It is now accepted that much of the progressive deterioration of facial skin that occurs with ageing is caused by the cumulative effect of years of exposure to damaging UV light. Sun-protection is not something to be adopted for just a few weeks in the summer but should be considered all year round. Significant amounts of harmful UV rays pass through clouds; this means wearing sunscreen even on cloudy winter days in the UK.

Sunlight exposes you to two kinds of UV light. These are known as UVA and UVB.
The effect of UVB rays is quickly noticeable – they cause redness and sunburn. However the effect of UVA rays is much less apparent but these are the rays largely responsible for skin cancer and photo damage such as wrinkling and pigmentation. Hence just because you don’t sunbathe or get tanned doesn’t mean that you do not need to wear sunscreen.

Many day creams, moisturisers and make-up now contain a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) usually SPF 15-20 but I believe that the recommendations for daily, year round SPF will undoubtedly increase. One of the problems with wearing higher SPF creams is that many people find them unacceptably thick and white; hence I am always looking for a high SPF sunscreen that is cosmetically acceptable in use. In this regard I am very impressed with the Glō Therapeutics Oil Free SPF40+.

Glō Therapeutics Oil Free SPF40+ provides broad spectrum sun protection with added hydrators and anti-oxidants. It is a non-greasy, lightweight sunscreen that can be used as a standalone or mixed with tinted moisturiser/foundation. Unlike many other SPF 40-50 sunscreens it does not feel thick or clogging. Although it contains zinc oxide, an important component of a good SPF, it does not leave excess white residue on the skin; instead it leaves the skin with a gentle healthy glow.

For a sunscreen with SPF40+ I believe it amongst the best available.

Dr Peter Forrester
The Cosmetic Doctors Company
Esher, Surrey