The number one anti-ageing tip of all time is – ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN. It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is, if you’re in daylight, than your skin needs protecting from UVA and UBV rays. Plus, with cases of skin cancer on the rise, this should be our number one priority anyway.
Even though UV rays make up only a very small portion of the sun’s rays, they are the main cause of the sun’s damaging effects on the skin. UV rays damage the DNA of skin cells.
Skin cancers start when this damage affects the DNA of genes that control skin cell growth.
Some types of clouds can reflect UV and can increase UV exposure. What is important to know is that UV rays can get through, even on a cloudy day. cancer.org
Altruist Sunscreen is £4.00 for 200ml. It was developed by Dr Andrew Birnie, a Consultant Dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon in partnership with some of the best formulation scientists in Europe. They believe that by reducing profit margins and unnecessary marketing costs, top quality sunscreen should be affordable to everyone.
BENEFITS:
- Fabulous cosmetic feel – easily absorbed, non-sticky and no residue
- Dermatologically and clinically tested
- Recommended by UK dermatologists
- Your purchase supports children with albinism in Tanzania
- Suitable for daily use on the face and body (including acne prone skin)
- Excellent tolerability (suitable for sensitive skin)
- Hypoallergenic formulation
- Fragrance, alcohol and paraben free
- Water resistant
- Sun filter, Tinosorb A2B, enhances protection across the whole UV spectrum by boosting protection from UVB and UVAII wavelengths (290 – 340 nm).
This summer has been my palest yet, even though we’ve had periods of incredibly sunny weather. Perhaps, with careful SPF juggling, I could’ve developed a glorious golden tan, but the trouble is, it’s only temporary, you have to live in your skin forever. If you want a tan, fake it – the cosmetic way, leave sunbeds alone.
SPF50 FOREVER
I’ve decided that at 54, I need to step up my sunscreen from SPF30 to SPF50. I’ve been using Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution SPF 50 Day Cream and I have no complaints. I run through the bottles quickly, because I apply it daily to whatever skin is exposed to the sun.
Price wise, Clarins is £28.80 for 30ml, which makes it £96.00 per 100ml. Compare that to Altruist, £4.00 per 200ml, which is £2.00 per 100ml and that’s a painful read!
The cream itself is exactly as you’d expect from a good quality, high SPF sunscreen, it’s odourless and bright white in colour.
WHEN TO APPLY
There’s a debate about exactly when in your make up routine you should apply sunscreen. Apply straight after cleansing and your serum/oil/moisturiser can’t get to your skin and do their work. But apply after primer, then your foundation won’t ‘stick’ to your face. So the order is: after skin care products, before primer. Remember to cleanse thoroughly at the end of the day.
HOW TO APPLY
After patting it on – I never rub sunscreen in because I want a ‘proper’ layer of protection, it takes absolutely ages to dry (as does my Clarins one). But be patient, it goes from slightly moist, to a bit sticky, then eventually absorbs into skin.
If you’re using it when out in the sun, then obviously reapply often.
Sunscreen is the most important step in your daily skin care regimen. If you haven’t already incorporated it into your routine, do it now, for your ageing skin’s sake and more importantly, for your health’s sake.
Altruist is available from Amazon £4.00 for 200ml
