Sunscreen tips for a skin smart summer!
25 January 2017
Connie-Lee Swadling, a mother from Queensland, recently posted on Facebook about some advice her doctor gave her regarding sunscreen. The post has since received over 30 thousand likes and has been shared over 40 thousand times. We know that people are talking about it, so we thought it was important that we share some sunscreen tips with the help of Professor Pascale Guitera, Dermatologist Associate for Melanoma Institute Australia.
This is the post circulating Facebook. Source: Facebook
Slather it on
We always recommend buying the highest possible SPF sunscreen (currently SPF50+ in Australia) with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, however slapping it on before you head out for the day simply is not enough. You’re most likely not applying the amount actually recommended for adequate protection. As a guide, you need a shot glass full of sunscreen to cover your whole body and face. Most people put less than half the recommended amount of sunscreen on which means they aren’t getting sufficient protection. So if you're wearing only half the recommended amount of SPF 50, you're only getting the protection of SPF 25.
Layer it up
How can you make sure you’re receiving the best possible protection from the sun? Aside from seeking shade and wearing hats, long sleeves and UV-blocking sunglasses, you should be re-applying sunscreen every two hours. This is essential if you’re outside all day long, especially in summer. In addition, if you’ve been swimming or sweating heavily, you should also reapply.
Mix and match
Just like you may use a different face moisturiser for day and night, you can use different types of sunscreens for different purposes. Sunscreen spray may be fine for an early morning jog that you fit in before work but won’t do the job if you’re down at the beach during the day or standing around watching Saturday sports.
These are times when physical sunscreens - that use natural, mineral filters (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide) to reflect UV rays - should be applied. Physical blockers are preferred for young children’s sensitive skin, and for people who may want to avoid certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens. Generally, the higher the concentration of a physical blocking, the more effective a sunscreen is.
If you do use a sunscreen spray for cooler parts of the day, apply an even, generous coating and don’t forget to layer applications as spray sunscreen isn’t as effective as physical blockers at reflecting light. When applying sunscreen spray, be sure to stay out of the wind!
Make the application of sunscreen part of your daily routine. Your skin is your biggest organ so it is so important that you make every effort possible to protect it.
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