“Does My SPF Moisturiser Give Me Enough Protection?”
Q: I use an SPF30 moisturiser in summer. Do I need to put on sunscreen as well if I’m going outside?
A: The short answer is yes, you do need to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen as well. While it’s true that any sunscreen is better than none at all, if you are getting your sunscreen from a moisturiser then it’s diluted with other skincare ingredients.
A daily sunscreen to combat UVA rays (that can prematurely age skin) and UVB rays (that burn skin) is essential. Dermatologists confirm that incidental sun damage is just as problematic, if not more, than a trip to the beach. The sun in Australia is strong (we are exposed to 15 per cent more UV rays than Europeans) so driving in cars – when our hands are exposed for long periods of time – hanging out washing and sitting next to a window in the office all age our skin faster than our European and American friends.
If you use AHAs and retinol on your skin at night, then applying – and regularly reapplying – a broad-spectrum sunscreen is even more important, as these products make your skin more vulnerable to UV rays.
Skincare that contains SPF can give a false sense of security, and if your experience with sun damage as a child is anything like mine you need to be sure you are vigilant with the use of sunscreen. I grew up in Newcastle, north of Sydney, during the 1970s when a good weekend meant playing in the sun sans sunscreen, coating the back of my legs with egg white at night to draw out the heat of an agonising burn and, days later, peeling off layers of skin at school, competing with friends to see who could produce the single longest sheet of skin.
The good news is that it’s never too late to start using a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Although areas of hyperpigmentation may still appear on your face from that early damage, protecting it today will prevent future damage such as wrinkles, age spots and even enlarged pores – as well as, of course, sunburn.
I’m often asked which sunscreen formula is better: physical (one that sits on top of the skin) or chemical (one that is absorbed into the skin). I’ve interviewed many a dermatologist and it’s always the same answer: “It doesn’t matter, it’s the one you will feel most comfortable wearing religiously – every single day, all year round”.
If you are worried about sunscreen feeling heavy or sticky under your make-up, a new wave of lighter, more hydrating formulas sit effortlessly under make-up and are easily reapplied throughout the day.
It’s pretty simple: if you want to have good skin for longer then you need to apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50+ sunscreen every day regardless of the weather. If you sweat a lot or are experiencing symptoms of menopause you might want to consider a waterproof version.
Here’s what I recommend:
FOR EVERYDAY
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid, tinted or non-tinted. I use the tinted version and apply foundation over the top. It’s easy to reapply during the day. RRP $29.95.
FOR THE BEACH … AND REEF
Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Lotion. This Australian-made lotion is reef-friendly, fragrance-free, paraben-free and sulphate-free so suitable for sensitive skin. To add to all that, it is water-resistant for four hours. RRP $22.95.
FOR THE HANDBAG
Nivea Sun Kids Protect & Play Caring Roll-On SPF 50. Don’t laugh, this is the perfect size for carrying around day-to-day and the big ball applicator makes it easy to reapply on the go. It’s fragrance and paraben-free, good for sensitive skin and doesn’t make your eyes water. Four-hour water-resistant, too. RRP $10.99.
FOR GLOWING SKIN
Invisible Zinc SPF 50 Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser is applied over your usual moisturiser. Allow 10 minutes for it to sit on the skin (as is the case with most zinc products) and it leaves a lovely, dewy finish. I dab a bit of foundation on areas that still need more coverage (chin, side of the nose and over age spots). Zinc is good for pimple-prone skin so good for the teenager in the house, too. Two-hour water resistant. RRP $30.49.
FOR DRY SKIN
Natio Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 50+. This includes vitamin E and aloe which softens and smooths parched skin. It is a four-hour water-resistant formula and absorbs quickly. RRP $12.95.
Words_ Adriana Donnola blogs at Shop With A Beauty Editor
Photos_ Evie S/UnSplash