How To Choose The Best Sun Protection Products For Your Skin

Summer has finally arrived, and in case this warmer weather sticks around, or if you’re going on holiday to get some sun, you need to think about your skin.

Spending time in the sun is important for your skin to help produce vitamin D, which helps in bone growth and formation. However, overexposing yourself to too much sun can be incredibly harmful, most notably ageing the skin and contributing to skin cancer.

This is caused by the sun’s UV rays. UVA rays penetrate the dermis, the skin’s deepest and thickest layer, and contribute to premature ageing and wrinkling. UVB rays penetrate the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer, and contribute to skin cancer.

In order to prevent these harmful rays from damaging your skin, it is important to use appropriate protection. It can, however, be difficult to know which products will truly shield your skin, and which will not provide sufficient protection. We are here to help you identify what to look out for when choosing skincare and sunscreen products so that you can be properly defended.

1. SPF

SPF stands for sunscreen protection factor. It is measured by calculating the amount of time it takes to burn sun-protected skin compared to unprotected skin. You must use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, as this means that you can stay in the sun 15 times longer with the cream on than without.

2. Physical

Physical or mineral ingredients protect you by reflecting and deflecting the rays off your skin. Look out for titanium oxide and zinc oxide when identifying physical formulations in your products.

3. Chemical

Chemical or organic elements offer protection by absorbing harmful UV rays. By applying sunscreen, you create a defensive layer which absorbs the rays before they reach your skin. Look out for avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone, octisalate and homosalate when identifying chemical ingredients in your products.

4. UVA & UVB coverage

Always make sure you buy a broad or multi-spectrum sunscreen, as this will provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and defend your skin from premature ageing and the risks associated with cancer.

5. Water Resistant

Water will wash off sunscreen and leave your skin vulnerable to the sun’s rays. If you are planning to go for a swim, make sure your sunscreen reads ‘water resistant’ on the label. Water resistant means that the product will be effective in water for up to 40 minutes, which means you’ll need to re-apply after every 40 minutes of coming into contact with water.

Sun Protection Products for Every Skin Type

Now that you know what to look out for with sun care protection, see some of our recommended products below.

All Skin Types

Suitable for all skin types, Dermalogica’s Protection 50 Sport contains avobenzone and octinoxate to help defend against prolonged exposure, and contains no artificial fragrances or colours. Apply to the skin 10 minutes before exposure, and reapply after swimming and exercise.

For extra protection, use the Solar Defense Booster, with an SPF of 50, you will be shielded up to 50 times more. A broad spectrum sunscreen, it hydrates whilst leaving the skin soft, supple and smooth. Using smart booster technology, antioxidant vitamins, anti-enzymes and antioxidants, apply 30 minutes before exposure.

Sensitive Skin

For sun protection for sensitive skin, Super Sensitive Shield has an SPF 30 to defend from the sun’s ray 30 times longer. This sunscreen is designed to defend those with sensitive skin with lavender and green tea to sooth irritation. It is a chemical free product, offering a physical solution with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, to reflect the sun’s rays and minimise sensitivity.

Containing titanium dioxide, Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint works to deflect the sun’s rays, providing chemical free protection to reduce redness and sensitivity, and mint and coneflower to soothe.

Ageing Skin

To fight against UVA rays in the fight against ageing, Dynamic Skin Recovery is SPF 50 to shield against radiation. Containing avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and oxybenzone, this product shields against the sun whilst defending against ageing and encouraging elasticity and hydration. Apply to face and neck after cleansing and 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.

Oily Skin

The Medibac Oil Free Matte is an oil-free, broad spectrum sunscreen designed to prevent oily skin and associated breakouts. Containing UV Smart Booster Technology and avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, oxybenzone which absorb the sun’s rays, this sunscreen will defend against the sun whilst preventing oil build up.

Hyperpigmentation

Dermalogica’s Pure Light SPF50 shields the skin from UV-induced hyperpigmentation. Containing botanical extracts and free of artificial colours and fragrances, this product will balance skin tone and moisture. Apply to face and neck 30 minutes before exposure.

When spending time in the sun, look for the following in your skin care products:

• an SPF15 or higher
• minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide to reflect the sun’s rays
• chemical ingredients such as avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone to absorb the UV radiation
• a broad spectrum to protect against UVA and UVB rays
• a water resistant solution to prevent damage when in water.

Try Dermalogica’s products to defend your skin in the sun. From sensitive to ageing to oily, whatever your skin type, all must be protected. Pay extra attention and take special care in the sun by purchasing the right products to shield your skin from lasting damage.

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