BY ZOE FOSTER
Why do you keep saying we need to wear sunscreen every day as adults if we did all the damage when we were kids or sunbaking teenagers? Isn’t it a bit pointless?
- Kerry
Oh, Kerry. You’re so cute when you say things that totally make sense and that I have to disprove vehemently!
Nivea Sun Light Feel Daily Face Veil
Of COURSE you have to wear sunscreen every day as an adult.
Why? First, because sun damage is two-fold. Yes, a lot of it occurs when you’re young, and gaily prancing around the pool or beach in your fluoro two-piece that connect on the sides, BUT! When you expose your skin to UV as an adult it brings out all of that damage you got as a wee little squid growing up in the ‘Strayan sun. I’m talking (typing, to be accurate) about things like sun spots, pigmentation, wrinkles and of course, potentially cancerous cells that have been laying dormant.
I don’t mean to offend, dear Kerry, as we seem to be getting along so well and could potentially play doubles in indoor table tennis one day, but it is both lazy and irresponsible to assume the “damage is already done” and not give a burp about sun protection as an adult.
Also, in our quest against Papa Time and Aunty Acne and other family members causing strife, we use things like AHAs (such as glycolic or lactic acid – which are in a lot of anti-ageing skincare) or BHAs (like salicylic acid – which is in almost all blemish/acne skincare) and retinols, and peels and chemical exfoliation and microdermabrasion and lasers, and all of these things are removing layers of skin, leaving the skin underneath extremely, terrifyingly vulnerable to attacks from the sun. We desperately need good sun protection to keep this new skin safe from new damage, otherwise, why bother?
QV Face Moisturising Day Cream
Kerry, if you make the small effort of wearing a daily moisturiser with broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen from your forehead to your boobs every day, and stay out of direct sun when possible (and slather up all over when not possible), you don’t need to worry about any of this stuff. Promise.
To finish, some great one-step-all-done daily lotions for a dame:
NICE PRICE AND QUITE GREAT, ACTUALLY: Olay Complete Defence SPF 30+ (lightweight and very loveable) Nivea Sun Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF30+ (bit thicker and will suit those whose skin can handle a bit of glow) and Neutrogena Healthy Defence Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ (extremely high protection and good for dudes, too)
FOR THE SENSITIVE AMONG US: QV Face Moisturising Day Cream SPF 30+
FOR THE ORGANIC FANS: Devita Natural Skin Care Daily Solar Protective Moisturiser SPF 30+
JUST LOVELY, REALLY: Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF30+, True Solutions Total Age protector SPF 30+.
MAKE BELIEVE: Jimmy McSnurg’s Facial Muck with SPF700+
Zoe is an author, columnist and porridge fan. She was beauty director of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR and PRIMPED and then collated all the best tips and tricks from her time in these roles for the beauty bible, Amazing Face. She is currently the dating columnist for Cosmopolitan magazine, although her best advice in this arena can probably be found in the dating and relationship guide, Textbook Romance , which she co-wrote with Hamish Blake. Zoe has published three novels, Air Kisses, Playing The Field and The Younger Man, and she rates them among the best novels ever written in the history of the written word. Find more info on her here, or supervise on her daily procrastination here and here.
Please understand that Zoë cannot respond to ALL your questions – but never fear, there are readers that are bound to know the answers, so don’t be afraid to ask – and answer!
Do you wear sunscreen every day? Which is your favourite?
Comments
193 Comments so far
Hi there….Ultraceuticals is at some DJ’s, salons and you can buy direct from their website. Serious skincare!!! Good stuff!
loading...
Sorry Zoe, I know this is off topic. But I have to have the dryest lips in the world. I wear pawpaw every single day, without it my lips would crack and bleed. They peel even when I wear it.
Anyway, I digress. The corners of my lips have recently cracked and are very sore. Pawpaw isn’t helping to heal them so I got some Nivea Repair and Protection for it. Are there any other prods I should use to help with the healing and the pain?
loading...
i love Clarins hyrdaquench lip balm in the blue tube. Its pricey but its ceaper than the divine shisedo product (forget the name) I was using. a tube last me about 4-5 months
loading...
