Summer Skin and Sunscreen

Summer is here, the holidays are upon us and it is part of our Australian lifestyle to spend time with family and friends out and about at the beach, pool, park and enjoying our great outdoors. We all know that sunscreen is a mandatory part of our outdoor life. Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world so everyday is a sunscreen day! Dermatologists and physicians recommend using a minimum of SPF30 and to reapply every two hours if you are outdoors.

What is the difference between a physical sunscreen and a chemical sunscreen?

A physical sunscreen sits on top of the skin and will reflect the sun’s rays. The main active ingredients in a physical sunscreen are the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

A chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and then absorbs UV rays, converts the rays into heat, and releases them from the body. The main active ingredients in a chemical sunscreen can include avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone.

How do I choose which sunscreen?

Physical sunscreen:

great for a sensitive skin as the product does not absorb into the skin so less chance of irritation
can be quite moisturising
can protect the skin almost immediately upon application as it doesn't absorb into the skin
new formulas and technology mean the traditional white cast associated with physical sunscreens are a thing of the past

Chemical sunscreen:

great option if you prefer your sunscreen to absorb into the skin
needs at least 15mins to absorb before going out in the sun
better for swimming and outdoor sports (sweating)
can also be very moisturising

What SPF factor is best?

Ideally we all should be wearing a minimum SPF30 to SPF50. An SPF30 will block out around 97% of UV rays whilst an SPF50 will block out around 98%. No one sunscreen is able to block out 100% UV rays. To add additional protection whilst outdoors it is recommended to wear a hat, pop on sunglasses and sit in the shade. A skin without protection risks cell damage deep into the dermal layers. The results can be pigmentation, wrinkles, loss of collagen and elastin and most serious of all skin cancers and melanomas.