Summer Sun Protection
It’s that time of year again, when we need to get serious about sun protection. Sunscreen is the single most important product we should add to our beauty routine, not only to help slow down the aging process, but also to help prevent melanomas. According to Heather Walker, Chair of the National Skin Cancer Committee, Cancer Council Australia: “By the time they are 70, two in three Australians will receive a skin cancer diagnosis, meaning skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers. Each year more than 750,000 people are treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers and around 14,000 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma. Sadly, each year around 2,000 people will die from skin cancer. UV damage causes 95% of melanomas (the most deadly form of skin cancer), so it is crucial Australians slip on sun protective clothing, slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30+ (or higher) sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on some sunglasses, whenever the UV index is three or above.”
For sunscreen to be effective, it is important to apply enough, and apply it early enough before going outdoors, playing sport, or going swimming. Many Australian’s are sunburned each year after applying sunscreen, either because they did not allow enough time for the sunscreen barrier to form before exposure, did not apply enough for the sunscreen to be protective, or did not re-apply frequently enough after swimming or playing sport. According to the Cancer Council Australia, here are the golden rules when applying sunscreen:
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ or higher) should be applied 20 minutes before exposure to UV in order to create the intended protective barrier. It should be applied liberally and evenly to clean and dry skin.
- For an adult, the recommended application is 5ml (approximately one teaspoon) for each arm, leg, body front, body back and face (including neck and ears). That equates to a total of 35ml (approximately seven teaspoons) for a full body application.
- Sunscreen should always be reapplied at least every two hours, irrespective of the water resistance of the sunscreen. Swimming, sport, sweating and towel drying can reduce the effectiveness of the product, so sunscreen should always be reapplied after these activities.
- Sunscreen is not a suit of armour, so don’t rely on it alone. Use sunscreen along with clothing, hats, shade and sunglasses for the best protection against UV radiation.
You should also ensure you wear protective clothing whenever you are in the sun – a hat, sunglasses with UV protection and a shirt are a must. Remember, there is no such thing as a healthy tan, so if you must tan, fake is best. Now that we know the basics about sunscreen, let’s look at some of our favourite sunscreens and fake tanning products to keep us protected this Summer.
Best for Dry Skin – Natio Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 50+
This deeply moisturising lotion leaves your skin soft, smooth and dry to touch. The advanced, dermatologically-tested moisturising cream, with SPF 50+ sun filters, provides high-level broad spectrum protection from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays and offers up to 4 hours water resistance. The addition of nourishing Vitamin E and Aloe helps to keep your skin soft and hydrated. 200ml RRP $16.95. Now also available in a value added 500ml bottle RRP $24.95. PS, we also have a soft spot for the award winning Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+ – the moisturising formula, enriched with Vitamin E and Aloe, helps to nourish delicate facial skin while the addition of the very high protection sunscreen helps prevent UVA/UVB sun damage and associated premature skin ageing, 100ml RRP $19.95.
Best for Sensitive Skin – Nivea Sun Sensitive Protect+ SPF 50
It can be a difficult choice for sensitive skin – do you risk a sunscreen that may irritate your delicate skin, or do you risk sunburn by going without? Now the decision is simple with the new Nivea Sun Sensitive Protect+ sunscreens. Specifically developed for skin that is sensitive to the sun, Nivea Sun Sensitive Protect is enriched with natural Aloe Vera and Chamomile to help protect your skin from sun-induced irritations such as discomfort, redness and itching. The 4-hour water resistant formula, with SPF 50 broad spectrum protection, and up to 4 hours water resistance, helps to soothe and calm reactive skin. The formula also contains moisturising Vitamin E to protect and repair the skin during and after sun exposure, keeping it hydrated so it’s less vulnerable to skin damage. 100ml RRP $11.99, 200ml RRP $16.99.