Use Suvana Paw Paw. It has honey in it and no petroleum (petroleum is found in most paw paws and is very drying).
Zoe first post on Mamamia was about Suvana. I’ve been using it for about six weeks now and haven’t had any problems with dry lips.
loading...
You may have a vitamin deficiency – B vitamins. See you Dr for bloodwork.
loading...
I have worn sunscreen on my face almost every day for the past 16 years or so….as a North Queenslander by birth & a cancer risk by heredity, I feel I have no choice but to slather myself in it! Luckily, long before I realised it, it had benefits for my skin other than just protecting me from cancer.
I have a noticeably less amount of lines on my face than my similarly aged (non-suncreen wearing) mates….and in lots of cases than my much younger friends….
I have alternated through brands over the years & countries but now stick to Neutrogena Dry Touch, which leaves less of a ‘film’ than other brands. It’s good!
loading...
I have been using Ultraceuticals Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ for years now and really recommend this product, It is light enough to wear under my makeup and has become part of my daily routine. I am known to be a product hopper – I have drawer full of discarded products – but this sunscree/moisturiser has stayed a favourite now for ages.
loading...
Zoe, what’s a good moisturiser with sunscreen for dry skin!
You mention in your book to use a moisturiser with Hyaluronic acid for dry skin.
loading...
Wearing sunscreens everyday can be very dangerous – there are so many toxins in them. It pays to read the independent studies on things like sunscreens because the cosmetic industry is full of spin. Some of the ingredients in most regular sunscreens, like octyl methoxycinnamate are actually carcinogenic when you add sunlight; others like triethanolamine, (usually not listed on the bottle because the sunscreen industry is completely unregulated) form nitrosimes, which are also carcinogenic. Another ingredient, Avobenzone, also known as butyl-methyoxydibenzoylmethane, easily penetrates the skin and is a known free radical generator. Since it is now known, that up to 35% of the sunscreen that you apply to your skin wind up in your blood stream, it is not advisable to wear any of them unless you have scrupulously checked out what they contain. All the information is easily accessed on the net. Zinc Oxide is the safest of all sunscreens – still! And Invisible Zinc – while not really invisible may be your best bet.
loading...
Zoe, please please please will you write an article on adult acne? After forking out another $100 today on Clinique products (which I don’t think are working) my husband asked how much I would have spent over the last 20 years on anti-acne products. Just the thought of all that wasted cash made me have a stress breakout!
Would love to hear your recommendations, as well as those from your other readers.
loading...
Molly, I’ve found that if what you’re using on the outside isn’t working, try changing it from the inside. Fish oil capsules, changed everything for me, I’m constantly surprised that it’s never mentioned actually.
I’d also love to hear Zoe’s advice on it too though!
xx
loading...
Thanks Emma! Have tried all sorts of diets, but not Fish Oil. Will pick some up tomorrow. Cheers!
loading...
I take fish oil supplements to help manage acne and eczema. Working on the inside has definitely helped me more than just putting on acne medication after acne medication…
loading...
Hi Molly, I can definitely relate to how you’re feeling. I suffered mild to moderate persistent acne well into adulthood and it was only after I visited a dermatologist that she was able to prescribe a medication that has completely cleared up my skin. So I would recommend getting a referral to a suitable dermatologist.
loading...
I’ve seen/heard people who try the ASAP or Alpha-H lines have good results, although it may be hormonal, and need something like (gulp) the pill to sort it out?
loading...
Use Cetephil cleanser!
You can pick it up in any chemist. It’s cheap and effective.
I use it as a wash-off cleanser in the morning and slap it on and leave it to ‘soak’ overnight.
