Tech-Driven SPFs Paving The Way For Better UV Protection
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Lots of us get excited about new skincare and the latest beauty launches, but when it comes to SPFs, they often don’t get the attention they deserve and can sometimes even be deemed ‘boring’. I think part of this may be down to childhood memories of being covered in heavy, greasy and thick sunscreen that felt unpleasant to wear and didn’t blend in, either.
Back then, lots of us also believed that we only really needed sunscreen on the hottest, sunniest summer days at the beach. We now know this isn’t the case, but it shows why it’s important for us all to review the way we look at SPF.
Thankfully, the sunscreen industry has come a long way since my childhood, and the texture and technologies surrounding sunscreen have come on in leaps and bound. Now, I’m on a mission to help you rethink the way we look at sun protection.
As SPF is something we should all be wearing daily – to keep our skin healthy and youthful – we should be able to appreciate its value more, stop viewing it as a chore, and yes, get excited by innovative new launches!
For the third edit in my technology series, I’ll be shining a light on three of the best standout sunscreens that have recently caught my eye. They’ve wowed me with the way that they all go one step further to protect your skin, and they’ll hopefully prove why we should all get excited about suncare…
1. The SPF For City Dwellers
Product Name: Yves Saint Laurent Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender SPF50+
The Need-To-Knows:
• SPF 50+ defence
• Protects against UVA/UVB rays, pollution and dust
• Prevents signs of photoaging
• Suitable for all skin types – including sensitive
• Weightless texture
• 8x thinner than a classic UV base
I’m sure lots of us are familiar with city life; hot, dusty summer days and smog-filled streets in the middle of winter. We’re probably all aware of how heavy the air can feel in city centres as we breathe it in, but we might forget that our skin can be just as affected, and sometimes feels like it can’t breathe either.
This is where Yves Saint Laurent’s new SPF comes into play. Deemed YSL’s ‘fullest urban protection against UVA/UVB rays, pollution and dust’, the new Airthin UV Defender is definitely one to take note of, especially if you live in the city.
The thing I love most about this SPF is that it’s been designed to offer very high SPF protection without overloading skin with the greasy, heavy, thick feeling you might associate with sunscreen, so your complexion can really breathe. Trust me – it has to be one of the most lightweight SPFs I’ve tried!
We have YSL’s breakthrough ‘Airthin’ technology to thank for this; it’s up to 8x thinner than a classic UV base, while detoxifying citrus peel and niacinamide also help as they work together to allow skin to breathe.
This lightweight, skin-hydrating SPF also goes one step further; it helps skin look more youthful and with a visibly improved tone, while continuing to guard against premature skin ageing. As a secret bonus, it’s perfect to use under makeup as it’s weightless enough that you’d forget you have it on.
2. The Tech-Driven Fluid For Healthy Skin
Product Name: Vichy Capital Soleil UV – Age Daily SPF50+
The Need-To-Knows:
• SPF 50+ broad-spectrum defence
• Protects against pollution damage
• Driven by patented technology
• Features Vichy’s cult Volcanic Mineralising Water
• Hypoallergenic
Vichy’s new high protection formula is yet another multi-tasker; not only does it help to keep skin guarded against the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays, but it also targets signs of photoaging and restores the skin’s defence barrier.
But let’s get to the techy bit and the thing that really makes this SPF stand out; Netlock technology. What does this multi-patented innovation do? It anchors sun filters in an infallible film for lightweight, invisible and even protection. As it helps to lock in filters by creating a ‘net’ over skin, the formula encourages the effectiveness of sun filters without causing a heavy, sticky feeling.
To go into a little more detail, sun filters are traditionally held within the oil droplets of emulsions, but this can mean that they struggle to thoroughly and evenly protect skin. The idea behind Netlock technology was to ensure optimal distribution for more stable protection, all while maintaining a high level of comfort and wear.
As skincare experts, Vichy also ensures the SPF protects against pollution damage, while helping skin to look healthier and smoother. The sunscreen has science, research and tech behind it and still feels incredibly lightweight on the skin, thanks to its highly fluid texture – it definitely gives YSL’s a run for its money!
It also uses Vichy’s volcanic water, which is rich in 15 essential minerals, to strengthen skin’s natural defences; I like to think of this SPF as an investment into the health of your future skin.
3. The Anti-Ageing Hero
Product Name: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct Cream SPF50
The Need-To-Knows:
• SPF 50 broad-spectrum defence
• Anti-ageing SPF
• Minimises wrinkles and dark spots
• Increases skin elasticity, replumps and soothes the complexion
• Offers 24-hour hydration
• Protects against pollution and oxidation
• Suitable for all skin types – including sensitive
Although the Anthelios Age Correct Cream is a fairly recent launch for La Roche-Posay, it’s already proving incredibly popular here at Escentual. Why? It ticks all the boxes!
As an expert dermatological skincare brand, La Roche-Posay are all too aware of the damaging effects of the sun on skin – both in terms of its general health and appearance. In fact, as much as 80% of skin ageing can be attributed to UV exposure and pollution.
La Roche-Posays’ broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen has been designed to not only effectively guard the complexion against these harmful rays, but to also actively addresses current signs of ageing. This SPF is an ideal choice for anyone experiencing existing signs of photoaging that they’d like to target while protecting their skin against further damage.
But what’s behind this formula? Dermatological actives help reduce hyperpigmentation and wrinkles for a more even and youthful look, while a blend of ingredients – including La Roche-Posay’s iconic, soothing Thermal Spring Water – help hydrate and plump.
In addition to the high-efficacy protection against UVA rays (the rays to blame for photoaging and skin damage) and UVB rays (the type responsible for sunburn), the formula also showcases anti-pollution and anti-oxidation technology for an additional layer of protection against daily life.
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