
Summer is finally here and like most you’re probably longing for those days off, lazing about by the pool or beach, proudly showing off your sun-kissed skin.
With no worries and no alarm clock, its easy to take care of your pets, your skin and ensure your car is taken care of as well.
So how do you know you’re actually protecting your skin while having fun in the sun? Nowadays, it feels like you need to be looking through the eyes of a dermatologist to understand what’s on the label of most sunscreens.
Of course the number one way of protecting your skin from the sun is to just stay out of the sun, so unless you’re a hermit and never leave the house, or cover yourself from head to toe (yep, you’re still at risk), you won’t need sun protection.
So what do you do? Apply sunscreen and the right kind that not only block the rays but also prevents premature aging. There are products that range from zero to 70 SPF, do you even know what these mean, and do you know what is right for your skin type?
Dermatologists say that 15 SPF will do the trick for most people from day to day – this means when you’re not laying in the sun! If you’re by the pool or chilling on the beach, then 30 SPF is recommended. How much more protection does a 30 SPF offer over a 15? If you guessed twice as much, you’re wrong! A 15 SPF offers 93% protection from UV rays, while a 30 SPF offers 97% protection. Crazy huh? If you’re sensitive to the sun, have had skin cancer or are very fair, a 50 SPF is recommended.
So how much sunscreen should you use? The answer is a shot glass full of sunblock, applying it frequently. However, you do need to remember that SPF only refers to UVB rays, with zero rating for UVA protection, so therefore you need to look for the words broad spectrum on the bottle.
Below, we have recommended a list of good sunblocks to use that tick the list of what to use:
RegimA Sun Pro Sun Protection: A proudly South African product, the first on our list, this sunblock helps to safeguard your skin from the sun’s damaging UVA (broad spectrum) and UVB rays with sun protectors and powerful anti-free radical vitamins A, C and E. Water resistant with no animal testing or ingredients, this product will protect your skin from the sun.
Price: R339
Piz Buin Active Long Lasting Spray: Specially developed to help the sporty enjoy the outdoors. This long lasting, broad spectrum spray is water resistant and will keep you protected from the sun’s rays. Absorbed into the skin in seconds, this sunscreen feels light and smooth on the skin.
Price: R225
Badger Broad Spectrum: Lotion based and meeting the high standards set for safety and effectiveness for the prevention of sunburn. Badger Broad Spectrum uses only the safest and purest ingredients, making it USDA Certified Organic and perfect for daily use.
Price: R225
Everysun Everyday Family Sunscreen: Formulated with an infusion of super fruits, anti-oxidents, vitamins and advanced UVA (broad spectrum) and UVB filters. This sunblock protects you against sun-induced skin damage and premature ageing. Promoting skin elasticity and firmness (bye bye Botox), this sunscreen protects your skin in and out water.
Price: R79.99