It’s not gutsy enough to remove heavy makeup, I use an oil based cleanser for that (yes I know oil, but oil attracts oil, so it will remove the makeup) then cetephil to remove the final layer or makeup grime and oil cleanser.
Steer away from the cetephil moisturiser.
loading...
Just my two cents – I had terrible acne for years until I realised dairy was the cause. It took about three weeks to see a huge difference, but once I gave it up I never really got pimples again. It is worth trying.
loading...
Hi Molly,
My skin freaked out a few years back with huge, deep, painful pimples.
I saw a dermatologist and he put me on minocycline (also known as minomyacin) a really mild antibiotic and recommended using NOTHING on my skin. He said “you have oily skin, why use moisturiser?”.
I still use no moisturiser, and only cleanse with a generic chemist cream kind of like sorbalene.
Now my skin is perfect (except for damn scars from the aforementioned pimples!).
I think you should see a dermatologist.
loading...
I have a really oily T-zone. I’m 31 and I still get the occasional pimple. I use a moisturising gel on my face as anything creamy makes me feel really greasy. Even oil-free sunscreens are too much for my skin. Any advice on products I could try, that won’t make me greasy?
loading...
Hi Zoe, I love you and take all your advice really seirously however I find that since discovering you the number of creams, pencils, colours etc that I apply has multiplied…..which isn’t a problem in itself – one of the reasons I read so diligently is that I had slipped in the ‘lazy-same-old-it’ll-do routine’ – however I can’t help but wonder what your nightly and daily skin routines are (make up vaires I know)? Eg in this post you reocmmend some great (and economical) spf moisterisers which, as a malenoma patient, I’m all for. But I’ve also heard you rave about Sodashi moisterizers (which I ran out and bought) as well and I can’t help but think “does this lady apply five layers of creams before her make up (and pre-make up)? A typical menu of items for a normal person on a normal, say office, day would be great!
Thanks
A.
loading...
Can anyone recommend a good foundation with sunscreen? I have quite oily skin and I can’t stand that ‘filmy’ feel from many sunscreens, but often the ones that claim to leave no residue either do anyway and clog my pores, or they make my face sting like crazy!
I find I like sunscreen in my foundation because I feel like I’m killing two birds with one stone.
Also, I noticed a lot that some people have mentioned worrying about spf 15 versus 30…. The difference in SPF 15 and others is actually more to do with the length of time you’re protected. The number is actually an indication of time – spf15 for e.g., protects about 93%, whereas spf30 protects 97%, so not a big difference! It just means that if you have spf15 you need to reapply more often (after about three hours, I thnk).
loading...
Ella Bache have a good range of foundations with 30+ coverage.
loading...
I’m an outdoorsy type with dodgy, pale skin. The best stuff (and I’ve tried heaps of it) is Payot sunscreen for the face Factor 50+. No greasiness, shinyness, you wouldn’t even know it’s there. Much cheaper on Strawberrynet, and it goes a really long way.
loading...
I am 46yo and look about 30 (or so I am told). This can be directly attributed to my mother’s advanced outlook on life which had me wearing sunscreen and a hat to school (this was in the 70′s). We lived in the NT and she had me completely bluffed that the aunties (Aboriginal older women) would tell on me if I wasn’t wearing my hat and they probably would have as they loved my lily white skin as much as my mother did!
I gave up even trying to get a tan in my very early teens as I only ever went red, peeled then was white again.
Since then, I have embraced pale and interesting and am grateful to my mother for her foresight in keeping me out of the sun as a child.
The difference in how I have cared for my skin in comparison with one of my sisters-in-law is dramatic. She has always been a sun worshiper and her skin resembles tanned leather and she looks at least 15 years older than she is.
I still don’t leave the house without sunscreen and I keep a hat in the car in case I have an unexpected stop. After I get out of the shower, I slop a moisturising sunscreen on my face, neck, decollatage and then rub the rest into my arms and hands. Done!
loading...
