No matter the time of year, a daily SPF is important for keeping skin healthy and looking its best. As La Niña fades away and we spend more of our days out under Australia’s powerful Summer sun, choosing (and sticking to!) applying SPF is particularly important.
Selecting the best sunscreen for your skin type and lifestyle can be tricky though, especially with so many formulations, finishes and feels to choose from. In accordance with Australia’s TGA regulations, we can’t offer our opinions about specific SPF products, but we can give you all of the information needed to make a better informed choice.
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So, why is the sun so damaging and how can you avoid it?
Though a tan might look healthy, that golden glow is caused by melanocytes within the skin darkening to prevent cellular damage from UVA and UVB rays. Overexposure to these rays can accelerate the natural signs of aging like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity, as well as causing burns, freckles and the development of skin cancers.
Though no SPF can completely protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, SPF 15 offers 93% protection, SPF 30 offers 97% protection, and SPF 50 offers 98% protection. In addition to wearing SPF, the best way to protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays is by limiting time spent under the sun from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, slipping into clothing that covers areas prone to burning, slapping on a hat and sunglasses, and seeking shade when possible.
In order to meet the SPF rating of your chosen sunscreen, a minimum of 5ml – one teaspoon – needs to be applied to the face, neck and ears then reapplied every two hours.
The difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens
To protect the skin, sunscreens will be formulated with either chemical or mineral active ingredients.
- Chemical Sunscreens work by absorbing and neutralising UV rays before damage can occur, whereas mineral sunscreens form a barrier that absorbs and then scatters UV rays. Chemical formulas are often lightweight and sink into the skin so can work well under makeup.
- Mineral Sunscreens work instantly and do not absorb into the skin, they can be a better choice for those with sensitive skin and those already outdoors.
Chemical SPF
Mecca Max Screen Saver SPF30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Finish: Matte
Made with: Aloe vera, goji berry extract, vitamin E and chamomile
Made without: Fragrance or animal products
Features: Suitable for all skin types
$25.00 – 75ml
We Are Feel Good Inc. Kakadu Plum Sunscreen SPF 50+
Finish: Natural
Made with: Kakadu plum fruit extract, vitamin E and aloe vera
Made without: Parabens
Features: Four hour water resistant formula, high Vitamin C content
$19.95 – 75ml
Ella Baché Active Face Great SPF 50+ Lotion
Finish: Natural
Made with: Green Tea and Kakadu Plum Extract
Features: Four hour water resistant formula
$56.00 – 30ml
Cancer Council Face Day Wear Serum SPF50+
Finish: Radiant
Made with: Aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E
Made without: Fragrance
Features: skin care based formula
$24.95 – 50ml
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum
Finish: Radiant
Finish: Radiant
Made with: Niacinamide, liquorice root extract and Vitamin E
Made without: Parabens, sulphates, talc or alcohol
Features: Skin care based formula
$48.00 – 50ml
La Roche Posay Anthelios Xl Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen Spf 50+
Finish: Matte
Made with: Thermal spring water and glycerin
Features: Non-comedogenic and formulated for oily, acne prone skin
$33.95 – 50ml
Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Serum Skinscreen
Finish: Radiant
Made with: Kakadu plum and dragosine plus
Features: Skin care based formula and a rose scent
$47.00 – 50ml
Naked Sundays SPF+50 Hydrating Glow Mist
Finish: Radiant
Made with: Kakadu Plum, hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract
Made without: Parabens or sulphates
Features: Can be sprayed over makeup
$39.95 – 100ml
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF50+ Hydrating Sunscreen
Finish: radiant
Made with: vitamin E, aloe vera
Made without: oxybenzone, parabens, sulphates, talc or alcohol
Features: Non-greasy, weightless and water-resistant formula
$40.00 – 200ml
Skinstitut Age Defence SPF50+
Finish: Natural
Made with: Niacinamide, antioxidants
Features: chemical and mineral hybrid formula made for sensitive and post procedure skin.
$54.00 – 75ml
Mineral SPF
Summer Fridays Shade Drops SPF30 Mineral Milk
Finish: Natural
Made with: Zinc oxide, squalene, shea butter extract and bisabolol
Made without: Fragrance, parabens or sulphates
Features: Skin matching tint
$54.00 – 50ml
Mother SPF Mineral Face & Body Sunscreen SPF30
Finish: Natural
Made with: Zinc oxide, coconut oil, candelilla wax and vitamin E
Made without: Parabens, silicone, sulphates, nut oils, fragrance and animal products
Features: Packaging made from post consumer recycled plastics
$42.00 – 120g
Airyday Clear As Day SPF50+ Dreamscreen
Finish: matte
Made with: Niacinamide, vitamins C, E and F, hyaluronic acid and blue light protection
Made without: Fragrance, animal products, parabens
Features: 40 minute water resistant formula
$46.95 – 75ml
Esmi Skin Minerals Skin Shield Natural Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Finish: Natural
Made with: Zinc oxide, carrot root oil, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and green tea, cucumber and rosehip extract
Made without: Fragrance, parabens, sulphates
Features: Skin care based formula
$45.00 – 50ml
Cancer Council Sensitive Sunscreen SPF50+
Finish: Natural
Made with: Zinc oxide, aloe vera and Vitamin E
Made without: Fragrance or parabens
Features: Four hour water resistant formula
$14.95 – 110ml
Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion
Finish: Satin
Made with: Zinc oxide, iron oxide, plant based collagen and watermelon extract
Made without: Fragrance, parabens or animal products
Features: 4-in-1 primer, moisturiser, SPF and collagen boosting formula
$39.95 – 50ml
Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen
Finish: Matte
Made with: Zinc oxide and Kakadu plum
Made without: Fragrance
Features: Formulated for oily, reactive skin types
$49.00 – 75ml
Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen SPF30
Finish: Satin
Made with: Zinc oxide, rosehip oil, parsley seed extract and hyaluronic acid
Made without: Animal products, sulphates, parabens or artificial colouring and fragrance
Features: Recyclable packaging and designed for dry skin
$59.00 – 50ml
Bondi Sands Sunny Daze SPF 50 Moisturiser
Finish: Satin
Made with: Zinc oxide, wild hibiscus extract and Vitamin E
Made without: Fragrance or animal products
Features: Packaging made from post consumer recycled plastics
$22.95 – 50g
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