HOW A DAY CREAM WITH SPF KEEPS YOUR SKIN YOUTHFUL FOR LONGER

In summer, it’s natural to protect the skin from UV radiation. But did you know that the skin is also exposed to the effects of UV radiation in fall and winter? This constant UV exposure promotes premature skin aging. To keep your skin smooth, firm, and healthy, be sure to use a day cream with SPF even after your summer vacation.

March 29th 2022

From BIOTHERM

UV RAYS: IMPORTANT FOR LIFE ON EARTH

Without the sun, life on Earth would not be possible. Not only because it gives light and warmth to living things, but also because it allows plants to photosynthesize, grow, and bloom. It's the same for us humans: UV radiation enables us to produce vitamin D, which is vital for our bodies. The body needs this for numerous metabolic processes and for the health of muscles, bones, skin, and mucous membranes.

THE NEGATIVE EFFECT OF UV RAYS

Despite the positive properties of UV rays, you must not forget that the skin can only protect itself from UV radiation to a certain extent. Exposure to the sun for too long can accelerate skin aging, cause pigmentation, and lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, you should be sure to only sunbathe in moderation and wear a suitable day cream with sun protection. This also applies to days when the sun is not shining. Because even in the fall or winter, UV rays penetrate through cloud cover and affect exposed areas of skin. Snow, water and asphalt can reflect UV radiation and even intensify it. The face, neck, chest, and hands are particularly affected and should always be cared for with a UV protection cream to prevent sun-induced skin aging.

BIOTHERM STUDIES ON THE INFLUENCE OF UV RADIATION ON THE SKIN

Based on more than 20 years of research, Biotherm has found through its studies that the majority of skin aging signs (80%) are caused by sun exposure*. Moreover, the research results prove that the long-wave UVA rays have a significant impact on skin aging - they cause hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Nevertheless, many products do not protect against UVA rays, even though there are many times more UVA than UVB rays and they are present all year round. Studies have also proven that skin changes increase by 200% due to environmental factors. Daily SPF protection is essential.

HOW DOES A DAY CREAM WITH SPF AFFECT THE SKIN?

All skin has a certain amount of time in which it protects itself. This depends on your skin type and indicates how long your skin is able to protect itself from UV radiation. For very light skin types, this time can be as little as ten minutes, or up to 40 minutes for darker types. A day cream with SPF extends this time and shields the skin from UVA/UVB rays. Using a face cream with SPF 3, such as the Blue Peptides Uplift Day Cream SPF 30, multiplies your self-protection time, preventing sun damage, wrinkles and long-term aging.

HOW MUCH SPF SHOULD A DAY CREAM HAVE?

Current recommendations assume that a day cream with sun protection should have at least SPF 30-50. However, the product you choose as your SPF day cream depends on your individual lifestyle, the season and the latitude where you usually stay and, of course, your skin type. If you spend more time indoors and only go outdoors on your way to work or for short periods of time, your day cream could have a lower SPF. For longer periods spent outdoors and during the summer, it is better to choose a day cream with a high sun protection factor.^[1]

WHICH IS BETTER: A DAY CREAM WITH SPF OR A SUNSCREEN?

A day cream with a sun protection factor, such as Blue Peptides Uplift Cream SPF 30, is suitable for normal everyday use if you are not always outdoors or no intense sun exposure is expected. If you plan to partake in the following activities, you should apply a dedicated face sunscreen, such as Aquascreen Activewear Daily UV Fluid SPF50+ for additional protection:

• Summer beach vacations or vacations in the south
• Boat trips, surfing and other water sports
• Day hikes in the period between March and October
• Ski vacations
• Gardening and other outdoor activities when intense sunshine is likely to occur

During these activities, you can provide extra protection to your skin and eyes from too much UV light by wearing suitable clothing, sunglasses, and protective headgear.

WHAT IS BEST FOR EVERYDAY USE - A DAY CREAM WITH OR WITHOUT SPF?

Whether and which sun protection factor is necessary depends, as we have already mentioned, on your lifestyle habits and your environment. Many modern skincare products for the face are equipped with a sun protection factor. They are ideal for preventing wrinkles and fine lines caused by the sun.

A good day cream with SPF protects your skin from UVB and UVA rays and negative environmental aggressors. A face creams' UV protection effectively protects your skin from negative environmental aggressors and signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. With each application of this face cream with SPF, your skin will look more even, smoother, and firmer.

WHAT ABOUT VITAMIN D IN CREAMS WITH SPF?

Many worry that SPF face creams block vitamin D production. This vitamin is formed by the human body, only under the influence of sunlight. A vitamin D deficiency can negatively affect bone density as well as muscle and nerve functions.

For an adequate supply of vitamin D, all you need to do is expose your face, hands, and arms to sunlight two to three times a week between March and October, without applying face cream with UV protection. The time you should spend in the sun depends on your skin type. Under no circumstances should redness or sunburn occur. If you are not sure whether your body is sufficiently supplied with vitamin D, ask your family doctor for advice.^[2]

A DAY CREAM WITH SPF AS AN ANTI-AGING SKINCARE PRODUCT

SPF face creams double as anti-aging products, helping to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation caused by the sun.

An anti-aging face cream with SPF:

• protects the skin from sun-related pigment spots
• prevents fine lines and wrinkles
• combines care and protection

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN

External skin protection is not the only factor that plays an important role. Lifestyle and diet also affect the appearance and quality of your skin. Try to cook fresh and healthy meals whenever possible, so that your body is supplied with all the important vitamins and nutrients it needs. Antioxidant foods in particular should be on the menu. These trap free radicals, which also benefits your skin. Antioxidant foods include, for example:

• Dark berries
• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Carrots
• Millet
• Broccoli
• Spinach

There are, of course, many other foods that act against free radicals and thus protect the skin. On the Internet you can also find special recipes that you can easily recreate and that provide the body with important vitamins.

Now you know why a face cream with UV protection is useful even on cloudy days. Try it yourself and benefit from the positive properties that a high-quality day cream with UV protection offers you. This will keep your skin smooth, youthful, and beautiful for much longer.

[1]Cf. Ellsässer, Sabine. "Sonne, Sonnenschutz und Selbstbräunung." Körperpflegekunde und Kosmetik: Ein Lehrbuch für die PTA-Ausbildung und die Beratung in der Apothekenpraxis (2008): 195-233.
[2] Vgl. Rabenberg, Martina, and Gert Mensink. "Vitamin-D-status in Deutschland." (2016).