My 30 y o daughter has moustache pigmentation. She’s been told it is hormonal. Maybe yours is too. It definitely is more prominent after a summer of surfing though. Maybe a combination. Nothing is simple, is it?
loading...
I have a bit of that too! And forehead. Sometimes it looks like someone spilt their latte on my face….
loading...
Sandi, you might be my hero.
loading...
I wish I’d heeded this advice growing up. I was always a devil in the sun, swapping sunscreen for layers of Diet Coke (because Peter Andre once recommended it as the ultimate tanning agent in TV Hits. Duh!). I’m now 27 and have developed horrid pigmentation above my lip. In some light, okay, ALL LIGHT, I look like I have a moustache. Wahhhhh.
loading...
I’ve had the same on my lip and also at the top of my cheeks under my eyes… despite always protecting my skin and having few wrinkles I do have some pigmentation so it’s not just from being a sun worshipper! You can actually do something about this. I went to see a dermatologist and she gave me some cream (hydroquinone) which you apply daily and can only be used maximum 2-3 months. It has worked – pigmentation on my face has faded significantly and have had so many people comment on how great my skin looks. It is definitely a combination of hormones with a small amount of sun exposure that has caused it. Mine is from being on the pill and being pregnant.
Take care when you see a dermo though. Make sure your doctor refers you to some one that is more clinical rather than cosmetic. I went to one (as mine was booked out for months) and she tried to sell me all these different products and ongoing beauty regimes which I refused to sign up for. I then waited and went back to mine and she simply prescribed me the cream and nothing else. It’s all I needed.
Good luck!
loading...
This is music to my ears! Just stopped by DJs and picked up the Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum as I have heard the most excellent things. Fingers crossed this does the trick and if not, to the dermatologist I go. So great to hear from another mo grower and thrilled the treatment worked for you. xx
loading...
After a good ol’ boot up the backside via Amazing Face, I have only gone without sunscreen TWICE in the last 8 months (Nivea, as pictured). Pigmentation – barely visible.
It gets popped on straight afer my toner when I’m still dripping from my morning shower, I get dressed, put on my moisturiser, brush my teeth then do my makeup. Takes up 20 seconds of my day. Easy.
loading...
I must admit I haven’t worn sunscreen much in my early 20′s but now as I get older I have vowed to wear it everyday. God bless the spray on sunscreen
loading...
I would love to try Ultraceuticals. Where can you buy it? I’ve had trouble finding it.
Also the Kit brand mentioned in the comments?
Thanks
loading...
Hi Rudyroo!
The Kit brand (which I presonally swear by) is stocked at Myer, and also here: http://www.kitcosmetics.com.au/products/kitcosmetics/spf30facesunscreen/
Ultraceuticals, check here: http://www.ultraceuticals.com/au/index.php/western-australia
Hope this helps!
loading...
Brilliant.
Thank you!
loading...
I have a friend who is a pubic health researcher. She is looking at nanoparticles in cosmetics and believes there is good reason to avoid those with them.
Many have no nanoparticles though and recently the aus consumer organisation Choice tested sunscreens for nanoparticles. Here is a short list which I found on the NZ consumer website. http://www.consumer.org.nz/news/view/sunscreens-tested-for-nanoparticles
Hopefully there will be better labelling, just as there is now for plastics that we cook food in etc.
Great article yet again Zoe – you are an awesome writer!
loading...
Kit make a really nice facial moisturiser too, ooh and I’ve just started using the Philosophy one (good but lavender scented).
Also, don’t forget about hands! I’m looking at you Madonna. Hissyfit have a nice orangey one and the body shop have just released a rose one. I love smelling like turkish delight.
loading...
ah poop the Body Shop one is only SPF 15.
loading...
Yep; hands. Ad an extra tiny squirt when popping on your face then rub remainder into back of hands. Nothin’ to it!
loading...
There is a lot of information around stating that sunscreen does not protect against melanoma.
Here is just one link.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1070981/
Melanoma seems to run in my husband’s family, my husband has had it and it spread though his lymph glands but thankfully he didn’t die, his aunt died of it and his nephew like my husband got it but survived.
