5 Ways Too Much Sun Can Damage Your Skin

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Our skin needs some sun exposure to help generate vitamin D. This vitamin is important for our bones, our muscles and our mood. It is also important for the health of our skin. 

That said, too much basking in the sun can have the opposite effect. From sunburn to wrinkles, there are many ways in which the sun can damage our skin if we expose ourselves for too long without sun protection. Below are just a few ways in which the sun can damage our skin.

Sunburn

Sunburn is caused by too much exposure to UV light. The UV light eventually starts to damage skin cells and our inflammation response kicks in, causing redness. On top of being painful and making you look like a lobster, sunburn can increase the risk of developing other skin problems listed below. This is why you should try to avoid sunburn where possible by wearing sun cream and staying in the shade (particularly if you have fairer skin).

Hyperpigmentation

Our skin produces a brown pigment called melanin to protect it from the sun. Those with darker skin naturally have more melanin to provide added sun protection. Sometimes our skin’s ability to produce melanin malfunctions - providing too much melanin to certain parts of our skin and resulting in dark patches. This can range from small moles to large sunspots. Hyperpigmentation is more likely to occur as a result of prolonged sun exposure. To avoid uneven dark spots, limit time in the sun and wear sun protection. 

PLE

PLE (polymorphous light eruption) is a fairly common condition in which people become allergic to sun exposure, developing rashes across their body. This is different to sunburn in that it causes blotchy raised patches rather than even redness. Those with PLE need to take extra caution in the sun and should try to avoid prolonged exposure as much as possible . PLE can develop at any age and is usually genetic. 

Skin cancer

While sun exposure isn’t the only cause of skin cancer, it is by far the leading cause. Many people who spend long periods in the sun develop skin cancer throughout their lives. Skin cancer starts as a melanoma (which typically looks like a strange and uneven mole). By undertaking skin cancer treatment, you can remove these melanomas before the cancer spreads. Once you’ve had skin cancer, you’re likely to keep getting it. Taking action early is essential for preventing cancer from spreading from the skin to other organs and body parts where it can be deadly. 

Wrinkles

Excessive sun exposure is also a leading cause of premature wrinkles. The skin gets permanently damaged over time and loses its elasticity at a faster rate. This causes it to become dry and shrivelled. Spending a lot of time in the sun also increases development of facial wrinkles because many of us end up spending more time squinting (although wearing sunglasses can stop us from squinting). All in all, by reducing time spent in the sun, you could ward off wrinkles longer. 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The White Company Beauty Advent Calendar 2022

The White Company has announced that there will be for 2022 The White Company Advent Calendar. 

The White Company Beauty Advent Calendar for 2022 will launch on 7th September and will be priced at £175. In comparison to 2021 was priced at £160 and a reminder of it can be seen here.

If you are a fan of The White Company and don’t want to see any spoilers of what is inside this calendar, then please don’t scroll any further down.

Will be available at thewhitecompany.com

What’s inside:

• Winter Signature Candle + Box 140g
• Pomegranate Hand Cream 30ml
• Spa Restore Body Balm 75ml
• Nourish Bath Shot 30ml
• Fireside Fragrance Oil 15ml
• Sea Salt & Cedarwood Shower Gel 50ml
• Seychelles Hand Wash 50ml
• Blanc Body Lotion 50ml
• Blanc Body Wash 50ml
• Fir Tree Votive 75g
• Nourish Fragrance Oil 15ml
• Tuberose and Cashmere Hand Cream 50ml
• Midnight Mini Home Spray 15ml
• Seychelles Hand & Nail Cream 50ml
• Spa Restore Shower Gel 75ml
• Lime and Bay Body Lotion 50ml
• Wild Mint Hand Wash 50ml
• Calm Hand & Body Balm 75ml
• Lime & Bay Shower Gel 50ml
• White Jade Gua Sha
• Sea Salt & Cedarwood Body Lotion 50ml
• Noir Hand Wash 50ml
• Noir Hand Lotion 50ml
• Sleep Bath Shot 30ml
• Seychelles Signature Candle + Box 140g

The White  Company Beauty advent calendar for 2022 will be available at online with thewhitecompany.com from 7th September.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Summer Skincare with SBC Gels

I was first introduced to the brand SBC (Simply Beautiful Collection) back in 2018, a time which feels like forever ago. Today, I am back with two more products from the Summer skincare range and both are absolutely delightful to use, especially when the weather has been hot, muggy, close or however you want to define - sweaty!

The Summer time range from SBC is said to be all about light formulas and the products I am sharing today are both lightweight, easy to use and add into your existing routines, plus they are water-based and just a delight to use - especially if, like me, you put them in the fridge for a good 30-60 minutes before using them.

