Get sun-kissed skin (safely!) this summer

Sun care options for every skin type

We all know that sun protection is an essential part of skincare to prevent hyperpigmentation, aging, as well as more serious health concerns. Many of us, however, choose our sunscreens based on only SPF (Sun Protection Factor) when there are further protective rating systems we should consider. When it comes to choosing a sunscreen, it is crucial that we make informed choices to ensure we are properly protecting our skin.

UVA & UVB

While sunburns cause damaged skin cells, broken blood vessels, dryness, and discolouration—on a deeper level UV rays can damage the DNA in your skin cells which could lead to skin cancer. Sunscreen protects our skin by blocking UV rays. When we are exposed to the sun, we are exposed to three different kinds of rays: UVB, or the burning rays, give us a tan on the skin’s surface. UVA, or the aging rays, penetrate deeper and are responsible for signs of sun aging, such as sunspots and wrinkles. Infrared rays penetrate the deepest and are responsible for premature aging because they damage the cell’s DNA and break down collagen and elastin.

The SPF number on a product indicates how long a product will protect your skin from UVB rays (the burning kind). An SPF 10 would protect your skin for about ten times longer than the usual ten to twenty minutes it would take for your skin to burn in the sun. However, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours for adequate protection.

It is important to choose a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against all types of rays. Diego Dalla Palma’s sunscreens are all broad spectrum offering triple protection against all damaging rays. In accordance with European Standards, the UVA protection factor is balanced with the SPF factor (the stronger the SPF—the stronger the UVA protection).

While SPF measures protection against UVB rays—the Japaneses PA++++ system is designed to indicate the level of protection from UVA rays (the aging kind). A PA++++ rating is rare and indicates the highest level of protection from UVA rays. This rating can be found on the Diego Dalla Palma Urban Life Daily Protective Fluid and the Whitelight CP Cream.

In addition, all Diego Dalla Palma sunscreens have photostable filters, meaning they don’t break down in the sun and will give you stronger, safer performance. They also feature a new ingredient called DNA Smart Protection which activates your skin’s DNA repair processes to neutralize the damage caused by the sun’s rays. DNA Smart Protection protects your skin’s stem cells from aging, protects your DNA and promotes skin regeneration to keep your skin youthful and healthy.

Mineral & Chemical Sunscreen

Most sunscreens are mineral, chemical, or both. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays by reflecting them. Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are common ingredients in mineral sunscreen. Both protect against UVB rays, but Zinc is more effective in protecting against UVA rays as well.

Since mineral sunscreens rest on top of the skin, they work immediately, reduce clogged pores, and prevent the absorption of chemicals. Mineral Sunscreens can leave a white cast which is why we recommend Diego Dalla Palma’s zinc-based Whitelight CP Cream. It has perfecting pigments and universal colour to adapt to all skin types—leaving the skin looking warm, even toned, and glowing. Mineral sunscreens are suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. They are also a natural option for those who are environmentally conscious.

Chemical sunscreens behave like a sponge by soaking up UV radiation before releasing it from the skin as heat. These sunscreens tend to feel lighter on the skin and spread more easily. The Urban Life Daily Protective Fluid is an ultralight chemical sunscreen that you can easily wear under makeup for highly protective day to day coverage.

The Diego Dalla Palma BB Sun Capri cream is a mineral and chemical sunscreen blend which is available with and without pigment.

Anti-Pollution

We now know that pollution is just as damaging to our skin as the sun’s rays, which is bad news for all of us living in urban areas. Exhaust from cars, dust from construction, cigarette smoke, and smog pollution in the air from humid days all settle on our skin leaving us with clogged pores, a dull complexion, dry skin, wrinkles and blemishes.

Our Anti-Pollution Serum Essence is an intensive daily defence against urban pollution and sunlight, protecting the skin from smog, toxins and other harmful agents for a more radiant and fresh face. A powerful ingredient Pollushield forms an invisible barrier on the skin’s surface and strengthens the barrier function of the skin so it is protected against damage from pollution, free radicals and UV rays. With an ultra-light, silky texture and a matte finish, it is perfect for daily use and layering with your daily creams and makeup.