When my children were little I didn’t put sunscreen on them as (a) I didn’t trust it to protect them from cancer (b) I didn’t want to put chemicals on their skin. Instead I covered them up and encouraged them to be cautious of the sun.. Now they are adults they still don’t use sunscreen, they have never been sunburnt.
loading...
I use Mecca Cosmetica – in a good light SPF 30 – tinted sunscreen, it’s gorgeous & gives me a slight glow. Perfect alone or under make up, I have rosacea too & it dulls down any redness on my cheeks. Use it every day!
loading...
Can you recommend a tinted moisturiser/sunscreen? I use Dove but it only has SPF of 15+…
loading...
I am no Zoe but I have used then Sunsense 30+ tinted sunscreen in the past and quite liked it.
loading...
Bloom mineral tint SPF 30 moisturizer. It’s. The. Bomb. Seriously I have sensitive, break out prone and pigmented skin and this gives a even coverage, is light and does not irritate. The only thing I hate is the price as its exxy.
loading...
I’ve used Dove in the past but then I found Face of Australia tinted moisturiser is 30+. I’m quite happy with it.
loading...
Maybe they need to mark up sunscreen 100% and use a Hollywood star in the advertising for the message to get across!
loading...
I use sunscreen religiously- haven’t left the house without it on at least my face for years. I used to always find 30plus sunscreens v greasy and no good under makeup. My dermatologist ( who I see because I have super fair skin and a history of sunspots) recommended the Neutrogena Ultralight for face ( with Helioplex whatever that is) 30 plus- I love it- and I can slather it on under makeup and it’s not greasy. The other Neutrogena one you have recommended Zoe is good but a little too greasy for the face- I use it as a body sunscreen.
loading...
Most sunscreens UVA block breaks down fairly quickly after exposure to UV light. The helioplex makes the UVA blocker more stable so that the protection lasts longer.
loading...
Thanks Dr Kath! I thought “Helioplex ” was just one of those made up cosmetic company words.
loading...
Hey thanks for clearing all that up Zoe – all fantastic advice! I’ve been wearing sunscreen on my face for most of my adult life eg. probably the past 20 or so years. I used to wear just SPF15 because all the SPF30s were so greasy and not face-friendly but as you’ve mentioned in your recommendations above there’s now some really nice light SPF30s which I’ve been using for past five or so years. My favourite (because I’m a cheapskate and it’s actually really good!) is the Aldi SPF 30 for face – really cheap and really light.
I must also say that I’ve always worn foundation most days and the ones I’ve mostly worn have an SPF in them so I’m sure that’s helped too. Also… sunglasses! I don’t go outside without them on unless it’s night time or raining. Stops the squinting which causes wrinkles around the eyes.
I always get compliments about my skin – people have told me I look as much as ten years younger than I actually am. (trying not to sound conceited here – hard not too!). I do feel though that it’s because I’ve always protected my skin from the sun – it seems to have made a difference for me anyway and I also hope it will mean I have less of a chance of getting skin cancer (especially as I have a family history).
loading...
I have worn sunscreen every day for years. When I was 16 a lovely lady told me to always wear sunscreen to keep my skin in good condition. SInce then, I have.
I find that I have to change my brand of sunscreen with the seasons or sometimes just after a while. I’ve tried the olay SPF 30 and it’s too thick for my skin now. I bought the Nivea light feel about two weeks ago and although it has an alcohol smell (which fades quickly), it really is lightweight compared to Olay. In the past I have also used an Elizabeth Arden SPF 8hr cream but it was too greasy. I recently bought a cosmedix natural sunscreen- not recommended for the beach or if you were to get wet but I wanted to try a natural sunscreen. It’s good. However, there is a lot of information about harmful effects of certain sunscreen ingredients and that really worries me.
