Sunscreen is an all-year-round skincare essential. This is something we in Australia are highly aware of. But as the warmer months draw closer and we begin to spend more time outdoors, it’s prime time to ensure you have a face sunscreen you love and refresh on how to correctly apply sunscreen.
Why SPF Matters
UV rays account for up to 90% of skin aging, making daily SPF crucial all year. Your skin is exposed even on cloudy days or indoors through windows. Consistent use of high-quality sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. Once UV damage occurs, it’s tough to reverse, placing sun protection as a non-negotiable step in every skincare routine. Exposure to UV radiation is one of the leading causes of skin damage, uneven tone, and premature aging—emphasising the necessity of daily SPF.
How Sunscreen Works
Sunscreen works by absorbing, reflecting, and scattering UV radiation from the sun. Sunscreens are formulated with active ingredients that absorb or reflect UV rays. These ingredients help to create a barrier on your skin that prevents harmful UV radiation from reaching deeper layers of the skin.
They also contain other filters such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that scatter the UV radiation, helping to reduce its ability to penetrate the skin. In addition, sunscreens contain emollient ingredients that help keep the skin hydrated and protect it from further damage. It is important to choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, which means that it will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays.
When Should I Apply Sunscreen?
Every day, both when you’re inside and outside. There are many different types of ultraviolet (UV) rays present in sunlight – those that are most damaging to our skin (and reach Earth) are UVB and UVA rays.
Think B (rays) for burning and A (rays for aging). UVB rays have a short wavelength, and we see higher levels of UVB rays in the hotter months, hence why they are associated with sunburn. On the other hand, UVA rays are present at the same intensity all year round. Being the longest rays in the spectrum, they penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, causing damage to our collagen and elastin. UVA is the culprit for much of our visible skin ageing in the form of wrinkles, sagging skin, uneven skin tone and sunspots. Not only are these rays present at the same level all year, but UVA can also penetrate unfiltered glass. So, if you're close to a window – don’t forget car windows – then you’re exposing yourself to damage. Your safest bet is to make sunscreen a core part of your daily skincare routine.
Always look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen - this means it’s designed to protect from both UVB and UVA rays.
A daily dose of an SPF 30 - 50+ should be your number one product priority, to not only protect the skin but prevent premature skin aging.
What Is The Difference Between Physical And Chemical Sunscreen?
You may have noticed that some sunscreens are labelled as physical (or natural sunscreen) and others as chemical. This refers to the type of sunscreen used, and therefore, how the sunscreen protects the skin.
A physical sunscreen sits on the surface of the skin and deflects UV rays, whilst a chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin and works by converting UV rays into heat, and then scattering the heat from the skin.
Physical sunscreens are better suited to reactive skin, or anyone undergoing advanced skin treatments such as microneedling and chemical peels. They contain ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide.
Chemical sunscreens are thinner in consistency and harder to rub off. They contain ingredients such as Avobenzone, Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
Some sunscreens combine physical and chemical ingredients to maximise the benefits of both options.
How Much Sunscreen Do I Need To Apply And How Often?
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure to the sun, using a teaspoon of sunscreen to cover the face, neck and ears. Re-apply sunscreen every two hours when exposed for long periods and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. PRO Tip: Stay out of the midday sun from mid-morning to late afternoon whenever you can.
Will Sunscreen Break Me Out?
One thing that often prevents regular, daily use of sunscreens is how they can feel on the skin. Thick, gloopy creams that can exacerbate breakouts – no thanks! Today’s sophisticated formulas and ingredient technology also mean we have sunscreens that work with your skin condition. That means you can choose oil-free, mattifying formulas, extra emollient formulas for dry skin, or chemical-free formulas for sensitised, reactive skin.
Makeup with SPF: Why It’s Not Enough
While many makeup products, including Guiya Minerals, come with SPF protection, it's crucial to understand that makeup alone does not provide adequate sun defense. SPF in makeup often doesn't offer the necessary coverage because the amount applied is usually too thin. To effectively shield your skin from harmful UV rays, you should first apply a standalone sunscreen, like those from Dermalogica, and then layer your makeup on top. This combination ensures comprehensive protection while giving you the benefits of beautiful, skin-friendly coverage.
Need to find your perfect sunscreen match? Book a skin analysis and consultation with one of our professional skin experts and let's get you covered: