After all the care done for your skin, it is extremely important to protect your face, hands, neck from sun damage. Sun damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) light which is invisible but very damaging to the skin. In this article, we’re discussing the effect of UV radiation on the skin and what you can do to prevent UV light from causing harm to your skin.

Types of UV Light

UV consists of Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B. The differences between the types of UV lights:

  • Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength and it penetrates deeper into the skin. UVA is typically associated with signs of ageing on the skin including hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and “liver spots.”
  • Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength than UVA. It affects the outer surface of the skin unlike UVA and causes sunburning, sometimes blistering.

Both UVA and UVB are damaging to the skin and lead to premature skin aging and can cause skin cancer. For this reason, it’s important that you take appropriate measures to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation.

So, How Does UV Light Affect the Skin?

  • Indoor sun protection
    UVA can penetrate clouds and windows almost unobstructed with up to 90% reaching your skin. So even when you’re indoors, you have to be cautious about sun rays hitting against your skin.
  • Tanning is the skin’s defence mechanism
    UVA is responsible for skin tan and is used in tanning beds. Tanning is the skin’s attempt to minimize sun damage and stop UVA from penetrating deep into your skin.
  • Sun damage in winter?!
    Many people don’t realize that sun damage can happen all year round and not just in the summer. Winter sunny days can harm your skin not only with direct UV light but also with UV lights that reflect off snow, which is a very unlikely occurrence in the summer.
  • Time of day matters
    The majority of UV damage (up to 60%) happens from the early morning until the afternoon, particularly between 10 am and 2 pm. This is when the sun is at its highest thus most damaging for the skin.
  • UV in high altitude
    UV increases by 4% with each 300 m altitude. So while you might enjoy watching the sunrise from an airplane window, know that UV lights will affect your skin far more significantly than they would on a regular altitude.
  • Shade is penetrable
    Shade can reduce UV exposure by 50%, but does not eliminate it, you still need protection. Although wearing a hat with a wide brim is good for skin protection, UV rays can still peak through.

What about Vitamin D and Bone Health?

vitamind and bone health

We need sun for our skin to produce vitamin D. But the fact is that you need only 5 minutes of sun exposure to your face and your hands 2-3 times per week off-peak hours (before 10 am and after 2 pm) to produce enough vitamin D to keep your bones healthy.

Skin damage from unprotected sun exposure accumulates over time, causing significant issues later in life. Always protect your skin from sun exposure.

Visit the Skin Cancer Foundation to learn more.

Sunscreen Application

sunscreen application

We recommend applying sunscreen every time you step outside at least 15 minutes in advance. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours for ultimate protection. There are also many makeup products that contain sun-protection ingredients, such as SPF foundation and setting powder. If you’re going to the pool or beach, reapply your sunscreen immediately after you get out of the water, preferably after towel drying.

Our Sunscreen Recommendations

At Eclat Spa, as part of our home care regimen, we offer TiZO® Sunscreen products. We recommend this brand to our customers for the following reasons:

  • FDA-approved Mineral Sunscreen Filters, not absorbed by skin, non-irritating.
  • Physically broad-spectrum protection, protecting your skin from UVA/UVB damage.
  • No chemical sunscreen filters, no dyes, no fragrances, no oils or preservatives, making it suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
  • Photostable, will not degrade in the sun.
  • Age-defying – infused with antioxidants C and E.
  • Safe for you (6 months+) and safe for marine life (reef-friendly); not tested on animals.
  • Elegant, silky application; works as a base for makeup.
  • Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure.

TiZO®3 SPF 40 – $45

  • Soft, primer-like finish, matte appearance
  • Tinted for all skin tones
  • Antioxidants C&E
  • Water-resistant, 80 minutes

TiZO®2 SPF 40 – $45

  • Soft, primer-like finish, matte appearance
  • Non-tinted, for light skin tones
  • Antioxidants C&E
  • Water-resistant, 80 minutes

TiZO® Ultra SPF 40 – $50

  • Non-tinted
  • Rich protection; gives your skin a silky shine
  • Antioxidants C and E
  • Water-resistant, 40 minutes

TiZO® Ultra Tinted – $50

  • Tinted
  • Rich protection; gives your skin shine
  • Antioxidants C&E
  • Water-resistant, 40 minutes

TiZO® LipTect SPF 45 – $12

  • Non-whitening
  • Superior Protection
  • Water-resistant 80 minutes

TiZO® SPF 50 – $45

  • Water resistant 40 minutes
  • Gentle powerful protection

Contact us to learn more about our favourite sunscreens from TiZO®. All sales are subject to HST tax.