The Ultimate Sunscreen Guide
As summer approaches, it’s more important than ever that you prioritise sun protection. We all know why we should be wearing sunscreen while spending time in the sunshine, but do you know what you should actually be looking for when shopping for sun protection products? If you would like to know more, keep on reading!
Choosing The Right Sunscreen
In Australia, 2 in 3 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70 and melanoma accounts for 75% of skin cancer related deaths. Sun exposure also contributes to visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It is so important that you protect your skin from the sun, but it’s even more important that you use the right products to do so!
For starters, you should always use sunscreens that have broad-spectrum protection, meaning that it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Each of these rays harm the skin differently – UVB causes sunburn and puts you at risk of melanoma while UVA causes cellular damage that increases the risk of other skin cancers and aging. When shopping for sunscreen, always read the packaging carefully, ensuring that it is either labelled with “broad-spectrum” or UVA/UVB protection. Sunscreens are always labelled with an SPF rating, the most common being SPF 15, SPF 30, and SPF 50. Dermatologists recommend using an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 96.7% of UV rays.
You should be wearing sunscreen 365 days a year. That’s right – even during cold, gloomy wintertime. UV rays pass straight through clouds, so even if you can’t see the sun, don’t forget that it’s still there! If you think that you don’t need to wear sunscreen because you plan to stay inside all day, think again. You are still guaranteed to come into contact with UV rays while spending time indoors. UVA light can pass through glass, meaning that it can enter your home through windows.
It’s a good idea to get into the habit of applying sunscreen immediately after your everyday skincare routine, no matter what the weather looks like, or what you have planned that day.
Finally, make sure that you choose a sunscreen that you find easy and enjoyable to apply to ensure that you will use it regularly. We recommend Medik8’s physical sunscreen, a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sun protector that absorbs and reflects harmful UV rays to protect the skin. The advanced formula of this product glides over skin, quickly absorbing to leave a lightweight protective veil over the complexion. If you are looking for a sunscreen that is comfortable and effective with a luxurious feel, this is the sunscreen for you!
If you have skin with pigmentation imperfections, Mesoestetic Melan 130 Pigment Control was made with you in mind! This product has a SPF 50+ rating with broad-spectrum protection. It also contains a depigmenting ingredient that helps to regulate melanin synthesis by reinforcing the preventative anti-spot action. If you are worried about your sun spots or freckles, this is the product for you!
How To Optimize Your Sun Protection
Make sure that you apply enough sunscreen! An Australian study found that 80% of people don’t apply enough sunscreen when they use it. You should be applying at least seven teaspoons of sunscreen to ensure that your entire body will be protected.
While SPF makeup shouldn’t replace your sunscreen, it is a great added measure to protect your skin. We recommend using Jane Iredale’s SPF 15 Dream Tint Tinted Moisturiser to even out your skin tone, then following with Jane Iredale’s SPF 20 Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder for additional coverage and a luminous glow.
It’s important to remember that no sunscreen is 100% effective at preventing sunburn and skin damage. However, sunscreen can increase the amount of time that you can stay in the sunshine, allowing you spend an entire day out at the beach and still come home burn-free!
Feel free to call us or come into the clinic if you have any further questions!
P: (07) 3207 4100
W: https://lapeau.com.au/
A: Suite 12/120 Birkdale Road, Birkdale
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