The key to preventing premature ageing - Sun Protection

Considering Im big on the whole anti ageing thing and take great care in using products to help with premature ageing, I have never really payed much attention to the fact that the sun is the biggest ager of all and using an SPF daily is essential in preventing premature ageing. Most of the products I use daily do contain an added SPF, but I also use some moisturisers and foundations that don't have any SPF protection and I have never thought to use a seperate sunscreen. It is only recently after reading a lot online that I have begun to really understand the benefits of SPF and the importance of using it daily, whatever the weather. SPF is not just for the summer months. To prevent aging caused by UV rays, sunscreen should be used every day of the year, whether it be a nicer sunny day or even if it is a cloudy, dull, drizzly day. Its important all year round.

Although most of the moisturisers and foundations I use do contain an added SPF, most only offer a small amount, which is usually SPF 15 from my experience. I have read that It is recommended to use an SPF of 30 or above. This helps prevent the skin from premature aging and also help with existing signs of aging by preventing existing wrinkles from getting any deeper. I decided it would me more beneficial to use a seperate facial sunscreen daily, even if my moisturiser and foundation contain SPF. I already had one facial sunscreen tucked away in a drawer (so I must have thought about sun damage at some point! shame I didn't know how important it was at the time!) and I also acquired another one recently.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF 50

"This lightweight, oil-free lotion helps protect your skin from sun exposure while hydrating for up to 8 hours. The powerful SPF 50 helps shield skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays that can cause sunburn, surface skin cell damage and premature signs of aging. Provides powerful SPF 50 PA+++ protection to help shield skin against UVA/UVB rays that can cause sunburn, surface skin cell damage and premature signs of aging".

Its easy to see why this product is an award winner. It provides some amazing protection. I have found myself being put off by one small and stupid thing though, which is the scent. It seems to smell quite different from the traditional 8 hour cream and its a strong scent that does linger and I can smell it for quite a while after application. I cannot actually form a full review on this product as of yet, as I have only used it once. I can say though that apart from the smell though I like everything else about it. Its nice and lightweight and applies nicely, although once I added a moisturiser on top my skin did feel quite greasy, so I don't actually think a separate moisturiser will be needed. It does promise to keep skin hydrated though using the revolutionary eight hour formulation, while preventing the effects of the sun. I think this will be more beneficial to me in the summer months though when we see some serious sun, so for now its gone back in the drawer until we get some proper sunshine and then I will definitely be using it, regardless of the scent.

Healthspan Nurture SPF 30 Daily Face Protector

This is my preferred choice of sunscreen at the moment.

"A light refreshing concentrated cream, for all areas regularly exposed to the sun. Conforms to the Boots 5-star rating system of protection against damaging UVA rays (responsible for premature skin ageing), blocking at least 90%. Also gives high factor protection from both UVB rays (responsible for sunburn). Protects skin and fights the appearance of wrinkles caused by sun exposure.

With skin saving, micro-fused antioxidant vitamin E, soothing aloe vera and moisturising pro-vitamin B5 it will help keep your skin supple, protected and hydrated throughout the day. Suitable for year round use on the most delicate areas; face, chest and hands"

This is so lightweight to use and soaks into my skin immediately, leaving no greasy residue at all. It smells amazing and for the last couple of days I have been using it without a moisturiser as it contains moisturising properties so I have found it enough to keep my skin hydrated and soft all day long. Priced at £6.45 this is really good value for money. I really recommend this if you are looking a cheap but effective sunscreen for the face and neck. For me it feels and applies just the same as the Elizabeth Arden which is a lot pricier at £22.47. I really think this is a product that women just cannot afford to be without. Its a bargain!

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 can be purchased at Boots and Healthspan Nurture SPF 30 Daily Face Protector online at Healthspan.co.uk

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The key to preventing premature ageing - Sun Protection