Welcome to the fourth instalment of the Murad Q&A series – if you want to read about this series or look at the other Q&As then click here and the list should pop up in a new window! This Q&A focuses on sunscreens.

Evi:

 My skincare question would have to be about sunscreen; the Murad skincare line has some interesting sunscreens that no other brand has [one for acne, one for anti-ageing, the Vit C for anti-pollution], so I’m guessing that Murad rates sunscreen highly. Should we really apply sunscreen even if it’s cloudy outside? Is an SPF 15 adequate for daily wear around the city? Chemical or natural sun block ingredients? What about the “white cast” that most sunscreens have, is it possible to have an SPF cream without it or is it something we can’t do without because of the specific ingredients of each spf cream? And a last question: should we invest in a good (and expensive) SPF cream or the do the more affordable ones offer the same level of protection?

Dr Murad:

Hi Evi,

I recommend everyone wear SPF on a daily basis because most sun damage occurs during daily activities. This incidental exposure includes more than just direct sunlight on bare skin while you’re tanning. Light also reflects off surfaces, comes through building and car windows and penetrates through clothing. And don’t let the cloudy days fool you! UV rays can travel through those dark clouds to reflect off water, sand and snow, meaning that even cold, windy and overcast days won’t offer a shield from the sun’s rays.

An SPF 15 gives you 93% protection from the sun (there is no such thing as 100%) so this is more than adequate for everyday use, as long as you are not spending the whole day out in the sun. Here at Murad, we use a combination of both natural and chemical sun cream ingredients depending on age, skin type and your skin concerns. All of our sunscreens contain powerful antioxidants that help fight free radical damage. The SPF rating in a sun cream protects against UVB rays and the PA rating protects your skin against UVA rays, all our sun products contain a minimum rating of SPF 15 and a minimum of PA++. The highest SPF we make at Murad is an SPF 30 PA+++, as you will get powerful broad spectrum protection and the texture of the product is not compromised.

You can also protect your skin from the inside too by eating raw fruits and vegetables- the more colorful the better! They’re loaded with skin-protective antioxidants and also have a high water content, which helps keep your skin’s barrier (the outer layer) hydrated and more resistant to free-radical damage from the sun and daily pollution. Also, taking supplements containing pomegranate extract provides powerful antioxidant protection against free radical damage, which accounts for more than 80% of the signs of premature aging.  There is evidence that pomegranate extract can even boost the effective SPF of sunblock.

My notes: 

I have to admit that I hadn’t looked at the Murad sunscreens before but there are indeed a few different ones that also treat specific skin conditions. Murad products are available at FeelUnique.com. I also like Anthelios from La Roche-Posay and for just a simple, everyday moisturiser with UVA/UVB protection, No7’s Protect and Perfect.