Yes, we all know we should be wearing sunscreen every day, but sometimes it’s chalky, sometimes it’s greasy; it can be hard to find one that feels just right. The good news is that sunscreen formulas are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Here’s what you should know to make the best choice in 2022.
Look for clean sunscreen.
These days, we want to be as kind and gentle to our skin as possible. Active ingredients, such as zinc are a good place to start. It is a natural mineral and it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Other sunscreens rely on a combination of chemical filters to offer the same broad protection.
“Using zinc topically is also very supportive of sensitive skin,” says Jo Healy, product development manager at Advanced Skin Technology, whose job it is to develop new and innovative skincare.
Zinc is a mineral that has a vital role in the body's immune response, wound healing, synthesising proteins and DNA, and many other bodily functions.
“We talk about zinc being like nature's Band-Aid, in that it really helps with supporting the skin barrier and protecting it like a second skin. They've also proven that it has myriad calming benefits.”
Apply sunscreen before your moisturiser.
“Make sure the skin isn’t wet, because otherwise you're not going to get a good even application,” says Jo. “In the morning, put your serum on, let it dry for a minute, then put your sunscreen on. If you still feel like you need moisture, then put your moisturiser on over your sunblock.
The problem used to be that zinc sunscreens would create a thick, chalky mask that can clog pores. “You often find that people don’t like wearing zinc because it has a ghostly appearance,” explains Jo. But Aspect Skincare has pioneered a new non-greasy formulation that offers a high 22 per cent concentration of protective zinc that absorbs quickly into the skin.
Aspect Sun Physical Sun Protection SPF 50+ is something you can easily wear under make-up every day and suits most skin types. “It absorbs really quickly, so it’s got that cosmetic appeal,” says Jo. And compared with chemical filters that ‘”literally just slide off the skin, with zinc once it’s there, it’s there.” says Jo.
Don’t skip sunscreen, even if you’re not in the sun.
“Just because it's a cloudy day, or you're sitting inside, if you are near a window or in a car, you're still getting light reflection,” says Jo. “And, often on those cloudy days, you can still get UV rays that are quite bad as well. So it’s important to be using sunscreen all the time as part of your skin care regime.”
Use it every single day.
“Sunscreen is your first line of defence against premature ageing no matter what,” says Jo. The sun’s impact on the skin can take time to show up, but don’t think it’s not happening. Even though you might not actually see the damage straightaway, there is mutation happening in the skin. And as a result of that mutation you will start seeing the visible changes years later. So the sooner you start using a sunscreen every single day, the better.”
How to apply sunscreen correctly
- Make sure you use the highest SPF you can find, and always read the instructions on the label.
- Apply sunscreen generously. The Cancer Council recommends the average adult use one teaspoon per body part - anything less leaves you at risk of sun damage and cancer.
- Don't forget the area you can't see! Ears and back of the neck are often forgotten, and even the part on your head is sensitive to burning - it is closer to the sun after all!
- Leave it to sink in for at least 20 minutes before going outside. This allows the sunscreen time to bind to your skin for maximum protection.
- Be sure to reapply every two hours. Sunscreen should also be reapplied after swimming, sweating or towelling off. Reapplying sunscreen regularly will ensure your skin is protected and that you’re getting the most out of the product.
- Test out new sunscreens on a small section of skin before first use. If you have any irritation, discontinue use.
This article was created in partnership with Aspect Skincare. Prevention only partners with brands we believe in and that share our vision to provide science-backed content you can trust. To find your nearest Aspect Skincare stockist, visit www.aspectskincare.com
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