In short, it comes down to preference! Both provide protection against UV Rays however it is worth knowing how they each work in different ways.

What’s the difference between a Physical Sunscreen and a Chemical Sunscreen?

Physical sunscreens reflect UV light and heat away from the body.  The formula usually contains more organic natural ingredients such as Zinc and Titanium Dioxide.  They can leave a chalk like texture on the skin and usually have to be applied more frequently.  They are a good choice for more sensitive skin types or recently resurfaced skin or those in general sensitive to light and heat with a skin type that is prone to redness, irritation or with a skin condition such as Rosacea, Eczema or Dermatitis.

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV light converting it into less harmful heat energy.  Chemical formulas include ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate and because they are readily absorbed into the skin, unlike the physical sunscreen they leave no chalk-like residue on the skin and also require less frequent application.  Professional SPF products such as Dermalogicas chemical SPF formulations are formulated using what is known as, ‘UV smart booster/oleosome technology’, a process that allowed for SPF protection to increase to 50 without the need to use more chemicals thus, eliminating the irritation that can be found in some sunscreen formulas with a high Sun Protection Factor’s (SPF).

What is UV Smart Booster Oleosome Technology?

Oleosome Technology acts as a time release hence the term UV smart. The process involves microencapsulating a stabilised/active form of vitamins C & E for added booster protection.  Plant-derived oleosomes are loaded with the active sunscreen substance. The capsule remains inactive until UV light hits and only then it will burst into action to release antioxidants thus maximising solar defence against harmful UVA and UVB rays.  And another bonus to this technology is that fewer chemicals are required to achieve a high SPF50 so, in a nutshell, Oleosome Technolgy can provide antixoidant high factor protection without irritation to the skin.

Sun Exposure explained

Any time spent in daylight counts as time that skin is exposed to UV radiation.

Sunlight is comprised of varying wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, often referred to as the electromagnetic spectrum.

35% of this spectrum is visible light

60% is infrared (felt as heat)

5% is made up of ultraviolet (UV) rays

UVB (Burn Ray) – high energy / short wave – 290-320nm – penetrates the epidermis only

UVA (Ageing Ray) – slow energy / long wave – 320-400nm – penetrates 40 times deeper into skin!!

SPF numbers –what do they actually mean?

In a nutshell;

SPF 15 blocks out 94% of UVB

SPF 30 blocks out 97% of UVB

SPF 50 blocks out 98% of UVB

Any sunscreens that have a higher SPF number provide only marginal incremental levels of protection and usually require more chemicals in their sunscreen formulations.

SPF Numbers – how do they actually work?

The SPF number indicates how long it would take for UVB rays to cause a sunburn so, if for example, your skin would turn red in the sun after 15mins without Sun Protection this means that by applying, for example, an SPF15  this allows you to stay 10 times longer in the sun without the risk of burning (i.e. 150 mins in the sun before the need to apply more).

*No sunscreen provides 100% sunblock protection which means there is no such thing as a safe tan however on a positive note it also means that sunscreen protection will not inhibit the body to produce Vitamin D which is a common myth with sunscreen! So in other words “protected sun exposure provides all the Vitamin D an average person needs”(Quote – Dermalogica).

What is the best way to protect skin from harmful UV rays?

The best way to protect skin against solar damage and probably the most antiageing product that can be applied to the skin is a ‘broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen!!  Applying a daily dollop of broad spectrum UVA/UVB not only protects the DNA of skin cell but also protects the hydration levels of the skins barrier lipid layer otherwise known as the skins natural moisturising factor (NMF) against trans epidermal water loss. (TEWL)

UVB SPF (Sun Protection Factor) protects against the burn ray only and therefore should not be the only protection factor to be considered when choosing a sunscreen

UVA (Ultra Violet Ageing) ray makes up 95% of UV rays and penetrates 40 times deeper into the skin-damaging the dermal layer of the skin.  The damage caused to the dermal layer from unprotected UV exposure contributes to collagen breakdown and loss of elasticity whilst the surface epidermis layer will reveal signs of photoaging in the form of dry, dehydrated, fine lines, pigmentation – brown mottled discoloured spots on the skin and uneven skin tone which contribute to premature ageing.

*Both UVA and UVB rays generate free radicals and can cause skin cancer, so wearing an SPF that shields against both is crucial and this is in general what is meant by the term – Broad Spectrum.

Are all sunscreens the same??

