Summer is on the way!

September 18, 2017

The days are longer. The flowers are blooming. Even the birds seem happier. Yes, it must mean one thing – summer is on the way!

Before you rush out the door and start topping up your tan, please remind yourself of the vital importance of good quality sunblock.

The sun's burning strength is measured by the UV index. Here in New Zealand, our UV levels are one of the highest in the world, for the following reasons:

1) There is less ozone here to block the UV rays that cause sunburn.

2) Earth's orbit takes us closer to the sun during the southern summer than during the northern summer.

3) There is less pollution in the southern hemisphere to block the UV rays.

Unless you're keen to look like a lobster (whilst also exposing yourself to the damaging effects to your skin) it is imperative to take appropriate measures.

UV radiation levels are at their highest from September to April. UV radiation is also affected by cloud cover, time of day, altitude and reflection (e.g. on a boat). Two types of UV radiation, UVA and UVB, can both cause significant skin damage.

* UVA radiation goes deep into the skin. It can cause long-term damage like wrinkles, blotchiness, sagging and skin cancer.

* UVB radiation gets into the top layer of skin and can cause sunburn, skin damage and skin
cancer.

Infrared radiation is considered more damaging at IRA rays penetrate skin more deeply than either UVA or UVB rays, passing through the epidermis and dermis into the subcutaneous layer. These rays are responsible for the warmth you feel on your skin when you’re out in the sun, but they also generate free radicals that cause collagen breakdown and accelerate skin aging. The heat produced by infrared rays can also lead to inflammation in the skin, which over time plays a role in
premature signs of aging.

So, what can we do to prevent it?

The common message is to slip, slop, slap and wrap;

Slip on a shirt. Slop on the sun block Slap on a hat. Wrap around sunglasses.

The quality of the sunblock is of vital importance. So many sunscreens on the market are inadequate and leave a chalky, greasy residue when applied to the skin.

However, you can still enjoy a beautiful even skin tone and healthy glow, whilst still being sensible and protecting yourself from the harmful rays.

At Simply Indulgent, we stock a wide range of quality sun blocks to cater for all skin types. Our range from Image Skincare Prevention + maintains an unblemished reputation, and for good reason.

These cutting-edge moisturising sunblocks give you the broad-spectrum UV protection you need, but they also go the extra mile to protect you from the harmful effects of infrared rays. The benefits of the Image Skincare Prevention + range include;

* chemical free high sun protection

* extremely hydrating

* water resistant

* lightweight, sheer formula

* paraben free

* contain UVA booster (octinoxate) and UVB booster (octisalate)

The Prevention + range also contains plant-derived stem cells that protect the epidermal stem cells against UV damage. This is essential in New Zealand, where the sun is so fierce.

Image Skincare MD Reconstructive Moisturiser SPF 50 is in the process of being reformulated and will be on shelves in early October. Used daily, this lightweight, sheer formulation will effectively moisturise your skin whilst also providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50 coverage to protect your skin from sun damage. Antioxidants help protect your skin from free-radical damage and the zinc oxide is in transparent form, allowing this daily moisturizer to absorb right into the skin without leaving any residue.

In Summary...

Our overriding message to everyone who lives in beautiful New Zealand, is to protect yourself from the harmful effects of our fierce sunshine by always wearing a hat and covering yourself with suitable long sleeved clothing, whenever possible. You won't regret making these small changes when you're 70 and looking fabulous!