Daily sun protection for your skin

Sunny days- good mood. The sun brings happiness and has a positive effect on body and psyche. It stimulates the production of the happiness hormone serotonin and vitamin D. However, it also poses real danger that you should protect yourself from. Do you love your skin and want to protect it from premature ageing, or prevent the formation of more wrinkles? In this article, we’ll explain why daily facial sun protection is so important and how you can easily incorporate it into your daily routine.

Effects of the sun on the skin

The sun is the natural source of UV radiation, which can be divided into UVA and UVB radiation, among others. This “invisible danger” is partly powerful enough to penetrate deep into the skin and cause damage there. These can be divided into short-term damage, such as sunburn or conjunctivitis in the eye, as well as long-term damage, such as skin cancer and premature skin ageing in the forms of wrinkles and age spots. UV radiation is even the primary cause of skin cancer, with fair-skinned individuals being particularly at risk.

Would you like to learn more about skin ageing? In our advisory article, we explain how our skin ages and give you valuable tips on how to counteract photoageing (skin ageing due to UV radiation)- in addition to using products with sun protection factor (SPF).

Acute effects

  • Sunburn

  • Sun allergy

  • Conjunctivitis in the eye

  • Stimulation of the body’s own vitamin D production

  • Weakening of the immune system

Acute vs. long-term effects

Long-term affects

  • Premature skin ageing

  • Skin cancer

  • Cataract in the eye

Why sun protection is important EVERY day

With sunglasses, clothing and sufficient sunscreen, you can best protect yourself from both short-term and long-term damage. Especially during midday, you should avoid staying in the sun for long periods. But did you know that sun protection is essential even on cloudy days? This is because UVA rays can easily penetrate clouds and even window glass. For this reason, it is important to protect your skin even inside vehicles or buildings. The face, in particular, which is usually uncovered and exposed to the sun, requires special attention. We therefore recommend a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 20. Depending on your skin type and the current UV index, you can adjust the strength of the sunscreen. Contrary to the common belief that sun protection is only necessary in the height of summer, it is actually important to protect the skin from potential damage by UV radiation throughout the year- UV rays do not take a holiday!

Benefits of mineral sunscreen vs. synthetic sunscreen

You might be wondering: What is the difference between mineral and chemical or synthetic sunscreen?

Synthetic sunscreen

Synthetic sunscreen filters bind with the skin’s oils and convert sunlight into heat, which is then released through the skin. However, it takes some time for the sunscreen to fully develop its effect. Additionally, some synthetic UV filters (e.g., octocrylene) are suspected of having hormonal effects, causing allergies, or damaging the environment and animals. In the specific case of octocrylene, benzophenone is produced as a degradation product, which is even classified as “probably carcinogenic”.

Mineral sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, is a type of sunscreen that contains mineral particles, such as zinc oxide. These particles form a protective film on your skin and reflect UV rays, similar to a mirror. This not only prevents the rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage but also makes the sunscreen particularly well-tolerated- perfect for people with sensitive skin and for those who value natural ingredients. Additionally, mineral sunscreen, like the kind we use at lavera, works immediately.

Skincare layering: How do I incorporate sun protection into my skincare routine?

At this point, we’ll show you how easy it can be to make daily sun protection a fixed part of your skincare routine. One option is a facial cream with UV protection, which can replace your conventional day care in your beauty routine. The practice of using different care products on top of each other is known as “skin layering”. Let’s show you how that works.

You start as usual with cleansing the skin: for this, you first use a cleansing milk or foam. For an extra fresh kick in the morning and skin that’s sufficiently hydrated, you then apply your serum and day care. Once the day cream has been absorbed, it’s time for the crucial step: a fluid with UV protection that seamlessly fits into your care routine. The great thing about it: thanks to its moisturising properties, it can replace your day cream (e.g., on particularly warm days). Just add make-up, and you’re ready to start your day worry free.

At this point, we’ll show you how easy it can be to make daily sun protection a fixed part of your skincare routine. One option is a facial cream with UV protection, which can replace your conventional day care in your beauty routine. Alternatively, a lightweight UV fluid can be easily combined with your favourite day care. The practice of using different care products on top of each other is known as “skincare layering”. Lets show you how that works. You start as usual with cleaning your skin: for this, you first use a cleansing milk or foam. For an extra fresh kick in the morning and skin that is sufficiently hydrated, you then apply your serum and day care.

Summary

As you can see: Daily sun protection is not just a passing trend, but an investment in the long-term health of your skin. Although the sun enhances our well-being by stimulating serotonin and vitamin D production, the potential risks to the skin should not be underestimated. By applying sunscreen everyday, you effectively protect your skin from UVA and UVB radiation, thereby preventing premature skin ageing and other short-term and long-term damage.