While exposure to sunlight is essential for the production of Vitamin D in our bodies, it is crucial to be equipped with the proper knowledge of its true effects. As the months get sunnier, many of us will rush out to stock up on SPF, thanks to a fabled belief that only when summer begins, is it time to start shielding our skin from harmful UV rays. However, if you’re only wearing sunscreen for three to four months of the year, you are actually doing your skin — and your health — a massive disservice.
It may not always be visible, but the sun is always present, even when the clouds mask its rays. A commonly held misconception is that during the winter months, our skin is somehow safer and this is simply untrue. While clouds can partially absorb some of the sun’s UV rays, around 80% of these rays can still penetrate in winter. Exposure to these rays can cause premature ageing and irrevocable damage to unprotected skin.
The best way to protect your skin against UV rays is to incorporate SPF into your daily skincare regime, considering it as essential an item as a cleanser or moisturiser. This is why Kennedy & Co. Daily Moisturiser (€12.95) has in-built SPF20 to protect against UVA and UVB rays. In addition to offering your skin vital protection, the SPF also works to prevent fine lines and wrinkles — of which the sun is the most common cause. This dual-action moisturiser also contains Sodium Hyaluronate, which is derived from the beauty industry’s product-du-jour: hyaluronic acid, which rapidly aids with moisture retention and actively works to promote supple skin and reduce fine lines.
