The sun damages our skin all year round. Protect your skin from daylight and take your skin health to the next level with Heliocare 360°, featuring anti-oxidant powerhouse Fernblock.

The solar radiation spectrum

While it’s true that UVB rays are strongest in the summer¹, especially between the peak hours of 11am and 3pm, whether or not we get sunburn has nothing to do with the temperature². It’s very important that we don’t let ourselves be lulled into a false sense of security by cooler weather. That’s because the solar radiation spectrum is active and harmful all year round.

UVB radiation does its damage in the summer. The short wavelengths can’t penetrate deep into the skin, so they focus their attention on the skin’s surface. Visible signs of UVB damage include sunburn, pigmentation and loss of firmness. These rays are also responsible for the DNA damage that eventually leads to skin cancer. When skin cell DNA is damaged, it can no longer function correctly. Though the cells can repair some damage, when UV exposure becomes too frequent or powerful, there are simply too many irreparable genetic changes to keep up with. This leads to permanent skin cell damage, which leads to genetic mutations and cancerous growths. 

While UVB is most harmful in the sunnier months, UVA radiation is present and harmful all year round, no matter the weather and no matter where you are in the world. UVA rays have long wavelengths that penetrate deep down into the skin. Signs of damage aren’t immediately visible on the surface, but will eventually be noticed in various forms of premature skin ageing. That’s because UVA rays damage collagen and elastin production, leading to dry, sagging skin that’s prone to lines and wrinkles.

Visible light and infrared-A should also be taken into account. We are exposed to visible light every single day, which means we are always susceptible to the skin cell damage it causes. Meanwhile, long wavelength, lower frequency infrared-A is present all year round, leading to a weakened skin barrier and collagen breakdown.

Sun protection during the colder seasons

While the strength of UV rays can fluctuate throughout the year, sunlight radiation remains present every day, damaging our skin at deep levels. It’s also worth considering that up to 80% of UV rays are reflected back from snow, and 30% from water³, further amplifying sun damage on cold winter days. And don’t be deceived by cloud coverage; even when it’s dull and drizzly outside, UVA rays will still penetrate the clouds to reach your skin.

The harsh weather that comes with the autumn and winter months will also further exacerbate sun damage. Cold air and strong winds break down the skin’s protective barrier, leading to an increased risk of dryness, dullness and irritation.

So how can we best protect and care for our skin? The single best way to protect the skin is to stay out of the sun and apply a high level, broad spectrum SPF, every single day. It is the most important step in your daily skincare routine, with the correct amount of SPF being approximately two finger lengths of product for the face and neck (during any excessive or intense periods of sun exposure, re-apply this same amount every couple of hours).

We also recommend drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet packed with fruit and vegetables. During the colder seasons, if you notice your skin becomes dry, choose a rich moisturiser. You may also notice some enhanced sensitivity, so look for soothing, irritant-free formulations. Dry winter air often triggers rosacea and redness-prone skin⁴, further compounding the effects of sun damage, so again choose products that are gentle and not heavily scented. And don’t forget to protect and nourish your lips, too - the lack of humidity in the air makes chapped lips another common problem in the autumn and winter⁵.

The power of Fernblock, all year round

For year-round protection, whether it’s the height of summer or the middle of winter, Heliocare 360° is the perfect choice. This professional range of SPF products offers a formulation to suit every skin type, including the most sensitive or reactive skin.

What makes this range stand out is Fernblock, a patented plant extract providing multiple levels of protection from solar radiation. In addition to boosting our skin’s resistance to sunburn, Fernblock protects the skin from the full radiation spectrum, including UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A. This powerful anti-oxidant also accelerates the repair of DNA damage, helping to prevent the build-up of sun damage. What’s more, Fernblock helps to neutralise free radical damage and prevent oxidative stress, which further contribute to skin damage and premature ageing, as well as increasing collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production to further boost skin youthfulness. Fernblock is backed by numerous clinical studies and recommended by dermatologists and skin care experts across the globe.

Fernblock features in all products of the Heliocare 360° range, including the Oil Free Gel, Water Gel, Pigment Solution Fluid, and our brand-new AR Emulsion, a light and silky fluid with broad spectrum UV protection and PA ++++. Heliocare 360° AR Emulsion has been formulated with an anti-redness system, perfect for skin that’s prone to redness, as well as helping to reduce irritation and breakouts. It is perfect for use all year round, even when the skin is feeling particularly sensitive. The unique formulation protects against UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A, every single day.

 

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