Apart from all the conflicting ideas we hear about skin care, sunscreen is the most recommended component.
It is necessary not only to prevent the immediate symptoms of aging, but also the spread of skin cancer. According to the Melanoma Institute Australia, we have the highest rates of Melanoma in the world – most of which are caused by excessive sun exposure.
The plan is to wear it every day to find your favorite formula, and thanks to this year there are many new smart and beautiful ways on the market.
Dr Michele Squire’s Expert Opinion
To explain the basics of SPF (and the strategy for finding a winning product) we spoke to a PhD graduate scientist, science teacher and former registered nurse Dr Michele Squire.
1.) When should you use SPF and how much do you need?
Dr. Squire: Sunscreen should be applied over the skin (once soaked), and allowed to sit for at least eight minutes before applying makeup. Eight minutes is the time it takes on the screen of the sun to make a film on the skin.
You need a quarter teaspoon applied to the face and another quarter teaspoon to the neck and upper part of the chest. Do not forget the back of the neck, ears and partial line in your hair.
2.) What is the difference between “mineral” and “chemical” solar screens?
These are words coined by a cosmetics industry that does not tell the whole story (chemical minerals, too). Generally, we consider mineral solar screens such as those that use zinc and titanium oxides as the active ingredient, while chemical sunscreens contain various other UV filters. Some solar screens contain both.
UV mineral and chemical filters work the same way: they both absorb UV light and convert it into heat. Some filters (minerals and other chemicals) show a small amount of UV away from the skin.
3.) Do you need to install sunscreen more often when you are on the beach compared to the house?
Most people wear sunscreen for outdoor activities but do not see the danger of indoor exposure which can also lead to accumulated DNA damage. Whether outside or inside, an SPF program is needed to protect you from both skin cancer and photographic symptoms (wrinkles, skin tightness, broken capillaries and hyperpigmentation).
If the UV index is 3 or more and you are in the sun, you need sunscreen (and other sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses). I use the Cancer Council SeeUV app on my phone to detect UV. But a good rule of thumb is to wear SPF every day.
4.) What do you suggest to those who feel that SPF is causing them to explode?
Comedogenicity (the ability to create pores) is an unreliable science. This means that choosing a sunscreen is actually a process of trial and error. To reduce greasiness, you can use sunscreen only as your daily moisturizer. If this feels too dry, try a serum with a humectant underneath.
Best for dry skin: Emma Lewisham Skin Shield SPF 30
Emma Lewisham hails from New Zealand but is a clean and effective way to make waves around the world. Take the SPF 30 Skin Shield: a zinc oxide-based mineral formula thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid, kakadu plum, jojoba and essential oil.
Best for sensitive skin: Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc
The Australian brand Ultra Violette seems to have achieved the impossible with Lean Screen, a lightweight, matte, highly protective product that melts on the skin. It is fragrant and contains a soothing zinc oxide so it will not sting or irritate sensitive or irritated skin.
Best for acne-prone skin: TBH Skincare Skin Shady 50+ (introduced Nov 27)
SPF-prone skin prone may be a tough sell-off, but this new launch from Acne-based TBH Skincare is almost perfect. It is a chemical filter, but the texture is very light and will dry to a soft matte finish, so oily residues are not a problem. It is oil-free and doubled as a starter.
Best for dark skin tones: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
The latest iteration of the French solar screen franchise is the easiest way to product right now (hence the name is not visible). It is light and milky but still feels good on the skin – almost like a serum. It also works perfectly flexible, making it an ace of dark skin tones.
Best of the body: Everyday People O My Bod! SPF 50 Solar Body Screen
Everyday People have just moved into Sephora and this body style feels a little sunscreen, a very expensive moisturizer. It soaks, dries to a matte finish and contains cucumber and green tea to refresh.
Best for lips: Ultra Violette Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF 50
Lips need sun protection, too! This lanolin-based formula is very hydrating and comes with a range of beautiful touches.
