The dangers of UV rays on our skin are becoming more well-known, and UV moisturisers are becoming more commonplace. Our NEW UV Protection Plus Moisturiser has finally launched in the UK, so we wanted to provide a little more information about why UV is so damaging, and introduce you to our broad-spectrum SPF30 Moisturiser.
Sunlight is a great source of Vitamin D, but we need to be careful how much UV we expose our skin to. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays can not only cause skin damage and sunburn, but can also lead to melanomas and skin cancer, so it’s essential we protect our skin as much as possible during the day.
UVA has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin ageing. Earlier sunscreens protected the skin from UVB rays, but once the danger of UVA rays were understood, broad-spectrum sunscreens were developed to protect the skin from both UVB and UVA rays. While slightly less intense than UVB rays, UVA rays actually penetrate your skin more deeply and cause genetic damage to skin cells. As the skin tries to protect itself from damage, it darkens, resulting in tanning. UVA can penetrate clouds and windows, meaning we are exposed to it throughout the year, and their strength levels remain constant during daylight hours. This is why you will often see year-round protection being recommended.
UVB has a shorter wavelength and is most associated with skin ageing. Connected to the SPF number of sunscreens, these numbers tell you how long it would take for your skin to become red compared to without sunscreen. UVB penetrates and damages the outer layers of your skin, and is strongest between late-morning to mid-afternoon between spring and autumn. High altitudes and highly reflective surfaces such as snow or ice can actually damage your skin during daylight hours, whatever the season. Unlike UVA rays, they cannot penetrate glass.
Generally speaking, sunscreens can be quite greasy and sticky, meaning they can overload the skin, yet lack the moisturising benefits we need during the warmer summer months. Our UVPP Moisturiser has been developed to provide broad-spectrum SPF30 protection, while also remaining gentle on your skin. With our STEAMCREAM Original Moisturiser at it’s base, it offers both UV protection and hydration. The weightless cream glides seamlessly onto your skin and is fast-absorbing, forming a perfect base for make-up, or for your au naturel make-up free face.
Blended with pollution-fighting Silver Vine (Actinidia Polygama) Fruit Extract, Camellia Seed Oil and Oat Kernel Flour, it moisturises, conditions and protects the skin without the sticky residue left by many sunscreens. Apply to cleansed, toned skin as your daily summer moisturiser, spreading evenly across your face, not forgetting your neck, ears and hands. Reapply a second layer to the cheeks, nose and forehead – areas where the sun naturally hits the face. Pop in your bag to re-apply throughout the day for added sun protection!
Sugar Squalane – Deeply moisturising, made from GMO-free sugar cane (a sustainable raw ingredient) with a chemical compound similar to squalene, a natural component found in our skin, instantly boosting skin’s hydration levels.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour – Blended using oats (colloidal oatmeal), a moisturising, amino-rich ingredient of the Original STEAMCREAM that helps to support the skin’s moisture barrier function.
Actinidia Polygama (Silver Vine) Fruit Extract – Long used in traditional alternative medicine, and said to protect from skin damage caused by external pollutants such as car fumes, PM2.5 (air pollutants) and blue-light.
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil – Native to Japan and known for its impressive antioxidant, anti-pollution and soothing properties and used as a beauty ingredient in Japan for over 1,000 years. A natural emollient, containing around 85% oleic acid, similar to human sebum, it also protects skin cells that make collagen from oxidative damage caused by environmental pollutants. It also helps defend skin against visible signs of UVB damage.
Raffinose – A type of natural oligosaccharide collected from sugar beet, it is said to increase the water content of the skin by improving the skin’s barrier function and supporting the skin’s cell turnover.
