WHY SUNSCREEN IS ESSENTIAL ALL YEAR-ROUND
Sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially under the Australian sun. With UV exposure being the main culprit for 80% of visible ageing signs, regularly applying sunscreen is one of the best (and easiest) ways to protect your skin.
If premature ageing, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, redness and sunburn are your skin concerns, then sunscreen will be your knight in shining armour. Start now, and your skin will thank you later.
But with so many sunscreen options out there, where do you even start? This article is here to help – we dive into how it protects your skin, the differences between each type and why sunscreen is a 365-day essential.
HOW DOES SUNSCREEN PROTECT YOUR SKIN?
Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancers. In 2020 alone, Australia has the highest overall rate of non-melanoma skin cancer, followed by New Zealand.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is the natural energy produced by the sun and is always present in the environment. It damages the skin by breaking down the connective tissues over time, resulting in premature wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots and hyperpigmentation.
Using broad-spectrum sunscreen can help reduce sun damage. There are two types of UV light that sunscreen protects you from:
● Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength. This penetrates deeper into the skin and can contribute to premature ageing. This is present every day
● Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength. This penetrates the top layers of your skin and causes redness and sunburn. This is present during hot days when the sun is out
WHICH SUNSCREEN IS BEST FOR YOUR SKIN? There are two types to choose from:
Physical Sunscreen
Also known as mineral sunscreen, this type uses Zinc Oxide or Titanium Oxide as the active ingredients. A physical sunscreen sits on top of the skin, creating a barrier. This works like a shield, reflecting away UV rays.
Often oil-based, they can feel heavy and oily. If you have sensitive skin, Zinc Oxide is especially beneficial in calming down irritation or redness, due to its naturally occurring soothing properties. The thicker texture also makes it a good choice for drier skin types, not so ideal for oily-acne skin. For lighter zinc-based sunscreens, look for ones that are water-based (like our Zinc It Over).
Bear in mind that Zinc Oxide can leave a very light, white cast when first applied, though this goes away as it settles into the skin.
Absorbing Sunscreen
Absorbing chemical sunscreen comes in a variety of different blends, the most common being:
● Octocrylene
● Oxybenzone
● Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
● Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid
These are often teamed together to provide your skin with ample protection.
Unlike physical sunscreen, absorbing chemical sunscreen doesn’t sit on top of the skin or block rays. Instead, it works like a sponge by absorbing the UV rays and dispersing them as heat.
As it's designed with absorption in mind, these sunscreens are a great choice if you're an active person. Once they settle into the skin, exercising isn't a problem. Run, swim and sweat - you're still protected.
SO, WHICH SUNSCREEN SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
The best sunscreen is the one you’ll use every day, without fail. While UVB rays are most prominent during Summer and on hotter days, UVA rays are present every single day of the year.
Small amounts of sun exposure add up over time, which is why we recommend getting into the habit of applying sunscreen every day.
If you’re ever stuck, here’s a quick way to remember the differences:
● Choose physical sunscreen if you have sensitive, or oily skin
● Choose absorbing chemical sunscreen if you are active or demand maximum protection.
Last but not least, don’t forget to pair your sunscreen with a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing!
SHOP OUR DERMAENERGY SUNSCREENS
Our sunscreens are designed for everyday use, giving you the best of both worlds as a 2-in-1 sunscreen and moisturiser.
The Serve and Protect SPF50+ is a broad-spectrum water-based sunscreen that feels velvety on the skin and dries matte for a grease-free finish. Invigorate your senses every morning with its zesty lemongrass and lime scent.
The Zinc It Over is a water-based physical sunscreen. It's broad-spectrum, lightweight and a moisturising sunscreen that won’t cause breakouts or congestion, all while delivering essential hydration that keeps skin looking healthy all day, every day. It’s also an ideal primer before applying makeup.
Feeling a bit more luxurious? Then check out our Black Label sunscreen collection.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3790843/#:~:text=Clinical%20signs%20of%20aging%20are,of%20visible%20facial%20aging%20signs
https://wiki.cancer.org.au/skincancerstats/Skin_cancer_incidence_and_mortality