Starting with the Rosehip Oil Moisturising Gel (£6.50-£23.50) for the Face and Body. Described as being a powerful moisturising gel will help hydrate, brighten and replenish skin on the face and body.

Skin-friendly with its pH 6.7-7, this gel is formulated with Rosehip Oil and Vitamins A, C and E, with its potent antioxidant benefits which work to boost skin’s luminosity and at the same time help filter out environmental aggressors. You will also find the inclusion of both Panthenol and Glycerin which combine to lock in moisture which in turn leaves the skin feeling smooth, supple and radiant. It also has an amazing set of fragrance notes, for those who like something with a scent and it isn't overpowering or heady.  It starts off with the fruity fresh notes of tangerine, pomegranate and then green leaf before tuberose, peony and lily make themselves known and added to that is amber, musk and vetiver.

What I absolutely love about this gel, other than the fact my skin just drinks it as quickly as I do a G&T,  is the texture. Being a water-based moisturising gel, it applies like a dream, it massages into the skin with ease and absorbs super quick, the end result being moisturised and quenched skin. This Gel is ideal for those who prefer lightweight textures which absorb effortlessly into the skin, it needs very little help from you to apply.

The second product is the Hyaluronic Gel Concentrate (£11-£23.50) and it is described as being the product to instantly replenish moisture, boost radiance and help reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Again, with its Skin-friendly with its pH 6.7-7, this gel is formulated with a 20% blend of Hyaluronic Acid and fruit derived AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Hyaluronic Acid is described as being your hydration hero and alongside it, you will find a blend of natural vitamin-rich fruit acids from the likes of Papaya, Apple, Pineapple and Sweet Orange which help to remove tired, dead skin cells as it works to brighten and smooth the skins texture.  Again, this is a lightweight gel that absorbs really quickly on contact with the skin and is just lovely to use,  it can be used before your favourite moisturiser, serum or used alone as a mask or primer - so a really multi-functional product.

This Gel also has its very own scent and it is very different to the Rosehip Oil shared above.  This time with an uplifting blend of Bergamot and Lemon, there is also a hint of Jasmine, white tea and avocado which sounds like a really odd combination, but I can assure you, it is just delightful. Finally there is the inclusion of Musk, Cedar and Smoky Birch.

Both of these Gels are cruelty-free and Vegan-friendly, they are also made in-house with SBC Skincare and they are a family-run, British skincare brand based in Suffolk, England, our home since 1990.  To find out more about the brand, its ethos and to discover a whole range of amazing products, the SBC Skincare website has everything you ever needed to know.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

6 Solutions to Step Up Your Summer Self-Care Strategy

Practising better self-care is often the first step to improving our overall well-being.

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However, it can be easy to keep putting off looking after ourselves, especially when we have so many other responsibilities battling it out for our time.

But committing to better self-care can help build a better you. 

If you’re looking for some starting points, then here are our six solutions to step up your summer self-care strategy. 

1. Enhance Your Skin Care Routine 

Having a good skin care routine is a good habit to get into, especially as our skin starts to age. 

Take the time to research the products you seek to use; read reviews and consult with beauty experts. 

This way you’ll know that the products you’re using are good for your skin.  

2. Get Your Vitamin D

This can be easier said than done with the UK climate but making the most of any sunny days we have is a great way to help boost your mood. 

However, it’s important to protect your skin when you’re out in the sun. Make sure to avoid any sun lotion that’s lower than SPF 30, and stay in the shade during the hottest hours of the day. 

3. Take Regular Walks

Taking regular walks is a great way to not only improve your physical fitness but benefit from the calming effects of nature.

While it might not be the most appealing activity while the rain is pouring, head out as often as you can on those dry days. 

4. Smile More

No one likes being told that they should smile more but smiling can have enormous benefits on your mood. 

It releases endorphins that reduce stress, and even faking a smile can produce the same physiological reaction.

Plus, smiling is infectious, it’s hard not to smile when someone else is, so every time you smile, you could boost someone else’s mood.

5. Invest in Your Intelligence 

Taking time to work on our education can have a fantastic impact on our self-esteem, so while it might not be the most obvious self-care solution, it’s worth considering.

Returning to the traditional campus isn’t possible for everyone, but with distance learning courses, such as those offered by Anglia Ruskin University, you’ll be able to study on a schedule that suits your other commitments. 

6. Drink Plenty of Water

It’s always important that we drink water but paying close attention to our hydration is especially essential in the summer.

Water has fantastic health benefits, including carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells. It can also help to keep our skin looking fresh and our minds feeling sharp. 

For that added self-care solution, try infusing it with lemon or cucumber for that spa experience in your own home.

What steps are you taking to improve your self-care routine? Share your tips with us in the comments below.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.