Summer sunscreen savvy

Every year, 80,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with skin cancer; the highest incidence in the world.

What’s worse, our ‘she’ll be right’ attitude makes this fact unsurprising. Just last year, a new law was introduced, cracking down on the criteria that sunscreens need to meet, to be sold to the public. This means some of the products we’ve been using haven’t been safe enough, and it’s even more reason to start using a safer one.

Using sunscreen is a growing trend in the skincare world, but few of us understand what is important when buying and applying. Practising safe skin health doesn’t just start and end with sun protection factor (SPF) products. Ensure you also get regular mole mapping too.

DO:
– Search for UVB and UVA when purchasing sunscreen. This will help protect against ultraviolet-B rays causing skin damage and sunburn, and ultraviolet-A rays, which make your risk of skin cancer skyrocket. Look for UVA and UVB-blocking zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in the ingredients for ultimate protection.
– Think ahead. Skin can take more than 30 minutes to completely absorb all SPF products, by which time it may have all washed off if you’ve been swimming. Apply lots and apply it early.

DON’T:
– Settle for anything lower than SPF30. SPF reflects sun rays back, keeping your skin protected. Always ensure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or more for the best results.
– Expect sunscreen to do all the work. Sun rays are harsh and sunscreen shouldn’t be your only means of safety. Pack your hats, cover-ups, sunglasses, and SPF lip balms, to protect your entire body.
– Apply on wet or damp skin. Water may dilute sunscreens, so dry skin is best.