image source: Mikuta
DO YOU KNOW YOUR UVA FROM YOUR UVB? PROTECT YOUR SKIN ALL SUMMER LONG WITH THIS SUN CARE ESSENTIALS GUIDE.
The rules of sun protection are simple – if you leave your house in daylight or sit near a window, you need sun protection. You need to choose your sun care essentials carefully and don’t neglect to apply them daily!
HELPFUL ACRONYMS
UV – Ultraviolet, divided into a UVA and UVB.
UVA – Deeply penetrating rays of light that break down cells leading to lines, pigmentation, and melanoma.
UVB – Rays of light that affect the surface of the skin. This is what causes sunburn.
SPF – Sun Protection Factor – a measure of how long you are protected from the sun for.
MINERAL VS CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN
Mineral sunscreens contain active ingredients that create a protective layer on top of the skin that deflects UV rays. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb UV rays, causing a chemical reaction that releases them from the skin before causing any damage. These are often thinner than mineral sunscreens and don’t sit on the skin, so are usually more comfortable.
HOW MUCH TO APPLY
It is officially advised to apply 2mg of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin, which works out to be about a ½ teaspoon for the face and neck. If you are unsure of how much this is, try measuring it to see. If this seems like a lot, apply half and wait a few minutes, then apply the rest.
For your face, use as high SPF as possible to ensure your skin is fully protected. After the initial application, use a mist SPF to avoid having to reapply makeup.
LA ROCHE POSAY ANTHELIOS ULTRA COMFORT CREAM SPF+50
Designed to protect and nourish the skin, this sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB. Quick-drying, this cream soothes skin and prevents prickly heat.
Shop → La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Comfort Cream SPF+50 • $18
REN CLEAN SCREEN MINERAL SPF30 MATTIFYING BROAD SPECTRUM FACE SUNSCREEN
Offering both UVA and UVB protection, this daily sunscreen is a natural quick-absorbing savior. Rich in Zinc Oxide to intercept UV rays, this cream combats shine and oil, leaving a matte and fresh complexion.
Shop → REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 Mattifying Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen • $38
SUPERGOOP PLAY VITAMIN C ANTIOXIDANT MIST BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN SPF50
Perfect for reapplication, this mist-based sunscreen protects the face and body whilst also hydrating the skin. Water and sweat resistant, it is quickly absorbed without leaving a film.
Shop → Supergoop Play Vitamin C Antioxidant Mist Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 • $15-21
For body sunscreens, I would also encourage opting for a high SPF of 50 or above and reapplying every 2 hours. Look for water-resistant formulas that are smooth and non-sticky.
LA ROCHE POSAY ANTHELIOS ULTRA RESISTANT INVISIBLE FLUID SPF50+
A high protection, broad-spectrum sun fluid for the face Features a waterproof, sweat-proof, sand-proof & anti-eye stinging formula Non-greasy, invisible & ultra-light fluid texture is easy to apply & comfortable to wear
Shop → La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Resistant Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ • $19.50
ULTRA SUN SPF50+ EXTREME SUN PREOTECTION
The fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula boasts supreme UVA and UVB shielding alongside vitamin E and pro vitamin B5, perfect for use in the harshest conditions.
Shop → Ultra Sun SPF50+ Extreme Sun Protection • $33
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