Not all sunscreens are made equal! Whilst it is important to consider both UVB and UVA filter protection in the form of either a physical or chemical broad spectrum sunscreen there is yet another important factor to be considered which is the Infrared Ray (IR)

IR affects the immune system via oxidative stress.  Infrared ray with its ability to penetrate the epidermis and deep into the dermis layer of the skin generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS – also commonly known as ‘Free Radicals’).  Free Radicals increase dramatically during times of environmental stress.  This is known as ‘oxidative stress’ and has a very damaging effect on skin cell structure leading to inflammation, cross-linking of collagen (i.e. breakdown of collagen) and degenerative disorders, including skin ageing and disease.

Protective, preventative measures against the detrimental effects of infrared radiation (IR) is achieved via the use of antioxidants via both supplementation and also applying topically to the skin a product formula that is rich in antioxidants.

Fortunately, sunscreens have come a long way from their older greasy layer formulations that predominantly protected against UVB rays only!!

Todays professional formulas not only provide broad spectrum UVB/UVA protection but also have taken an advanced leap to provide protective SPFs that can, as well as addressing the structural manifestations of photoaged skin, such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity they can and already have adapted to a much more advanced scientific approach that addresses the biochemical reactions that actually trigger the assaulting structural changes to the skin.  Eg. Dermalogicas ‘Age Smart’ range of products are formulated using this more advanced scientific approach.

In general, Dermalogicas professional various single formulation sun care products take into consideration sun protection that in addition actively treat skin issues ranging from sensitive to oily skin types and ageing skin concerns.

Advanced technology processes, such as Oleosome Technology provide stabilized microencapsulated vitamin enriched formulas that provide antioxidant protection against IR and UV pollution and Free Radical damage!!

What is the best sunscreen?

In a nutshell, the best sun care protection formula you can apply to your skin is one that not just protects against UV rays but in addition protects against pollution, dehydration and free radical damage and ultimately can manage and treat specific skin concerns, such as oiliness, sensitivity or skin ageing.

Dermalogica have a variety of SPFs in both physical and chemical varying formulations and these are available for purchase within Beauty Vibes store.  To find out which Dermalogica SPFs are best suited for your skin type click the link here

Meet Dermalogica the skin care experts that believe healthy skin care is not a luxury but a necessity!!

*In a nutshell the best sun care protection formula you can apply to your skin is one that not just protects against UV rays but in addition protects against pollution, dehydration and free radical damage and ultimately can manage and treat specific skin concerns, such as oiliness, sensitivity or skin ageing and ideally this is an all in one skincare product formula..

Dermalogica have categorised their wide range of products relating to specific concerns under the following categories;

Age Smart – treats Ageing skin concerns

Ultra Calming – manages Sensitive, Reactive skin types

Active Clearing (formerly known as Medibac) + Clear Start – treats Acne/Breakout skin types

Powerbright TRX – manages and treats Pigmentation skin concern issues

Daily Skin Health – addresses both Normal/Dry skin types and Normal/Oily skin types

Within each of these categories, there’s a relevant suncare moisturising product to address specific skin concerns whilst providing essential broad spectrum UV protection.  Below lists, some of the most popular requested SPFs from these categories and a brief description of the skin benefits they provide.  So depending on your main skin concern there is a Dermalogica all in one moisturising SPF product formulated to purposely serve your skin’s needs.

Ultra Calming – Super Sensitive Shield SPF30 – £46

For sensitive, reactive, recently resurfaces skin types – Provides soothing comfort to irritated skin

A light weight sheer physical moisturising SPF containing hyaluronic acid. This suncare product is formulated specifically for sensitive skin and without the need for chemical sunscreens.  The protecting formula contains natural mineral UV protectors in the form of micronized Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide and additional anti oxidants and botanical extracts and also a skin conditioning agent – Dimethicone help further protects the skins barrier lipid layer.

Grey Line – Prisma SPF30 – £58

Suitable for all skin types – *Preventative measure against skin ageing!

*Defends, Hydrates and Boosts skin luminosity

Dermalogicas latest scientific approach to suncare protection.  Prisma SPF30 provides the best in broad spectrum class chemical sunscreens including Avobenzone, Octisalate and Octocrylene. It is formulated to block 85% of pollutants* and by using intelligent drones to convert UV light into increased skin luminosity, boosting its natural radiance whilst optimising skin’s defenses.  It also contains Carbohydrate complex (Saccharide Isomerate) that binds water to skin like a magnet – providing all day long hydration!!

