Soaking up the sun’s rays may be great for stimulating the body’s natural production of vitamin D, but as the mercury rises, sunscreen should be your number one beauty essential. Exposure to UV damages the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres, and produces uneven skin tone and pigmentation by stimulating the production of melanin. The golden rule? Simple: shield your body from the sun and follow the slip, slop, slap and wrap mantra.
There are three wavelengths of UV radiation from the sun. The way to remember how they affect you is to think UV‘A’ for ageing, UV‘B’ for burning, and UV‘C’ just can’t get through – it is the shortest and fortunately is absorbed by the ozone layer so doesn’t reach earth.
Fiona Mawley, manager at Daffodil Enterprises, part of the Cancer Society of New Zealand, points out it’s UVA that makes up most of our natural sunlight, and as it has the longest wavelength, it penerates most deeply into the skin. “It is responsible for long-term damage to our cells and has a cumulative effect over time, which causes wrinkles and, more importantly, skin cancer,” she explains. “UVB is the chief cause of sunburn and skin reddening; it causes damage to the outer layer of the skin, leading to non-melanoma skin cancers and tanning or burning.”
There are two types of products with Sun Protection Factor (SPF): those which chemically absorb rays, and those which physically block them. Those with chemical filters, which have ingredients including octylcrylene and avobenzone, are generally colourless, odourless and runny in texture.
Physical suncreens, which contain zinc oxide and titanium oxide, form a shield on the skin. They are more opaque in colour and need to be reapplied frequently, as they tend to rub off more easily.
The right protection for you
Here are 11 different products sun care products you should consider this summer:
1.Face moisturizer; Garnier Moisture Match Illuminating Light Lotion SPF15. 2. For sporty people; NZ Cancer Society SPF50+ Invisible Protect Spray. 3. High protection; Shiseido Future Solution Universal Defense SPF50+.
1. Face Moisturiser
If you work in an office, Garnier Moisture Match Illuminating Light Lotion SPF15, $10, is ideal for daily use for those who have minimum exposure to the sun.
2. For sporty people
With four-hour water resistance and UVA and UVB protection, NZ Cancer Society SPF50+ Invisible Protect Spray, $20, is quick-drying, non-sticky, and can be applied to wet or dry skin. Application is super easy for those who want good coverage on the go.
3. High Protection
Shiseido Future Solution Universal Defense SPF50+, $120, has a high sun-protection factor, plus it gives skin a radiant finish and can be worn alone or under make-up.
4.Body moisturiser; Nivea Light Feel Every Day Sunscreen Lotion, SPF30+. 5. Lips; Great Barrier Island Bee Co SPF30 Lip Balm. 6. Make-up base; Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Serum Foundation with SPF25.
4. Body Moisturiser
For all-over moisturising protection that feels light, non-greasy and absorbs quickly, try Nivea Light Feel Every Day Sunscreen Lotion, SPF30+, $16.50.
5. Lips
Dry, chapped lips are common during summer; especially after exposure to sea and salt. Great Barrier Island Bee Co SPF30 Lip Balm, $7.50, will nourish lips with aloe, joboba and manuka honey. Use all day for full protection.
6. Make-up base
Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Serum Foundation with SPF25, $105, combines the benefits of a serum and an SPF with foundation. Use this daily if you want protection with a silky smooth application and natural looking finish.
7.Sensitive skin; Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Dry Touch Protection Mist SPF50+. 8. After-sun care; Ultraceuticals Face and Body Recovery Cream. 9. Oily skin; Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Clear Face Sunscreen SPF30.
7. Sensitive skin
Those with fair or sensitive skin should look for a specially formulated sunscreen such as Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Dry Touch Protection Mist SPF50+, $23, a lightweight, hypoallergenic spray that contains no alcohol or perfumes.
8. After-Sun Care
Creams such as Ultraceuticals Face and Body Recovery Cream, $59, will help soothe and ease sunburnt skin and reduce redness in a flash.
9. Oily skin
Prone to breakouts? Choose a light, oil-free formula that doesn’t clog pores, such as Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Clear Face Sunscreen SPF30, $23.
10.Hair protection; Wella SP Sun UV Spray. 11. Everyday protection; NZ Cancer Society SPF50+ Everyday Lotion.
10. Hair protection
Just like the skin, hair is prone to damage from the sun, so protect it with Wella SP Sun UV Spray, $38, which can add up to 10 hours of UV protection. Simply apply before you leave the house.
11. Everyday Protection
For an all-over, high-protection daily sunscreen for the whole family, try NZ Cancer Society SPF50+ Everyday Lotion, $18. The dry-touch formulation is paraben-free with enriching aloe vera and vitamin E.
Words by Claudia Renford
