The sun, our No.1 frenemy... A friend that lifts our spirits and regulates our body clock, so we soundly sleep at night. Not to mention how it strengthens our bones. And then there's its flip-side. It may leave us beautifully bronzed, but its burns can severely damage our skin.
Thankfully dermatologists have been quick to warn us of the harmful effect of UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays that cause wrinkles and sagging skin. UVB rays that roast and burn our skin. In recent years, researchers have begun to study the relationship between our skin and the entire light spectrum. It turns out that 90% of the spectrum is split between infra-red and visible light. These other rays also accelerate skin ageing by altering elastin and collagen fibres.
This includes blue light, emitted by screens used in our connected lives. Fortunately, the skincare world is continually developing treatments that protect us from all types of radiation, whatever the time of year. In the meantime, whilst you enjoy spring's warm weather, bear in mind that most damage is done by UVA rays and often whilst we're in urban areas. Why? Because skin ageing, increased sensitivity and the appearance of blemishes is accelerated when we're exposed to polluted environments. My tip? Don't wait for the holidays to protect yourself with a sunscreen. Begin to apply an SPF during spring, even if you're only sitting down to an al fresco coffee. Your skin will thank you! Ariane Goldet
