5 reasons why using sunscreen alone is not enough

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 90 per cent of skin aging is caused not just by the sun, but ozone pollution all around us.

What damage can be done to our skin in the long term?

Here’s what you need to know.

1 The sun is not our only enemy

We’re no strangers to the effects of the sun.

Long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) causes skin discolouration, and short wave ultraviolet B (UVB) causes sunburn.

Our skin is also vulnerable to infrared radiation (IR) that penetrates deeply to stimulate the generation of unstable electrons called free radicals, which attack skin cells.

Just as damaging is ozone pollution, which causes free radical damage in multiple layers of the skin.

Free radicals attack essential proteins in the skin such as collagen and elastin.

This leads to visible signs of aging such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.

 

2 Cityslickers are most at risk

On a daily basis, being outdoors exposes us to pollutants in the form of cigarette smoke, car and motorcycle exhaust fumes, and emissions from factories and industrial refineries.

This can lead to skin dryness or inflammation and deplete the skin’s amount of natural antioxidants. IR is also emitted from electronic devices such as laptops and mobile phones.

3 Sunscreen alone can’t fight it

Many wrongly assume sunscreen can protect against the harmful effects of environmental pollutants.

However, the primary function of broad spectrum sunscreens is to act as a barrier against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Sunscreens cannot filter out IR rays, which can penetrate deep into our skin and damage its DNA.

4 Antioxidants are the answer

Antioxidants keep your skin supple and youthful by strengthening the skin’s internal defense against environmental aggressors and neutralising free radicals.

Experts suggest using either antioxidant-formulated sunscreen products or antioxidant serums in tandem with sunscreen.

Antioxidants should be your first line of defense; layer it on, then apply sunscreen followed by primer or makeup.

Consider using SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic, which contains three different types of antioxidants: Vitamins C and E, and Ferulic acid.

This trio bolsters the skin’s resistance against free radical damage by up to eight times.

Regular use builds collagen, repairs the skin’s barrier to reduce inflammation, and lightens post-breakout marks and sun spots. Find out more here

5 A diet rich in antioxidants is your best back up

While your skin gets its topical TLC as part of your daily beauty routine, you can take things one step further by giving your body a boost of antioxidant nutrients through a diet featuring five to eight servings of fruit and vegetables every day.

 

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Learn how to reverse the signs of aging at the SkinCeuticals Public Forum  

Hosted by Mediacorp 987 DJ Sonia Chew with a special appearance by styleXstyle founder Sharon Au, the forum will be held on Sept 9 at Mandarin Orchard Singapore. Highlights include:

•  Anti-aging and pigmentation talks by Dr Gerard Ee & Dr Chow Yuen Ho of Clifford Aesthetics
•  Complimentary door gifts worth $100
•  Free skin diagnosis and hand massage on-site
•  SkinCeuticals Private Sale with attractive discounts of up to 50%

 

RSVP your attendance at skc2017.peatix.com now.