We chatted with Supergoop! founder Holly Thaggard on the secret to healthy skin
After a close friend was diagnosed with skin cancer, Holly Thaggard, the founder of Supergoop!, made it her mission to advocate skin health and the importance of SPF sunscreen.
"I learned that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US but that it’s easily preventable with the use of daily SPF sunscreen," Thaggard says.
Established in 2007, Thaggard crafted a collection of ingredient-conscious, efficacious formulas that deliver broad spectrum protection in unique, user-friendly and feel-good ways, in an effort to end the skin cancer epidemic and change the way the world thinks about sunscreen.
"Supergoop! is on a mission to change the way the world thinks about sunscreen. I've spent over 10 years challenging consumer myths about SPF and its perception as a seasonal product," Thaggard says. "Hence, I created clean, effective and feel-good formulas that make it easy to wear sunscreen every single day."
Read also: On The Bright Side: 6 Sunscreens We Love
Why is SPF important?
Sun damage is responsible for 90 per cent of the signs of ageing as well as skin cancer. By applying Supergoop! every single day, you're protecting your skin from UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays.
UVA rays are present all year round and penetrate through clouds as well as glass. They are responsible for the skin damage such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark spots, and they are a major culprit in skin cancer.
What do the SPF numbers mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures protection against UVB rays. This is a rating that is calculated in a lab setting to measure how long you can be exposed to UV rays before getting sunburned. It's important to remember that the SPF rating is obtained via a very exact testing protocol in a lab setting and the level of protection can vary when you don't apply enough product.
The key is to apply generously and evenly to ensure the maximum level of protection.
See also: 4 New Beauty Products We Can't Wait To Try In November 2020