Baz Luhrmann
released a song in 1999 called ‘The Sunscreen Song’. The song contained many
great pieces of advice but the most important was the one in the title – wear
sunscreen! I know I don’t need to tell you this, who wouldn’t wear sunscreen?
The alternatives are awful – skin cancer, skin damage, premature aging – I
don’t want to depress you, just make sure you wear sunscreen, ok?
What is required?
OK, lecture
over. Now we have all agreed we need to wear as much sunscreen as possible,
which are the best, where and when? It’s important to protect with a sunscreen
that is “broad spectrum”, which means it protects against UVB and UVA rays. You
also need to choose your SPF – Sun (or solar) Protection Factor. The SPF must
be an absolute minimum of 15, but most dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or
higher, all day, every day, everywhere that is exposed to the sun.
The general
rule is that the fairer your hair, skin and eyes, the more at risk you are.
Blondes, redheads and people with freckles need an SPF of 50. Any skin condition
you might have also means protecting with 50 or higher. Then there are
waterproof sunscreens, which will protect you whilst swimming or sweating, but
must be reapplied every 40 – 80 minutes as they do stop working after this
time.
One of the
most awesome, glamourous ways to protect against the sun is by wearing a hat
and sunglasses, which also makes you look like a mysterious movie star – bonus!
So many products, which is better?
So, there
are so many sunscreen products out there – so many different textures – which
one is best? Well, contrary to popular belief, the texture does not seriously
affect the SPF qualities in most cases, and is more a case of preference. I
know I dislike heavy creams as they make we sweat and feel uncomfortable, but
there are many excellent alternatives – sprays, oils, mists, milks, creams and
sticks. So, lucky for us, the choice is there and we can get protected with
products that suit us!
I don’t want
to take any chances so I like an SPF 50, such as Natura Bisse
Diamond White Oil-Free Brilliant Sun Protection Broad Spectrum SPF50 / PA+++.
It contains the depigmentation action of Pomegranate Extract and protects
against UVA/UVB rays. It delivers great luminosity and leaves skin velvety to
the touch. You can use this under your makeup or on its own and it is powerful
enough to use on a sunny day out to the beach.
Double up on your cover
Being
beautiful girls, we all know that many of our makeup and skincare products
already contain an SPF. Our moisturisers, foundations and powders often contain
an SPF factor. So, is this enough? According to those dermatologists again, the
answer is “not really”. We should be wearing an additional SPF other than that
contained in our makeup and moisturiser. The best way, is to apply your SPF
first, under your foundation. It is a good idea to let it settle for a few
minutes before applying foundation. We also need to remember to apply the
sunscreen to places we don’t wear foundation – such as ears and the front and
back of our neck. Then there are arms and hands as well that can be easily
forgotten.
Yes, let’s
not forget the rest of the body! Especially as we wear skimpy summer fashions
in the heat! I love Exuviance Multi-Protective Day
Creme with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF20. It is a body butter that gives your skin
a refined texture, is anti-aging and soothing and makes the skin on my body
look healthy and glowy, while protecting. But if outdoors it needs to be re
applied every two hours.
So, look up the sunscreen song, heed all the great advice but most of all – wear sunscreen!