Age Smart – Dynamic Skin SPF50 – £66.50

Normal to Premature Ageing Skin – Manages photoaging skin concerns

This firming broad spectrum medium weight moisturiser -chemical SPF is formulated with oleosome technology which allow for optimum SPF performance while using fewer chemical sunscreens

The advanced formula helps defend against skin ageing triggers whilst stimulating collagen formation, elasticity and hydration levels minimizing the appearance of skin ageing.  *If ageing is your skin concern this is the SPF for you

Medibac – Oil Free Matt SPF30 – £46.50

Oily / Breakout prone skin – provides a skin mattifying skin protection layer

This broad spectrum, sheer and light weight chemical sunscreen contains oleosome technology – a sunscreen filled capsule that provides optimum moisturising and SPF protection benefits

The active ingredients within the formula treat oily skin type conditions as it regulates sebum production and absorb excess oils whilst antioxidants provide anti inflammatory properties.

Powerbright TRX – Pure Light SPF50 – £60

Manage and treats skin concerns for Pigmentation

A medium weight SPF moisturiser with powerful Oleosome encapsulated technology benefits the skin by providing increased SPF protection whilst using fewer sunscreen chemicals.

The advanced formula contains exfoliating and hydrating ingredients and peptides that help regulate melanin production and even prevent message signals that trigger the melanin synthesis process. *This product works hard to manage pigmentation skin concerns

*Beauty Vibes is both a retail and service provider for Dermalogica.  

For more general information about Physical and Chemical SPF formulations click the link here

Great skin starts with a great daily cleansing routine in just 3 simple but 3 very crucial steps..

Skip a step in the cleansing routine on a daily basis and over time you start to recognise that your mission for great skin health is being compromised and here’s why..

Step 1 – Pre Cleanse

Pre Cleanse £38.50

Purpose: To totally remove from skin the daily build-up of dirt, pollution and makeup and ultimately prepare skin for Step 2 – The Second Cleanse.

After the Pre Cleanse step – the Second Cleanse can effectively work at cleansing the skin cell follicles themselves without obstruction which without the Step 1 – Pre Cleanse process the second cleanser would be comprised in its ability to do this as effectively.

How to use:

Apply a small pump amount into palms of clean, dry hands. Apply to face, neck and decollete.  Thoroughly cleanse skin working product across the chest, up the neck and all over the face concentrating on groves of face eg. around nostrils and down the nose, work into the eyebrows, over the eyes and roots of lashes and take the product up to the hairline.

Wet palms to emulsify the product and work overall areas again before removing thoroughly using dampened cotton discs.  Now the skin is ready for Step 2 – Second Cleanse.

Step 2 – Second Cleanse

Special Cleansing Gel – £49.50

Purpose: targeted treatment cleansing to prevent or manage or treat specific skin concerns such as blackheads, congestion and blemishes, oily, dry or sensitised skin areas etc.

Majority will stop their cleanse routine after Step 1 however to properly manage skin cell impurities and aid skin cell purification and speed up cell turnover the Second Cleanse is a vital and necessary initial step to improve skin health.

The second cleanser should therefore be appropriately selected to serve a skin concern and should be worked into clean skin for at least 2 minutes before thoroughly rinsing off or removing with dampened cotton discs.

*Dermalogica range of cleansers with their varied formulations are targeted to treat specific skin concerns such as dry skin, reactive, sensitised skin, oily, combination skin, breakout skin and ageing skin showing signs of pigmentation.  Some have very active ingredients so it is imperative to use the appropriate cleanser that will benefit a particular skin concern. *For more information about Dermalogica targeted skin solutions cleansers click on the link here

 Step 3 – Exfoliate

Daily Microfoliant – £49.50

To keep skin looking young and fresh it needs to be exfoliated regularly.  This prevents a dulling effect on the skin which effectively is dead skin cells sitting on the surface of the skin.  Whilst not all exfoliators are suitable for daily use Dermalogicas’ Daily and Super Microfoliants are however ideal for daily use as they effectively micro exfoliate skin revealing smoother, brighter, fresher younger-looking skin

*Tip

If short on time – add some daily microfoliant to the second cleanser and work into skin for 1-2 minutes before rinsing off

Note

• Always clean your face using warm tepid water and Never hot water as this strips the skin of essential moisture
• Always follow the cleansing routine with Toner. *Toner should be considered as another skin conditioning treatment to be applied before serums and moisturisers
• Always finish the cleansing routine with moisturiser and if it doesn’t contain an SPF consider to apply a light layer of SPF over moisturiser to protect skin from harmful UV rays.

* Dermalogicas’ SPFs are broad spectrum that protect skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and they have SPF formulations to protect all skin types including re-active, sensitive skin types, oily, breakout skin etc. For more information about Dermalogica various SPFs click on the link here

Or if you are still unsure what products are best suited to serve your skin why not pop in for a Skin Analysis and Consultation. *Beauty Vibes is a professional treatment service provider and retail stockist for Dermalogica. Shop online via the link here