Sun protection
A French brand introduces anti-pollution benefits to fight against UV rays, pollution and ageing.
LEATHERY skin, wrinkles and pigmentation – these are some of women’s burning concerns about the effects of the sun’s damaging ultra violet (UV) rays. And, let’s not get started on how too much sun exposure can result in skin cancer, which accounts for 2.6% of all cancer cases in the country, according to Malaysia’s Third National Cancer Registry Report.
To protect skin from the impact of UV radiation, most women would religiously slap on SPF (Sun Protection Factor) creams which help prevent premature ageing, wrinkles and skin discoloration. There are others who take extra efforts to stay indoors between 10am till 4pm (when the sun’s rays are most intense), or carry an umbrella when out in the sun.
Besides harmful UV rays, air pollution is also another skincare concern. Over the years, pollution has increased alarmingly in Asia, where free radicals attack skin cells and strips skin from moisture.
According to meteorological website www.meteovista.com, the UV index in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kuching stands at 11, an indication of high solar UV radiation levels. Based on the UV index readings, a mere 15-minute exposure in the sun can result in sunburn.
In time, UV rays and pollution will cause overproduction of free radicals on the dermis and epidermis. The result: skin ageing, damaged cells and uneven skin tone.
In 1991, French skincare brand Clarins created the first atmospheric anti-pollution complex to prevent premature ageing and loss of radiance related to pollution. In 2005, the brand launched its first UV Protective Day Screen against UV rays and anti-pollution.
This year, Clarins has gone a step further to introduce UV Plus Anti-Pollution SPF50/PA++++. Designed for Asian skin, the plant-powered multi-protection cream has three actions: anti-UV, anti-pollution and anti-ageing.
Clarins Malaysia training manager Winnie Lai said that Clarins launched the anti-pollution cream, because air pollution has become increasingly worrying and damaging to skin.
“Instead of protecting skin against UV rays, Clarins has stepped up to offer a product that protects against effects of pollution and UV rays,” said Lai during the launch of product in Kuala Lumpur recently.
The product is designed for Asian women as humidity levels are higher in Asia compared to other countries. Plus, the degradation of air quality in Asian countries has become more severe with increased activities from automobile emission, industrial smoke and open burning.
The Clarins Research team has also discovered organic alpine sanicle extract which has an active anti-oxidant protection on skin surface. Lai explained that the findings mark a major advancement in Clarins’ research in protecting skin against dual aggressions of UV rays and pollution.
“Clarins Laboratories work hard towards improving our formulas whenever there’s a new discovery from the botanical world. When we discovered the potential of organic alpine sanicle extract against the effects of pollution and UV rays, we decided to create this product to help protect skin,” she added.
Alphine sanicle extract is rich in rosmarinic acid, an extract which helps fight the damaging effects of free radicals. It protects skin by reinforcing its natural
Prevention is better than cure: defences against harmful effects of pollution and UV rays.
The product also contains cantaloupe melon extract, which protect cells from oxidising stress caused by UV radiation and pollution. Blackcurrant extract has been included to limit the overproduction of inflammatory molecules generated by UV rays and pollution. It has a soothing ability to help reduce feelings of skin discomfort along with redness.
The formula is specially created for Asian skin whereby the texture is light and nongreasy, making it suitable for day-time application after your skincare routine.
Studies conducted on 211 Asian women found that 82% of respondents confirmed an improvement in skin quality after only eight days, while 97% felt their skin was less tanned and 91% of women said their skin surface looked more refined.
The product is said to offer resistant protection, even when pollution, heat and humidity are at their peaks. It provides 10 hours resistant protection for urban life conditions. It comes in three shades – neutral, baby pink and baby blue. Neutral is an invisible shade which melts into skin with a transparent finish. For a luminous glow, try baby pink which gives skin a fresh look. Baby blue shade helps to minimise dark spots and imperfections.
Available at Clarins counters nationwide. Price: RM150.