As the weather warms up, it's important to continue taking care of your skin. That means ensuring you’re wearing sunscreen every single day. Here's why: sunscreen works by protecting your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. But UV rays are always present, even on cloudy days. They can also reflect off surfaces like water and sand, increasing your risk of sun damage. In this blog post we’re exploring everything you need to know about choosing the right SPF for you, and protecting your skin for the years to come. Long days in the hot, Gold Coast sun can have a life-long effect on your skin – so don’t risk it. Look after your skin, with these sunscreen tips!

Choose 30+

When it comes to sunscreen, there are a lot of numbers to choose from. But what do they all mean? SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The higher the SPF, the better the protection. In Australia, the recommended SPF for everyday use is 30+. However, if you're going to be spending extended periods of time in the sun, you may want to choose an SPF 50+ sunscreen.

Protect yourself from UVA & UVB rays

When it comes to skincare in summer, one of the most important things you can do is wear sunscreen, all day every day. In fact, we suggest wearing it all year round! But with so many different products on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. One term you might see on sunscreen labels is "broad spectrum." But what does that mean?

Broad spectrum sunscreen is designed to protect your skin from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays are the main cause of premature ageing and wrinkles, while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. Both types of UV radiation can contribute to skin cancer. So it's essential to opt for a broad spectrum sunscreen that will protect you from both.

Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen

When it comes to sunscreen, there are two main types: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting the sun's rays, while chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays. So, which is better?

There are pros and cons to both types of sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are often considered more natural, as they don't contain any synthetic ingredients. They're also usually less irritating to the skin, as they’re made from non-comedogenic and antimicrobial ingredients making them a good choice for people with sensitive skin. On the downside, mineral sunscreens can be more difficult to apply evenly, and they may not be as effective at blocking UV rays as chemical sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, tend to be more effective at blocking UV rays. They're also easier to apply evenly and are less likely to leave a white cast on the skin. However, they can be more irritating to the skin, and some people prefer to avoid synthetic ingredients.

So, which type of sunscreen is best for you? That depends on your personal preferences. If you have sensitive skin, you may prefer mineral sunscreen. If you're looking for maximum protection from the sun, a chemical sunscreen may be your best bet. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a sunscreen that you'll actually use – because even the best sunscreen won't do you any good if you don't apply it properly!

The right sunscreen type for your skin type

Choosing the right sunscreen can be tricky - there are so many options out there! However, it's important to find a sunscreen that's formulated for your skin type in order to get the best protection. For example, if you have oily skin, you'll want to look for a light, oil-free sunscreen that won't clog your pores. If you have dry skin, you'll want to find a sunscreen that's also hydrating and won't leave your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. And if you have sensitive skin, it's important to find a gentle, fragrance-free sunscreen.

Re-apply, re-apply, re-apply

Many people don't realise that you should be reapplying sunscreen every two hours. Here's why: Sunscreen wears off. Even if you're not swimming or sweating, your sunscreen will slowly rub off throughout the day. This means that you're no longer getting the complete protection you need.

Of course, you need to reapply after swimming or sweating. If you've been swimming or sweating, reapply sunscreen is even more important. This is because water and sweat can rinse away your sunscreen, leaving your skin vulnerable to damage. You also need to reapply after towel drying. Towel drying can also remove sunscreen from your skin.

You're not safe from the sun inside

You may also realise, but unless you work all day in a room with no windows or natural light, you need to be wearing sunscreen throughout the day, even when you are indoors. If you are serious about protecting your skin from the elements, and not ageing quickly, sunscreen needs to be on your skin!

You are not protected from UVs while out of direct sunlight. If you make it a habit to apply sunscreen in the morning and reapply throughout the day, you will give your skin the ultimate protection and ensure that your skin stays healthy and is continuously protected from harmful rays, as you move around your world. From driving your car to quickly hanging out the washing, you will alway have a shield against the sun’s rays seeking out your skin to absorb it and age you.

SPF in skincare

That’s right! Whilst we always advocate for applying a well-formulated sunscreen to ensure you’re getting adequate protection, you can maximise your coverage by using products that contain additional SPF. But don’t use them on their own as they don’t provide enough protection.

SPF in Mineral Makeup

Spending time in the sun is a great way to improve your mood and get some vitamin D. But too much sun can be damaging to your skin. That's where mineral makeup with SPF comes in. Not only does it provide additional coverage, but is good for your skin. Mineral makeup is made from natural ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide, so it's gentle on your skin and won't clog pores. It also provides a smooth, even finish that lasts all day long. And because it contains SPF, you can be sure that it’s also fighting off the sun's damaging rays. So next time you're headed outdoors, don't forget to apply some mineral makeup with SPF. Your skin will thank you for it!

SPF in moisturiser

Moisturisers with added SPF provide all the hydration your skin needs, while also protecting it from harmful UV rays. A moisturiser with added SPF can provide a number of important benefits for your skin. First, it helps to keep your skin hydrated, which is important for maintaining a healthy complexion. Second, it provides protection from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause damage to the skin. Finally, it can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. So why not give your skin a little extra protection by choosing a moisturiser with SPF.

Protects from Skin Cancer

Despite what you may have heard, there is no such thing as a "safe" tan. Any change in the colour of your skin is a sign of damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. And while a suntan may make you look healthy, it's actually your body's way of trying to protect itself from further damage. As we’ve discussed above, there are two types of UV rays that can reach the earth: UVA and UVB. Both UVA and UVB rays can contribute to skin cancer, by damaging your skin cell’s DNA.

However, it's important to remember that no sunscreen can block all UV rays, so it's still important to take other precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and limiting your time in the sun.

Reduces Age Spots & Pigmentation

Age spots and pigmentation are caused by exposure to the sun. They often appear in areas that have had more sun exposure, such as shoulders, hands and back, ranging in size up to about 1cm. Without sun protection, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can penetrate the skin dermis and damage skin cells. More melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, is produced and these large freckle-type spots can occur, often grouping together in the exposed area.

Stop the clock – sunscreen can reduce the signs of ageing.

As we age, our skin slowly loses its elasticity and collagen production decreases. This can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a loss of radiance. While many of us turn to anti-ageing serums and creams, did you know there’s something even simpler you can do to slow down the signs of ageing.

That’s right, you guessed it! Sunscreen! Though there's no way to completely stop the ageing process, using sunscreen can help to reduce its visible effects.

According to a 2013 study, 80% of the skin’s signs of ageing can be attributed to UV rays! So if all of the above wasn’t reason enough to apply that sunscreen daily, we’re sure this little fact is going to have you reaching for that sunscreen bottle asap!

Wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. There are many different types of sunscreen available, so it is important to choose one that is right for your skin type. Be sure to reapply every two hours and choose a Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ for maximum protection. You can also find SPF in mineral makeup and moisturisers, which can help reduce the signs of ageing and protect you from skin cancer.

If you’re noticing the signs of sun-damage, book in for a skin consultation with one of our skin experts today.

10 SPF Facts to Protect your Skin from Sun Damage