Sun Care - Know What Your Putting on Your Skin
We love summer in New Zealand, but remember, sun exposure is responsible for most of the visible ageing of our skin! Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, clothing, shade and a quality sunscreen. Apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and then re-apply every 2 hours, whether or not the label tells you to. Remember to re-apply after swimming or excessive sweating. And please remember to cover all the skin that’s exposed to the sun – face, hands, feet, décolletage and driving arm included.
Types of Sunscreen
Sunscreen comes in two forms – a physical block, like zinc, that sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays; and a chemical block that is absorbed by the skin, converts the rays into heat and releases them from the body. Wearing any SPF30 sunscreen is better than not wearing a sunscreen, or wearing one with a lower sun protection factor.
Chemical screens are water resistant so good for swimming, sports or if you perspire a lot during the day. Physical blocks, however, are less irritating to the skin, more moisturising and available in matte and tints to look more natural.
Broad spectrum products protect against both UVA and UVB rays (an easy way to remember the difference between these: ‘A is for ageing; B is for burning’). UVA rays are considered to be the primary cause of premature ageing, can penetrate through both glass and cloud cover, and are present year-round. Both contribute to the development of skin cancers.
Explaining the SPF Rating
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) ratings reflect how much longer it takes untanned skin to start to redden with sunscreen applied, compared to how long it takes to start reddening without it – it does not indicate how long you can stay in the sun. The Australian Cancer Council reports that SPF30 sunscreens filter about 96.7% of UV radiation, while SPF50+ sunscreens provide only marginally better protection at 98%.
At Adele Face + Beauty you will find only physical blocks as I consider these to be the best, choosing which one to use based on my day ahead. All items may also be purchased from my online store.
https://adelefaceandbeauty.nz/collections/sun-care
Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen ($59) and Coola Mineral Sunscreen Spray ($59) are water-resistant, while Coola Mineral Sun Silk Screen ($65) is a hydrating, protective product that can be used under make-up. All are SPF30, broad spectrum, organic, plant based, fragrance free, oil free and paraben free.
Janesce Suncare Lotion ($63) is also organic and plant based but does not have an SPF rating as, due to its formulation, it must be used for at least 7 consecutive days before it becomes effective. This product is also nourishing and healing for the skin.
Do let me know if you have any questions about your skin and/or sun care. I’m here to help!