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National Sunscreen Day is observed on 27 May and it’s the perfect time to recognize the dangers that come with being exposed to the sun’s UV rays. While sun protection has gained a lot of interest and exposure in recent years, that wasn’t always the case.
Did you know that up until the 1980s, it was still widely considered safe to sun tan and make use of tanning beds? Today we know that the sun’s UV rays are responsible for accelerating skin ageing, causing hyperpigmentation and even skin cancer.
Sunscreen is the number one weapon against UV-induced skin cancers. Many of us associate sunscreen with going to the beach, going for a hike or simply just sunbathing. The majority of us grew up using sunscreen specifically for those activities, but today, that’s no longer the case. All of us, regardless of our ethnicity, gender or skin type, should be wearing sunscreen 365 days per year.
Not only will this protect us from developing potentially life threatening melanomas, but it will also prolong the youthfulness of our skin and help prevent the formation of hyperpigmentation.
Why is it important to use sun protection during autumn and winter? Because UV rays can age and damage the skin all year round. You may not get a sun burn in the middle of winter, but you are still at risk of experiencing skin damage, even on a cloudy day.
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a sun protection product.
Be sure to select a sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the ones responsible for accelerated skin ageing and skin damage, while UVB rays are the ones responsible for sunburn (and they also play a key role in the development of skin cancer).
You’ll also need to select an SPF number. SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and you would have noticed that sunscreens are available in different SPF numbers, for example 15, 25, 30 or 50. There is a common misconception that SPF refers to the strength of the sunscreen, or to its ability to protect your skin. Many people assume that a higher SPF offers better sun protection, but that is actually not true.
The SPF number refers to the amount of time it would take the sun’s UV rays to redden your skin when using the product as directed. So if you’re wearing an SPF30, it will take 30 times longer for your skin to burn than if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen at all.
An SPF30 offers about 97% protection against UV radiation while an SPF50 offers about 98%, so the difference in protection is negligible. It all comes down to time, not strength.
It’s important not to get a false sense of security when you’re using a product with a higher SPF. You will still need to reapply it throughout the day. The only difference is that with a lower SPF you may need to reapply a little more frequently.
It’s also important to consider what type of formulation you prefer. Two of the most popular formulations are lotions and oils. Technically, both offer equal efficacy when it comes to UV protection, so it all comes down to personal preference.
Sunscreen lotions typically consist of oils mixed with water. They have a creamy texture and are normally white or off-white in colour, so they need to be massaged into the skin in order to be undetectable.
Sun protection oils are just as effective as lotions. What makes them unique is the way the glide onto the skin – they spread easily and leave skin with a beautiful sheen. Oil formulations are also known to be very moisturising and is a great option for dry skins. They’re conveniently housed in spray bottles, making them easy to apply (plus, they require minimal ‘rubbing’ as oils are typically clear and do not leave a cast on the skin).
It’s important to differentiate between a sunscreen oil and a tanning oil. Sunscreen oils are sun protection products that have an oil-based formula, whereas tanning oils are products designed to increase the rate at which the skin tans without offering any protection (making skin more vulnerable to sunburn).
Piz Buin is a leader in sun protection, and have been formulating effective sun care products since the 1960s. They know a thing or two when it comes to sun care and the brand has become synonymous with quality products that offer effective protection.
These are the must-have Piz Buin products that we recommend everyone keep in their arsenal this National Sunscreen Day, but also every other day:
Piz Buin Tan and Protect Oil Spray SPF 15 (R259.00) or SPF30 (R299.00)
Piz Buin Tan & Protect Oil Spray protects skin from the sun while helping enhance the natural tanning process with a special ingredient called melitan. It is the ideal sun protection product for anyone who wants to attain a golden glow while still protecting their skin from the harmful effects of the sun. The formula is fast-absorbing and non-greasy. It leaves skin with a pretty sheen and has the famous Piz Buin scent that’s loved all around the world.
Piz Buin After Sun Soothing Lotion (R149.00)
Piz Buin After Sun Soothing Lotion combats the effects of sun stress by cooling and moisturising skin for 24 hours with aloe vera and mint extract. It is the ideal product to apply after spending time outdoors. The formula is non-greasy and fast-absorbing.
Piz Buin products are available from Clicks, Dis-Chem and independent pharmacies.
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