In the spotlight

Here comes the sun

From moisturiser and foundation to cosmetics, choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type includes the products you use on your face

WORDS CHARMAINE YABSLEY

The sun safe message is taking its time to sink in with Cancer Council statistics showing one in six adults (and one in four adolescents) were sunburnt at least once last summer. Sunscreen not only helps prevent skin cancer, choosing one that works and reacts well for your skin can also protect your skin from ageing, according to skincare expert William Cook.

Sunscreen smarts

Sunscreen products are now being labelled as mineral, physical or chemical.

“A mineral or physical sunscreen means the chemical fi lter — which provides a barrier and refl ects the damage of UV rays from your skin — is zinc-based,” William says.

Research is ongoing, but studies in the US indicate key chemical fi lters found in chemical sunscreens are absorbed and are present in the body 10 days later. It is also believed they damage coral reefs and cause other environmental problems.

“There’s still no fi rm proof what that can do to your body, but there’s concern about chemicals being absorbed,” William says. He recommends choosing a mineral or physical sunscreen if you have sensitive skin. “Remember though, just because it’s ‘natural’ doesn’t mean you won’t get a reaction.”

Slip, slop, slap

About 85 per cent of people do not put on enough sunscreen; use one teaspoon for the face and for each limb.

A mineral-based product is thicker as it contains zinc oxide, so you won’t need as much. Apply 20 minutes before you go out in the sun. Always reapply after swimming, even if the product is water-resistant.

New year, new SPF

It is important to check the use-by date as “the level of protection your sunscreen gives you degrades as it gets older”, William says.

Ideally, buy a new tube of SPF50 sunscreen at the start of every summer, he advises. Make-up with SPF also has a shelf life no longer than a year.

Face facts

“Lip and eye products often have additional sun safety factors,” L’Oreal scientifi c communications manager Rachel McAdam says.

“A product that is ‘ophthalmologically tested’ usually means it is suitable for the eye area. And lip products are often formulated with some staying power as well as additional considerations for a level of consumption,” she says.

“Choose sunscreen products that call out ‘suitability’ for the eye or lip areas.”

Smart skincare

“Two SPF15 sunscreens may achieve a slightly higher coverage due to added fi lters and layers but it will likely be a small amount,” Rachel says. “Each SPF15 sunscreen has the maximum capacity to protect the skin for 15 times longer compared to no sunscreen, so adding the two would still only have that maximum capacity of protection.”

As for the best SPF level, William says: “At the very least a SPF30, but SPF50 is best in the Australian sun.”

Layer upon layer

“Sunscreens work best when they are able to integrate within the very top layer of skin, so they can create a uniform layer, therefore minimising areas exposed to UV,” Rachel says. Step 1 Light serums Step 2 Sunscreen Step 3 Moisturiser Step 4 Make-up, including lip protection or lipstick with sun protection.