Maylands Beauty Salon

Protect your skin this summer with the ultimate guide to sunscreen

We live in Australia, so it’s safe to say we’re all familiar with the ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ slogan designed to remind us of the importance of sun protection but, other than ‘it hurts to get burnt’ – do we really know why we need to protect our skin from the sun?

 

Read more from your trusted Maylands skincare specialist at Beauty at Ab Fab to find out.

 

 

Why sunscreen?

There are several reasons why protecting your skin from the sun with sunscreen is so important.

 

Avoid skin cancer

 

Did you know that Australia has one of the harshest climates on the planet?

 

As a result, we have the highest rate of skin cancer too. You may think that if you don’t burn or tan easily that you’re not at risk – but this isn’t the case.

 

Any exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UVA/B) puts you at risk of developing Melanoma. This is because the sun’s rays penetrate the skin deep enough to damage and even kill cells and the reason why getting sunburnt even once in your life can potentially double the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Scary stuff, right?

 

 

Reduce the risk of premature ageing

 

You know those criss-cross lines on your grandparent’s cheeks? That’s not just normal ageing, that’s sun damage. How do I know this? Because the sun’s rays weaken the skin’s elasticity contributing to the development of premature wrinkles and sagging. In fact, studies suggest that up to 80% of the signs of ageing are caused by overexposure to the sun.

 

Maintain skin tone

 

Along with the health risks, there are cosmetic reasons to look after your face in the sun as well. Ultraviolet rays are also the cause of blotchy skin, red veins, brown spots, freckles, age spots and patchy skin.

 

 

When should you wear sunscreen?


The simple answer – ALWAYS! Even if it’s not summer.

 

You may think you don’t go out in the sun – but do you hang washing on the line? Walk the dog? Drive your car? And do you know that the sun’s rays even penetrate through the clouds?

 

So applying sunscreen as part of your daily morning routine is as essential to your health and skincare as is drinking water and eating a healthy balanced diet!

 

 

Super sunscreen basics


Let’s get down to the basics with some important sun and skin care reminders and tips:


  • Always buy broad-spectrum sunscreens as these protect against both UVA and UVB.

  • Buy Australian - Our Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration for sunscreen regulations are among the strictest in the world.

  • The higher the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) the stronger the coverage and the less often you will need to re-apply.

  • Apply sunscreen to the back of your hands and ears too.

  • Sunscreens have use-by dates – check them and don’t use if expired

  • Sunscreens left for long periods in the sun or in the car will lose their effectiveness.

  • Don’t wait until you are out in the sun - Apply 10-20 minutes beforehand.

  • Always use a sunscreen designed for the face and a different one for the body – facial sunscreens are designed to be more quickly absorbed and are lighter in texture – reducing the likelihood of any ‘break-outs’.

  • Re-apply regularly and particularly after swimming (even if water-resistant) or excessive sweating.

  • Most people don’t use enough sunscreen.  Use at least 1 teaspoon per limb, front of the body, the back and face. So, one application will be approximately 35ml or 7 teaspoons.

 

 

Fab sunscreen recommendations

So, which sunscreens do I recommend you use to protect your skin this summer?


Let’s take a look:

 

[ comfort zone ] Sublime Colour Perfect 50+

 

High broad-spectrum protection cream for a daily even-tone. Enriched with an anti-age ingredient to help prevent the visible consequences of photo-ageing such as age spots and wrinkles.

 

The light colour adapts to the skin’s complexion, reducing the visibility of imperfections and immediately illuminating the face.

 

[ comfort zone ] Skin Regimen Urban Shield 30+

 

With anti-pollution UVA/UVB filters, Dandelion Extract and Longevity ComplexTM, this fluid shields the skin from environmental stress and pollution for a luminous, healthy and even complexion.

 

The free radical blocking ability of this sunscreen also acts as an anti-ageing solution.

 

 

Ella Bache Active Lotion Great SPF50+

 

Ella Bache has a great range of sun care including the lightweight, fast-absorbing sun lotion, perfect for an active lifestyle. It’s four hours water-resistant, for the face and body and provides broad-spectrum sun protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Want extra coverage too? Ella Bache also has a great SPF50 foundation.




 

It’s never too late to implement the regular application of sunscreen into your life. So, start slipping, slopping and slapping today!

 

Want to find out more about sun care and how I can help? Visit Beauty at Ab Fab in Maylands today.

 

Sandy, Beauty at Ab Fab xo

Sandra Huxtable