Other sunscreens to try in future might be: the kit cosmetics SPF 30; Philosphy hope in a jar with SPF 30; Ultraceuticals SPF 30 to go with even skin tone serum but is it worth paying that much?? Who knows. Or you can also get some primers with SPF…
I have heard that sunscreen can dry your skin out so it’s important to get a good moisturiser and to wash the sunscreen off asap at the end of the day.
loading...
Ultraceuticals SPF30 Moisturiser is SO SO good!!!
i have combination skin and its still great!
loading...
YES! Excellent point: you must make sure you’re cleansing properly when you start wearing sunscreen daily. And exfoliate three times a week, too. It can build up, and dull the look of your skin.
loading...
Most sunscreen brands recommend re-applying every 4 hours or so. Is there any foolproof way of re-applying sunscreen during the day without ruining your makeup?
loading...
Top up with a pressed powder that contains sunscreen, mine has SPF 15. I wear moisturizer with sunscreen then foundation with sunscreen and top up with powder during the day. It also keeps shine at bay – bonus!
loading...
i do!!! ive been wearing it daily the past 20years and must admit I dont have deep wrinkles at 41yrs of age (some sagging though haha) but i still have bad pigmentation…its a little unfair as I see girls who bake, smoke and drink a lot and their skin look perfect!!
loading...
…thats bake in the sun – not in a kitchen!
loading...
Hi Zoe!
I am unable to use a lot of sunscreen products, because I am allergic to alot of the minerals and chemicals used in the manufacture of sunscreens, especially the Zinc Oxides, which are in just about anything containing spf. I get severe rashes and skin irritation.
My dermatologist has given me a special all over sunscreen, but under my make up, i end up looking greasy and oily. Not good.
Can you recommend anything?
One Bowral girl to another?
loading...
Take a look at this – I get oily skin too
https://www.skino2.com.au/skincare/sunscreen-c-31.html?action=gridview&osCsid=db7f3152e8953ffcfa73788aa9d8fb0b
loading...
Ur skin sounds like mine I have probably tried most of ones mentioned in the comments. I finally tried bloom mineral tinted sunscreen and it’s just the bomb.
loading...
hi Zoe, slightly off topic but i was wondering if you could reccomend a product to couteract redness? i have a green concealer that i use and love for the major areas but most of my face just has a naturally red (and rather unattractive) hue that i would love to deal with. is there a tinted moisturiser or foundation that counteracts redness whilst still giving a fairly natural coverage. or even some sort of magical serum that actually corrects the problem?
ANY advice on this topic would be lifesaving! pleeeease
loading...
Stilla one step corrector is great, a bit pricey but it works!
loading...
There seems to be loads of products coming out at the moment for redness – much to my relief!
Clinique have a great range of anti-redness stuff, moisturiser, cleanser, foundation etc. The moisturiser is really nice. I got a 3 step kit in New York for about $40. Dunno how much it would be here but its a good range (you could buy it online from Amazon or Nordstrom or somewhere)
Otherwise, Aveeno have an SPF moisturiser which is said to reduce redness, called ‘Ultra Calming’ I use it, but not often enough to say if it works.
loading...
Check out the Mario Badescu range at kit cosmetics. I’ve been using the control cream for a little while and the redness looks like it’s starting to clear!
Also, I’ve got quite sensitive skin, but have had no problems so far.
loading...
Kryolan make a green toned underbase/primer
http://www.kryolancosmetics.com.au/products/beauty/face/underbase-cleansers/kryolan-ultra-makeup-base-30ml/
loading...
i am a red head and had a very red irritated face. friends gave me a clarins facial for my 30th and I have used it ever since, now no red face at all. fav products are the alpine herbs cleansing milk, blue orchid face treatment oil and particularly for the redness the skin beauty repair concentrate. Cant recommend their products highly enough for red irritated skin.
loading...
Hi Zoe
I have sensitive skin that’s prone to eczema breakouts & after much trial & serious error I now use Ultraceuticals Ultra Rich Moisturiser which has no sunscreen in it & then Bare Minerals powder foundation with SPF 15 – is this enough? I’m so reluctant to change my regime with fear of major breakouts!!
loading...
