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Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and this annual day of romance is not just about showing the special person in your life how much you care for them, but it also serves as a reminder of self-love.
Most of us get so caught up in our work, families, homes and responsibilities that we don’t always take the time to look after ourselves and enjoy some well-deserved “me time”. This Valentine’s Day, we’re putting a focus on self-love and self-care, because we all know that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
A great skincare routine is the starting point of everyday self-care. Taking time in the morning and evening to cleanse and massage quality serums and moisturisers into your skin is not only a relaxing self-care ritual, but it’s also an investment for healthier, more youthful skin in the future
While a great skincare regime consists of various products, the one product that is arguably the most important in any line-up, is a quality SPF. Why might that be? Because exposure to the sun is the number one cause of ageing, DNA damage and hyperpigmentation.
Here are four reasons why you need to show your skin the ultimate love by applying a sun protection product every day:
- It helps to prevent hyperpigmentation
When our skin is exposed to the sun, it produces melanin, the pigment responsible for giving our skin its colour. Melanin protects our skin from the sun’s UV rays. When we are exposed to the sun, our bodies naturally produce more melanin as protection, resulting in a tan. However, sun exposure may lead to more than just a sun-kissed glow – it may prompt the skin to over-produce melanin, which results in hyperpigmentation (also known as dark marks) and uneven skin tone. By applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, you can protect your skin from sun-induced hyperpigmentation and enjoy an even complexion free from unwanted dark marks.
- It slows down ageing
Skin ageing is inevitable, but unprotected sun exposure is a sure-fire way of speeding up the process. Sun exposure leads to photo damage in the deepest layers of the skin. It affects the skin’s elasticity, firmness, texture and aids the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. The best way to prolong your skin’s youthfulness and maintain its health is to protect it with SPF.
- It prevents sunburn
Despite the myths, any skin tone can experience sun burn. It’s true, however, that fair skin tones burn more easily. Sunburn does not just occur during a day at the beach – it happens when you spend time driving, when you’re taking a walk during your lunch break or when you unexpectedly spend more time outdoors than you were planning. That’s why it’s important to apply SPF every day, and to reapply before heading outdoors. Sunburn is not only painful, but it may damage skin long-term.
- It helps prevent skin cancer
Did you know that experiencing a few bad sunburns dramatically increases your risk of developing skin cancer? In South Africa, the number of new skin cancer cases per year is rising (you can learn more about that here) and The National Cancer Registry statistics show that melanoma is the fifth most common cancer among male South Africans and the sixth most common among female South Africans. While it’s important to avoid the sun during peak hours and cover up with a hat, sunglasses and clothing when spending time outdoors, it is still essential to apply SPF to minimise your risks.
Sun protection products do all this for your skin, while maintaining a clearer, more even complexion that glows from within. Your skin works hard to protect your body from external aggressors and UV rays. Show it the love it deserves this Valentine’s Day (and every other day!) by applying a broad-spectrum SPF every day.
Lamelle has two very powerful sun protection products available – each one unique in its capabilities. Try Helase 50+ or Helase Urban Defense this Valentine’s Day and show your skin the ultimate act of love and self-care.
Lamelle Helase 50+ (R600.00)
In short, this is the ultimate upgrade from your normal, everyday SPF 50. Helase 50+ protects against the full spectrum of sunlight while the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol® destroys harmful free radicals to decrease the number of harmful enzymes that cause thinning and sagging of the skin. On top of this, it decreases the damaging and ageing inflammation in the skin, while actively stopping the effects of aging on the skin and keeping the immunity of the skin intact when exposed to sunlight.
Lamelle Helase Urban Defense (R585.00)
Lamelle Helase Urban Defence 30 is a multi-functional broad spectrum photo-protector that helps reduce the impact of urban pollution. Potent antioxidants reduce ageing, inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Suitable for all skin types. Key ingredients include UVA and UVB filters that protect against radiation. They also protect against Visible Light which can cause pigmentation in darker skin types.
Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za