away at your skin continuously, even when it’s cloudy outside. As opposed to the popular opinion that sunscreen is necessary only when you’re out in the sun, the UV rays harm your skin enough even when it’s cloudy or you’re within the confines of a room. UVA rays also penetrate glass windows, so if you’re inside your office, car, or home most of the day, wearing sunscreen is still essential to help protect skin from premature ageing. Hence, it is essential for you to apply a generous dose of sunscreen at all times.
2. Go For A Sunscreen That Is At Least SPF 30
Purchase broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater. SPF ratings below 30 have been proven to be less effective at providing reliable protection.
3. Carry Sun Protection Accessories Always
In addition to sunscreen, wearing hats and scarves, UV-rated sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing can help shield your precious skin from the sun’s rays. This is especially true on days when you know you’ll be outdoors for an extended period of time.
2-Step Process For Layer Sunscreen & Other Anti-Ageing Products
There is a process for everything and it is no different from wearing sunscreen. You especially need to keep certain tips in mind while layering your sunscreen with anti-ageing products like retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide. Here are tips to get you started:
- Layer your anti-ageing products, other than the anti-ageing sunscreen, in order of the thinnest to the thickest texture. Powerful antioxidants like retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide add another layer of defence against UV damage, so it’s a brilliant idea to layer them under your sunscreen.
- Next, apply sunscreen as the last skincare step before wearing makeup.
Key Takeaways
- Skin ageing conditions can worsen due to the damage caused by the sun. These skin conditions include but are not limited to wrinkles, discolouration, sagging skin, rough texture and even dark circles and enlarged pores.
- Sunscreens offer protection from the sun and, at times, hydrate the skin. On the other hand, anti-ageing sunscreens go a step further to include beneficial ingredients that give the skin an added boost of protection, usually in the form of antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralise free radical damage and halt premature signs of ageing.
- Wearing sunscreen all day every day is necessary to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Even on cloudy days, UVA rays can penetrate glass windows. So, if you’re inside your office, car, or home most of the day, wearing sunscreen is still essential to help protect skin from premature ageing.
- SPF ratings below 30 have been proven to be less effective at providing reliable protection. Therefore, opt for one that is SPF 30 or greater.
- Always carry sun protection accessories like sunshades, hats and scarves to minimise the harshness of the sun on you.
- Layer your anti-ageing products, other than the anti-ageing sunscreen, in order of the thinnest to the thickest texture. Next, lather on your sunscreen before wearing makeup.
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