I use a lovely all in one moisturizer from Natio with SPF 30 – it’s got beautiful organic rosehip oil in it too which is a fab bonus!
loading...
Oh! I bought this one today! Beautiful scent! Hopefully it’s nice and light to sit under foundation as I plan to use it every morning from now on!
loading...
Hi Zoe, this is unrelated to the post, but do you know if the remington keratin therapy tong that u talked about a few posts back is on sale yet? am very desperate to get it
loading...
I have been reading that sunscreens actually cause more cancer than the sun itself. So many of the mainstream sunscreen brands contain cancer causing nano particles. Sunsreens also block us from vitamin D and lack of vitamin D is also a major contributor to cancer. Just something to think about…
loading...
Where have you been reading that?
loading...
Hi MJ, Many places, but i did see an official report as I was doing some personal research for my blog. It listed the exact brands that contained the nano particles. The dangers of nano particles is well known. I will track the report down…
loading...
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/sunscreens-exposed/sunscreens-exposed-9-surprising-truths/
Here is one of many links. It’s the nano particles that i am most concearned about and I must find that official list for you because some sunscreens are much much worse than others.
loading...
I read that. None of it seems conclusive..
I’d be careful what you’re reading, unless it has .gov in the website I’d take it with a grain of salt.
loading...
oh no lovely, not at all. That Friends of the Earth report and the EWG are very trusted sources. The National Toxics Network of Australia is also an official source for such topics.
loading...
Here is the link to the friends of the earth sunscreen guide. It’s being updated but I have the previous guide and The Cancer Council sunscreens are nano free. I’ll keep using them until the new list is released. If you have a specific one you’re worried about I can check the list for you.
http://nano.foe.org.au/safesunscreens
loading...
That’s the one! Thanks so much KateO, I am trying to write a story about this topic and have been looking everywhere for that guide. I think they took it down because some of the ones listed to be safe were not safe. I am trying to find out if Invisible Zinc is free of nano particles. Could you send me the previous guide? to – Irene@nourishedlife.com.au thank you!
loading...
(Source: Adelaide Review)
Sunscreen in Australia with HIGH levels of nanoparticles:
L’Oreal UV Perfect (how funny, L’Oreal actually responded to the article by saying the nano particles shouldn’t penetrate the skin)!
Other sunscreens in Australia containing potentially harmful nano particles:
Woolworths Select Clear Zinc
UV Tripleguard Summer Skin Sunscreen Lotion
Coles Sports Clear Zinc
Ego Sun Sense Toddler Milk
Chemmart Clear Zinc
Le Tan Daily Mineral Moisturising Sunscreen and Invisible Zinc.
Sunscreens which had no particles:
Cancer Council Classic Sunscreen
Nivea Sun Moisturisng Sunscreen Lotion
Hamilton Everyday Face Sunscreen
Banana Boat Sensitive Sunscreen
loading...
Hi guys.. You only need tiny amounts of sun to get D levels back up – or take supplements. Vitamin D is NOT an excuse to skip sun protection. Here’s a good resource: http://www.australianprescriber.com/magazine/33/4/103/6
As for sunscreen and nanoparticles, our TGA is probably the most stringent in the world, and their stance is that there is no concern (that is, that the nano particles that DO exist are not reaching the skin cells, and therefore regarded as safe) as it stands currently.
More: http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/alerts-medicine-sunscreens-051202.htm
loading...
Zoe.. Vitamin d deficiency is at epidemic levels within Australia and ironically vitamin D is the bodies greatest defense against cancer causing cells. Yes – sun sense is important however many respected doctors and scientists are now admitting that applying sunscreen everyday and before leaving the house In the Morning thus getting zero sun exposure (including that wonderful morning sun) is doing more harm than good. As with all studies it’s important to stay open minded and use common sense. I make sure my children get some sun on their skin – I don’t lather them in the sunscreens u have listed that are full of toxins. They wear zinc. How can anyone think that applying lashings of chemicals to your body every day is not going to have long term ramifications??!
loading...
