Sunscreen

Sunscreen

Growing up in Australia, we know how important it is to protect our skin from the damaging sun rays caused by the hole in the ozone layer above us. Wearing sunscreen is important all year round and especially in the hot summer months when the sun is at its strongest. Sunscreen helps to protect our skin from burning and also from premature aging, moles and skin cancer. Make sure to look after your skin by choosing a reputable brand with a good SPF.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is the measurement of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun’s rays. A sunscreen with a low SPF will work less well than that of a sunscreen with a high SPF. SPF 15 blocks around 93 percent of the sun’s rays while SP50 blocks around 98 percent. Any SPF below 15 only offers low protection, and 30 and over offers high protection. If you know that you are prone to burning easily, always choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF.

You should always apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going into the sun for the best chance for your skin. You should reapply it every two hours and after swimming.

You can find sunscreen in many different forms. One of the most popular types is sunscreen lotion which is basically like a moisturiser that you rub into your skin. Another great choice is sprays which you can spray onto your skin and then lightly rub in. Stick sunscreens are popular with kids and parents as they are usually less messy than the other types and contain a higher SPF.

Wearing sunscreen is not the only way you can protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. When out in the sun, make sure to wear a hat to protect your head and face and sunglasses to shield your eyes. You should also cover your shoulders and arms with a loose fitting shirt when possible.