While many of you wear it during the summer months, here’s the reality: you’ve got to wear sunscreen every day of the year, come rain or shine.
With COVID-19 on our minds, it may be easy to forget about another potential danger: the sun.
It is important to note that, even in cooler months, it takes just 15 minutes for the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays to damage your skin, increasing your chances of wrinkles and age spots.
The solution—wear sunscreen and protective clothing and seek shade—is something everyone has likely heard before. Still, it never hurts to be reminded of its importance, or to know a little more about it.
Not sure exactly what to look out for when selecting a sunscreen? We’ve got you covered.
Broad spectrum: Sunscreens should be labeled as broad spectrum, which means the product will shield the skin against UVA and UVB rays.
Water resistant: This indicates that the product will protect the skin in water for a specified duration of time.
Sun protection factor (SPF): This numerical factor provides information on the level of protection provided. A minimum of SPF 15 or 30 is recommended for everyday wear. When in the sun, it’s important to reapply sunscreen to exposed areas every 90 to 120 minutes, or as the product label indicates.
Active ingredients: Note whether the active ingredients are chemical or physical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens most commonly contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provide a physical barrier on the skin that reflect dangerous UV rays. Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals, which protect the skin by interacting with and absorbing ultraviolet energy. Both are effective, but chemical sunscreens may have a higher chance of producing skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Now that you know what to look for, below are 4 terrific sunscreen products that suit a range of skin types!
Dr Grandel SP UV Perfection 50, – R459, Deluxe Shop
Intelligent Sun Protection SPF 50 (high). Sun protection SPF 50 as a light serum. Protects against UVA and UVB radiation.
Environ RAD Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15, – R435, Deluxe Shop
Environ RAD Shield Mineral Sunscreen SPF 15 is a lightweight, cosmetically elegant formulation that works hard with powerful physical sun reflectors, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
Skin Affair Organic Daily SPF 15 with Blue Light Blocker – R425, Skin Affair
Antioxidant, SPF and light filter formula that protects the skin from blue light damage. Deeply hydrates and protects, fragrance-free, organic and cruelty-free.
Heliocare 360 Pigment Solution Fluid SPF50+ – R552, available from end of May at selected Aesthetic Spa’s and Doctors nationwide.
The ideal sunscreen for hyperpigmented skin. Providing high sun protection against UVA and UVB rays and protecting from infrared and visible light, this sunscreen also reduces dark spots and prevents their re-appearance.
