SUNSCREEN TIPS FOR SUMMER

With summer in full swing, it’s time to talk about sunscreen and why picking the right one for your skin type is important.

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Summer is in full swing! We’re all very excited to welcome the warmth, the beach days, braais, outdoor adventures and sun-soaked gatherings with friends and family. But before you do, there is one essential item that that is a non-negotiable in your skincare routine, and that is sunscreen.

WHAT IS SPF AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?
The term SPF can be found on every bottle of sunscreen, but have you ever wondered what it actually means? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it refers to how well the sunscreen can protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVB rays.


While sunscreens can help prevent sunburn and damage to your skin, it is important to remember that no sunscreen is guaranteed to be 100% effective. Remember to reapply it throughout the day, wear sun-protective clothing like hats, and look for shady spots during peak sunshine hours.

MINERAL VS CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN
While chemical and mineral sunscreens serve the same purpose – to prevent sun damage – they do so in two very different ways.

Mineral sunscreens – also called sunblock – form a physical barrier on your skin which ‘scatters’ or reflects UV rays away from your skin. Chemical sunscreen absorbs the UV rays into the skin, converts them into heat and releases them from the body.

While mineral sunscreens provide immediate protection as soon as you apply the product and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin, there are a few negatives. They often feel greasy or ‘heavy’ on the skin and tend to leave a white cast on darker skin tones (although this does make it easier to see when you need to reapply more).

Chemical sunscreen is less visible on the skin, no matter the skin tone, there are more options on the shelves and it’s generally less expensive. However, it can cause irritation, requires roughly 20 minutes to become effective and needs to be reapplied very often.

@alejayofficial Let’s talk about the difference between chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens ✨ What’s the difference? #beauty #skincare #skincaretips #sunscreen #sunscreentips #fyp #skincarefyp ♬ original sound - Ale Jay

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WEARING SUNSCREEN?
- Prevents sunburn
Sunscreen is vital in blocking UVB rays, which are the cause of most sunburns.

- Lowers the risk of skin cancer
Prolonged exposure to UVB rays can cause your skin cells to replicate at a much higher rate, which can then lead to cancer. A good sunscreen will protect your skin from UV exposure and therefore prevent this damage.

- Reduces the appearance of dark patches
Constant exposure to the sun can lead to dark patches on your skin called hyperpigmentation or melasma. By using sunscreen you will prevent these spots from appearing or getting worse.

SUNSCREEN IS IMPORTANT FOR PROTECTING YOUR SKIN, BUT YOU WILL LOSE THE BENEFITS IF YOU USE IT INCORRECTLY

APPLY YOUR SUNSCREEN CORRECTLY
We’ve established that sunscreen is important for protecting your skin, but you will lose the benefits if you use it incorrectly. Here’s how to make sure that you are getting the most protection you possibly can from the product.


1. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which means one that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.

2. Apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside to give your skin time to absorb the 3product properly.

3. Use enough sunscreen. For adults, this is about a shot glass full for your entire body and a dollop the size of a R5 coin for your face.

4. Don’t forget your lips, ears, back of your neck and feet, and your scalp if it’s exposed.

5. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours if you are in full sunshine, or if you’re being active and sweating, or swimming.

PICK THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

• Normal skin: You’ve hit the sunscreen jackpot and can pick a product based purely on what you like (chemical or mineral) and how heavy in texture you want it to be. You could opt for a cream, spray or gel-based product – the world is your oyster.
• Dry skin: You can take your pick of either a chemical or mineral sunscreen. Keep an eye out for a hydrating lotion or cream-based formula.
• Oily skin: You’ve probably had a breakout after using sunscreen due to the greasy consistency of the product. Look out for SPF with the words ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label. This lightweight formula will ensure that your pores do not get clogged. You can also opt for a gel-based formula with a matte finish.
• Sensitive skin: Your skin tends to react to certain chemical sunscreens, so your best bet is to go with a mineral sunblock. Try to find a hypoallergenic or fragrance-free sunscreen, which will also aid in reducing flareups.

By: Rughsaar Bibi Ismail
Photos & illustration: Gallo/Getty Images