According to a scientific study, “Everyday wearing of a facial broad-spectrum photostable sunscreen can reverse the visible signs of photodamage”. Sunscreen is the indispensable requirement in the journey to inverse the photo ageing. What type of sunscreen is best for this action? To understand the answer to this, we have to figure out the concept of Sun rays. Have you ever looked at the term broad-spectrum mentioned on sunscreens? If not, then you need to think. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. UVB strikes the epidermis (the outer skin layer), whereas, the UVA pierces deep into the dermis and leads to photodamage. Not only this, but environmental pollutants are also there. Because both UVA and UVB damage the skin, the sunscreen should also be of wide-ranging. So, what things should be there in a broad-spectrum sunscreen? A) Sun Protection Factor (SPF) You perhaps heard this term before. This is the factor which accounts for blocking the UVB rays and protect the skin. But, the question here is what is best SPF you should go for? The answer is the SPF range between 30 to 50 is the best. As this can protect your skin for long hours and can blocks up to 97 and 98 percent of sun rays. B) Protection Grade (PA) Factor The SPF only protects skin from UVB rays and to protect from UVA, sunscreen must also have PA factor. A broad-spectrum sunscreen must contain PA, label as PA +, PA ++, PA +++, PA ++++. This PA rating reflects the protection concerning sunscreen provides from UVA rays. - PA + means some UVA protection - PA ++ means moderate UVA protection - PA +++ means high UVA protection - PA ++++ means extremely high UVA protection So, the first step is to choose the best sunscreen and for that don't forget to remember the above- mentioned points.

Our skin not only affected from harmful UV rays but also from pollutants. Scientific research also says that: “With the synergism of UVA and environmental urban pollutants, the oxidative damage of the skin goes over the top”. So, it needs additional protection in the form of topical antioxidants. Scientifically, “Topical antioxidants can prohibit and also partially oppose the UV-induced photodamage”. The previously damaged skin and further protection from harmful pollutants can be effectively improved with the help of vitamin C, one of the great vitamin with significant antioxidant properties. This is also evident in many research papers. There are other components like Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which dispense potent antioxidant actions. Let's talk about these in little deep! Vitamin C: The best vitamin to counter the effects of photo ageing. It's a significant antioxidant, depigmenting, collagen enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties dispense powerful impact on reducing photo ageing symptoms. Niacinamide: Niacinamide or vitamin B3 considerably lessens the oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species along with lowering hyperpigmentation and improving epidermal barrier function. Hyaluronic Acid (HA): Along with retaining water content, this polysaccharide also possesses free radical scavenging properties. All together, HA retains resilience, pliability and youthfulness of the skin. How you can get this? These days the skin care market is teeming with an astonishing product. You must have heard about this. This is nothing else but face serums. Vitamin C serum is considered as the best serum to counter the effects of photo ageing. As per a recent study, “A total of 20 patients use vitamin C serum on one side of the face for two weeks. After two weeks, scientists see a significant drop from 3.37 to 1.68 in photo ageing symptoms among these patients” This refers that derma essentia vitamin c serum is very important to reverse the signs of photo ageing. You can also look a vitamin C serum which also embedded with the added benefits of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. This doubles the efficacy of your vitamin C serum. How to use the serum in a regular routine? It depends: - If you are using vitamin C serum in the morning, then must layering it under sunscreen and then a moisturizer. - But, if you are using at night time, then apply this serum directly and left till morning. Include this regimen and see a magnificent change in your skin.

Not only topical but the inner protection is also important. A body abundant in antioxidants and nutrients are far healthy, aids in abrogating collagen degradation, pro-collagen synthesis and protecting skin from harmful UV rays and pollutants. “The studies also showed that vitamin supplementation efficiently protects the skin from sunburn”. Not only vitamins but food items enriched with omega-3 acids and carotenoids are also beneficial for photodamaged skin. Same, there is some food which leads to ageing, so try to avoid them as well. What are anti ageing foods? - Black and Blue Berries - Oranges, Grapes, Kiwi and Lemon - Avocado and Apples - Cabbage, Cauliflower and Broccoli - Red and Yellow Onion - Garlic and Ginger - Pumpkin, Squash and Sweet Potatoes - Soy Products - Oat Bran - Yoghurt - Olive Oil - Green Tea What are ageing foods? - Deep-Fried Foods - Hydrogenated Oils - Vegetable Oil So, must take care of while choosing and eating food. These are three regimens that you should include in your daily routine to reverse photo ageing signs and to get youthful, satin-soft, radiant, flawless and hydrated skin.