The SPF Push and Product Suggestions

A few days ago on Twitter this CBS article was drawn to my attention, essentially the man photographed above shows the extent of 28 years of sun damage. As a delivery truck driver one side of his face was more exposed to UVA/UVB rays than the other. Most likely said driver didn't wear sunscreen leading to ageing and thickening of the skin. I do think it is pretty noble of the man to agree for this image to be shared with the world to highlight just how damaging to the skin the sun rays can be.

I am no expert, far from it but in laymen's terms: UVA stands for Ultra Violet A rays which are long solar waves and are the main factor in causing wrinkles and other physical signs of sun damage, UVA rays also are linked to direct causes of some skin cancers such as Melanoma. UVB stands for Ultra Violet B rays and those are short solar waves, these are the main cause of sun burn and reddening of the skin.

The SPF Push and Product Suggestions

In my youth I worshipped the sun and now make it my up most priority to protect my skin; I no longer sun bathe, I wear a high SPF daily and stay out of the sun full stop. When it comes to protecting our bodies I think most us have the general jist - find a good sun screen and apply religiously. Easy peasy but when it comes to our faces that can be a little more tricky.

The SPF Push and Product Suggestions

I personally look for as much SPF coverage as possible and anywhere I can get it. Why? Well thanks to make-up I can't top up my sunscreen throughout the day so I figure (no scientific research may I add) that layers are most likely my best bet. In the morning I apply a moisturiser and eye cream with SPF - Clinique Superdefense is my go to and perfect for all skin types. Next is a high facial SPF which personally I find to be the trickiest element - some are too sticky, others too heavy and greasy which is less than ideal for blemished skin. Personally I find Clarins, Clinique and Estee Lauder do the best daily facial SPF's. Asda's own brand is also pretty great but tends to be seasonal or at least in my local store. I then reach for a primer with SPF, more often than not it is Max Factor Facefinity Primer which is easily one of my favourite primers ever. Next I reach for a foundation with a good SPF - I have no real favourite as most contain an SPF these days. I couldn't care less about photography flash back, I'd rather have a pale face than wrinkles and sun damage.

The SPF Push and Product Suggestions

New on my radar is bareMinerals SPF25 Mineral Veil which I think may be a game changer, this lightly tinted setting powder is essentially a brush on SPF. I mentioned above my need for layers to protect my skin due to not being able to add additional sunscreen throughout the day, well this may just have changed this. Not only does this reduce excess oil, set my make-up but also protects my skin - yes the loose powder is a little messy but the convenience is certainly there. If it is a long day I can sweep this over my face to reduce the skin and add a little more protection against the elements. I have only just began testing this out but so far I am sold. I will update with a full review of course along with a separate post of my top facial SPF picks for every budget.

My long winded spiel aside isn't the trucker image utterly astounding, to see the affects first hand blows me away.