It’s summer time! Which means long lazy days, frolicking on the beach and generally, just enjoying being out and about. Which also means being sun smart and wearing sunblock when you’re outdoors. (Yes, even when it’s overcast).
Choosing the right sunblock can be a challenge in itself. Use our handy guide to suss out what’s what in the sunblock stable.
First, you need to find your skin type. According to dermatologists, there are six predominant types of skin, categorised as:
- Extremely sensitive, burns very easily.
- Skin tans a bit but is very sensitive.
- Skin may burn a little but tans lightly.
- Tans well.
- Skin tans very easily and hardly ever burns.
- Skin never burns because of dark tones in the skin.
Decoding the SPF
SPF stands for “sun protection factor.” SPF is basically the measurement from the laboratory on the effectiveness of the product. It measures the protection of your skin against dangerous UVA and UVB rays. SPF is calculated by comparing the amount of time that it takes to produce the first sign of redness on unprotected skin, versus the time taken to produce redness on skin that has been protected.
What to do if you do get sunburnt – and how to avoid it
- For relief from a sunburn, take a cool bath or shower and use a cooling agent like aloe.
- Go off to the doctor if there’s severe swelling and blistering on the face.
- Waterproof doesn’t mean one slather and that’s it – you still have to top up every few hours.
- Put on your sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go out. The perfect amount to use at a time is a good-sized dollop. Remember not to forget your ears and nose!
- Reapply often: at least every two hours, especially after swimming.
- Look for “broad spectrum” products. This means that you are guarded against UVA and UVB rays.
Skin types – and what sunblock you should look for
Extremely sensitive, burns very easily – Choose a product that is hypoallergenic (not likely to cause an allergy) and fragrance-free. Experts say that in general, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are less sensitising and deflect both UVA and UVB rays.
Tans moderately well, prone to burning – Choose an SPF of at least 30. TRY: SunProtect SPF30 lotion
Oily skin – The key here is no grease! Look for a product that has a matte finish.
Prone to acne and pimples – Choose a light, oil-free sunscreen. Look for the ingredients: avobenzone and oxybenzone.
Dry, cracked skin – Choose hydrating creams and lotions in a sunblock, look for ingredients like glycerine and aloe. Avoid those products that have alcohol as it will further dehydrate your skin.
Skin tans easily – Choose a product with an SPF of at least 15. Try a spray or light lotion base. TRY: SunProtect SPF30 invisible spray
Dark skin – Darker skin has a natural preserve of melanin which protects the skin against UV radiation, but you still need an SPF of at least 15. TRY: SunProtect SPF15 lotion
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