Summer sorted

Summer is here and, just like every year,

SPF is front of mind for us all. But how on earth is a Mama supposed to choose from the plethora of sunscreens on the market? Well, lucky for you, we had a chat with Dr Scott McGregor, We Are Feel Good Inc. Co-Founder and Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Physician who gave us the low down so your decision process is a little less mind boggling this summer! So, step away from all the glorious packaging, dreamy tag lines and sun filled imagery. It’s time time get to know the differences between physical and chemical sunscreens and browse Mama’s favourites!

What is a chemical based sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens are widely used to make broad spectrum sunscreens - that is, using a combination of filters to block UVA + UVB rays. They are technically considered ‘organic’, as the UV filters used are organic chemicals (substances that contain carbon).

What is a physical based sunscreen?

Physical (mineral) sunscreens generally use zinc oxide as their UV filter. Zinc oxide is an excellent broad spectrum filter, covering almost the full range of UVA and UVB, but not to the same extent as a well formulated “chemical sunscreen” using multiple filters. Think of using zinc as using a sheet rather than a blanket to protect from the cold, both cover the whole body, but one gives more complete protection.

Do both physical and chemical sunscreens offer the same protection?

Chemical and physical filters work in exactly the same way, by absorbing UV rays from the sun and converting them to heat. They only vary by how effectively they do this.’

What formula would you recommend for someone looking to try a new sunscreen?

There is no doubt that the “best “ protection, or most complete protection from UVA and UVB radiation is achieved using multiple filters. This could be a combination of organic (chemical) filters, or a mix of organic filters with zinc oxide, or organic filters with titanium. At the end of the day, the best sunscreen is the one you WANT to wear! Just wear sunscreen and reapply.

Mama’s favourite physical SPFs:

Dr Roebucks Barrier Reef SPF50+ RRP $49 Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence SPF50 RRP $34

SunButter Skincare water-resistant reef safe SPF50- RRP $29.95

Mama’s top chemical SPFs:

Aesthetics Rx Face & Body Sunscreen- RRP $59 Skinstitut Age Defence SPF50+ RRP $49 We Are Feel Good Inc Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ RRP$ 29.95

Mama loves these tinted SPFs:

Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 RRP $24.95

Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Moisturiser Light & Medium SPF 50- RRP $34

We Are Feel Good Inc Sticky Zinc Light & Medium SPF50+ RRP $29.95

Mama recommends these kid-friendly SPFs:

We Are Feel Good Inc Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+ RRP $29.95

Wotnot Baby Sunscreen SPF 30 100g RRP $19.95

Little Innoscents Natural Sun Lotion SPF 30 100ml RRP $19.99