As soon as summer rolls around, the sun's rays beckon us with promises of bronzed skin and a glowing complexion. While a sun tan is much coveted, the risks of too much sun exposure are plenty.

Research has found that more than 90% of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. Additionally, sun exposure increases visible signs of aging. From fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and hyperpigmentation, the sun is responsible for a variety of skin imperfections.

How does the sun age the skin?

The light that comes from the sun consists of visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light. There are two types of ultraviolet light, otherwise known simply as UV light: UVA and UVB. UVA light causes damage to all levels of the skin (the epidermis to the dermis). UVB light, on the other hand, causes damage to just the outer layer (the epidermis). UVB light damages the DNA in your epidermis, can cause precancerous cells to form, and also causes photoaging.

What products protect from sun damage?

If you don't take precautions to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, you can do serious damage. Here are some products that can be used to protect your skin:

    •    Sunscreen: One of the most important products for sun protection is sunscreen, and you should endeavor to use it every day, even when it's cloudy. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen (this means it protects against UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher. Remember to reapply every two hours if outdoors, especially after swimming or sweating.
    •    Lip balm with SPF: It's not just your skin that needs protecting from the sun; your lips are also susceptible to sun damage. To help protect them from UV rays, regularly apply an SPF-containing lip balm.
    •    Moisturizer: If you don't want to apply a heavy-duty sunscreen on a daily basis, then opt for a moisturizer that contains an SPF instead. Just make sure the SPF is 15+.

Aside from applying SPF-containing products, try to avoid the sun during peak hours, when the UV rays are at their strongest. On particularly sunny days, you might also want to wear a hat and sunglasses to provide further protection.

If you're a skincare brand that's looking to expand your offerings to include SPF-containing products, then get in touch to discuss your project in further detail.