Best to Save the Planet – Sukin Sheer Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 30
Sukin have stayed true to their strict “No List” and developed a reef friendly SPF sunscreen that contains natural Zinc Oxide (instead of chemical absorbers) as the active ingredient to provide UVA + UVB broad spectrum SPF 30 protection. Sukin’s new Cruelty-Free and Vegan Sheer Touch sunscreens are non-greasy, won’t leave a white cast and are sheer to touch, so designed for daily wear. Containing a natural, antioxidant rich blend of Rosehip Oil, Green Tea and Cucumber, the gentle formula is also designed to nourish your skin. Australian-made, and available in 3 shades – Untinted, Light-Medium (pictured), and Medium-Dark, now you can protect your skin and do your bit to protect the planet too. 60ml each RRP $24.95. This range is available exclusively at Chemist Warehouse or at Sukin’s on-line store.
Best for Toddlers & Children – Hamilton Toddler Roll On Sunscreen SPF 50+
With a now almost teenage son, we’ve long been a fan of the Hamilton Toddler Roll On Sunscreen. Kids love being able to roll the sunscreen on themselves, and we love the fact that they’re protected (and it fits so well in a school bag!) The Australian-made Hamilton Toddler Roll-On Sunscreen is a dry-touch formulation suitable for young delicate skin, which provides SPF 50+ very high protection sunscreen, UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection, and up to 4 hours water resistance. The fast absorbing formula is perfect for everyday use and all outdoor activities. Ideal for body and face and can also be used for sensitive skin. 50ml RRP $8.95. Also available in a lotion formula.
Best for Sport & Swimming – The Cancer Council Water Sport Pump SPF 50+
It’s no secret that Australians love their Summer sports, whether it is swimming, surfing, cricket, tennis or another sport, we love to get out and about and involved. To keep our skin protected whilst we indulge in (or watch) our favourite sports, we love The Cancer Council Water Sport Pump Pack SPF 50+. Perfect for the whole sport-loving family, the Australian-made sunscreen provides SPF 50+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and is especially formulated for water activities. The formula has been tested to provide up to 4 hours water resistance (although The Cancer Council does recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours). 500ml pump pack RRP $29.95.
Best for Everyday Protection – Nutrimetics Sun Days Sunscreen SPF 50+
This sunscreen has been around for a while, for a very good reason – it’s a great all-round sunscreen that works. The light, non-greasy easily-absorbed formula of the Nutrimetics Sun Days SPF 50+ Sunscreen makes it perfect for everyday use. The formula provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection against the sun’s rays, is water resistant for up to 4 hours, and comes in an economical pump dispenser. Moisturising Vitamin E and soothing Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, help to moisturise and soothe all skin types, protecting your families’ skin weekdays and weekends. 400ml RRP $39.00. Now also available in a 150ml size tube – perfect to keep you protected on holidays.
Best for Self Tanning – endota spa organics Lilly Pilly & Lime Gradual Self Tanner
Now that our skin is well and truly protected from the Australian sun, you may want to get a little (fake) golden glow. Having lily white skin myself, I know I always feel better with a little (again, fake) colour. For a super realistic looking golden glow (think Bali holiday without the expense), we love the endota spa organics Lilly Pilly & Lime Gradual Tanner. Being a gradual tanner, the moisturising face and body tanner builds a gradual, natural sun-kissed looking tan with each application, so you can just apply daily until you reach the colour that suits your skin tone, and then top up as needed to keep it. Beautifully and delicately scented, the 86% organic, and 99% natural origin formula contains firming Lilly Pilly and hydrating Aloe Vera and Shea Butter for a gorgeous healthy looking glow. 180ml RRP $35.00.
Now you’re well on your way to enjoying a burn-free Summer – enjoy, and remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. All of the above Sunscreen ranges also have a range sunscreens for different skin needs, so if we haven’t touched on one you need for your skin type, head to their websites for more information. Do you use any of these sunscreens? Do you use another one? Let us know in the comments below.
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