UV light is invisible light that comes from the sun. We are surrounded by it every single day, even in winter when days are short and sunlight is hard to come by. UV light comes in two forms, UVA and UVB. UVB is what causes the skin to burn, however UVA (also known has the ageing ray) causes much deeper damage to our skins DNA.
So, what is the difference between UV & HEV rays?
It is a well known fact that UVA and UVB rays cause the most damage to the skin – but not many people realise that HEV damage is not too far behind! The sun’s blue light is a big part of why on a cloudless day we see the sky as blue. But, unlike the invisible UVA and UVB radiation, which is not an issue after dark, the threat from blue light doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. As mentioned, HEV light is also emitted by common devices we use or are exposed to all day long: televisions, fluorescent bulbs, at-home UV light devices for acne, sunbeds, computer monitors and smartphones. There has even been research to suggest the UV Nail Lamps could cause damage to your hands if used over a prolonged period of time.
What can happen to our skin if we expose ourselves to UV & HEV rays?
Over a prolonged period of time, UV & HEV light collectively caused early ageing, sun damage/pigmentation and in severe cases – skin cancer. All of these things can be prevented and it is never too late to start protecting ourselves!
So, what can we do to protect ourselves from UV & HEV damage?
- SPF, SPF, SPF! Shall I say it again? Wearing a broad-spectrum, high factor SPF on a daily basis (even when its cloudy outside, and yes – even when your indoors wrking in an office all day) is absolutely essential – and don’t just stop at your face! Always remember to bring your SPF down your neck and onto your chest and shoulders if they are going to be exposed and also onto your hands. Sever damage done to the hands can make them age much quicker than your face in some cases. Our favourite SPF has to be Heliocare 360 SPF 50. This SPF protects from UVA, UVB and HEV rays. It is also packed full of anti-oxidants due to the Fern-block technology to protect and repair the skin!
- You also need to stay protected from HEV when the sun goes down, so in the evening when you cleanse your skin and remove your SPF, follow it with an Anti-oxidant serum, our favourites include Dermaquest C-Infusion Serum or Dermaquest Nourishing Peptide Rich.
3. Acesssorize with sunglasses! Sunglasses with lenses that have 99 – 100% UV absorption provide optimal protection for the eyes against rentinal eye diseases caused by prolonged exposure to light.
Why are Anti-oxidants so great?
Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that are naturally formed when you exercise and when your body converts food into energy. Your body can also be exposed to free radicals from a variety of environmental sources, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, and sunlight. Free radicals can cause “oxidative stress,” a process that can trigger cell damage, causing early advanced ageing, pigmentation and increases your risk of skin cancer. Oxidative stress plays a role in a variety of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and eye diseases such as cataracts and age-related degeneration. Antioxidants have the ability to counteract oxidative stress, keeping your skin and body much healthier. 
