Understanding your SPF
Gone are the days of moisturisers with sunscreen leaving you feeling and smelling like you’ve swum through an oil slick.
With two thirds of Australians expected to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the time they are 70, years of research and millions of dollars has gone into developing products that will not only keep your skin hydrated, but protect you from sun damage on a daily basis.
SPF, or sun protection factor, is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB damage, according to the Cancer Council.
The UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, while the UVA rays are the ones that lead to the leathery, sagging and ageing skin.
Endota Fremantle’s Day Spa manager, Kate Trainor, says although most people are now regular SPF users in the summer months, it is equally important to ensure you continue their use in winter regardless of clouds or rain.
“In Australia the strength of the sun and the effect of the hole in the ozone layer means that SPFs are just a reality for us all year round both to guard against skin cancer and to help fight the signs of ageing,” she says.
“UV rays deplete the skin of vitamins, promote the release of free radicals and can trigger inflammation leading to premature ageing,” says Ms Trainor.
Manager of Escape Day Spas, Sharyne Kalsheker, says moisturisers and make up with an in built SPF factor have come a long way in recent years.
“Previously the majority of moisturisers and products with a good SPF in them tended to be greasy and heavy, had an unpleasant odour and were difficult to absorb, leaving a film of product sitting on the skin,” she says.
“However the products these days, are far lighter and more easily absorbed and many of them are available in a non comodogenic option which is great for those with skin problems who might have tended to shy away from SPFs because of the fear of breakouts.”
She says many make up products now also included an SPF factor with foundations, powders, blushers and BB creams like those from Jane Iredale, available with a significant sun protection factor.
Ms Trainor says Endota’s SPF 15 moisturiser from its glycolic range, contains zinc oxide which is perfect for those with acne and sensitive skin as the zinc has a healing effect and acts as a natural barrier between the sun and the skin.
She says many people often forget the lips when applying sunscreens, leaving one of the most skin cancer prone areas of the face without protection.
Use a lip balm with SPF protection several times a day.
The SPF numbers can be confusing. While the numbers range from 15 to 50, this is simply a guide to how long the product will protect you. There is only a four per cent increase in the protection offered between an SPF of 15 and 50.
Ms Kalsheker says regardless of the level of SPF you opt for, regular reapplication every two hours to be safe, more often if you are swimming or exercising, is essential for optimal sun and anti ageing protection.