How does the sun affect the skin?
Extreme exposure to the sun causes sunburn, which destroys the outer skin layer responsible for protecting inner skin cells, lowering skin elasticity, and contributing to premature aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines. When the harmful ultraviolet sun rays penetrate the skin cells, they trigger more melatonin production, causing dark spots on the skin.
What are active ingredients?
Active ingredients are skincare ingredients that effectively function to treat or address specific skin conditions they are meant for and include vitamin C and retinol.
What effect can the sun have on the skin if you’re using active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C? Why is this?
Most active ingredients tend to increase skin sensitivity to the sun, especially when you fail to use sun protection; this increases skin cancer or damage risks.
What steps can you take to protect your skin if you’re in the sun?
I recommend you apply sunscreen often with an SPF of 15 to 30, limit applying active ingredients like retinol, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, sunglasses, and pants. Use wide hats to cover the head, hydrate, seek shade frequently, and avoid being in the sun for long periods, especially between 11.00 a.m. From 3.00 p.m.
Can you still use retinol and other active ingredients in the sun? Why/why not?
No. I strongly advise you to avoid mixing retinol with other active ingredients. They make the skin extra sensitive and vulnerable to ultraviolet rays increasing skin damage risks.
What ingredients do you suggest avoiding if you’re exposed to more sunlight?
I suggest using aloe vera, zinc oxide, annatto, titanium dioxide, BHA, or AHA acids.
I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round. With my work, I have been featured in Vice, Country Living, Harrods magazine, Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Women's Health, and other media outlets.
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