I think the vit D deficiency is an issue that needs far greater looking into. Is it to do with our sun cream use or not?
I have had a rather significant vitD deficiency and I rarely wear sun cream *ducks as Zoe throws a tube at me*
So I suggest there are other variables.
loading...
Zoe only mentioned the face and chest above. From what I’ve heard/ read in recent times, you only need a few minutes per day on a small area (hands or feet) exposed to get enough vitamin d. I’d put it out there that the increased incidence of vitamin d deficiency is due to being indoors much more
loading...
I had a D deficiency and my doc said to get 15 minutes of sun on 15% of my body… That’s really not a lot of exposure needed!
loading...
Where are you getting this information from?
Without clear, government/health agency endorsed guidelines explicitly stating that sunscreen is bad for you because of toxins and vit D deficiency, it’s just guessing and misinformation based on preliminary evidence that hasn’t been verified yet… A few doctors opinions filtered down through the media and information about the odd study that has been done is so open to interpretation and error.
Melanoma DEFINITELY kills people.. I am only 25 and I’ve already had 2 moles removed from sun exposure when I was a kid.
loading...
“How can anyone think that applying lashings of chemicals to your body every day is not going to have long term ramifications??!”
EXACTLY… and furthermore, why do people think our government would give us accurate advice? Aren’t they the sample government who allow fluoride, chlorine and other toxins into our tap water?
loading...
So fluride is harmful as well?
loading...
Do your research but it’s the same Fluoride that Hitler put into the water in his concentration camps to control people there. Personally after filtering it out of my water for the last year I can think a lot more clearer now.
loading...
I couldn’t reply to your comment below… but I think statements about HItler using fluoride is a bit alarmist! This is a complete conspiracy theory. We know that very high levels of fluoride are toxic, but it’s been tested and tested and scientists know that the small levels that are in water are harmless.
I’m getting a bit tired of these conspiracy theories that our government is actively trying to harm or poison us. Every single dentist will also tell you that fluoride is needed to help protect your teeth… do we really think that they’ve all studied for years to be dentists, just to poison us?
As for sunscreen, there is not yet any hard evidence that it’s more harmful than not using it. We don’t know for sure that sunscreen can be harmful. We DO know for a fact that too much sun causes skin cancer. Until we know otherwise, I’ll take my chances and continue protecting myself from melanoma.
loading...
Just do your own research, the dental association has since warned against the use of fluoride, especially in children or pregnant women. This warning was recently on A Current Affair (mainstream media).
loading...
Spend around 10 minutes (in summer) and 30 minutes (in winter) out in the sun before applying sunscreen and you should get sufficient vitamin d.
loading...
Yes there is a high incidence of vitamin d deficiency in Australia – and yes this could be attributed to our constant usage of sunscree. However before getting all alarmist about it – I’d advise you actually have your vitamin d levels checked. If you are low – there could be a number of reasons why – including health issues where your body doesn’t absorb vitamins adequately. As others have said – melanoma is proven to kill – also sadly genetic – and if you’re concerned about nano particles, do your research and buy the appropriate zinc sunscreen instead. Choosing to forgo wearing sunscreen everyday is just plain foolish in our country – do like the cancer council advises and check the UV rating each day and choose your sun exposure accordingly.
loading...
TOTALLY agree Zoe! My sun protection obsession in my 20′s and beyond is only just starting to pay off now that I am in my late 30′s. I can see the difference between my skin and some of my peers who haven’t protected themselves (I also think my avoidance of alcohol has helped too but that’s another story!).
I went cotton chipping during University holidays one year in Moree. The heat was stifling but everyday I wore a long sleeved shirt coompletely buttoned up to my neck, trousers and a MASSIVE hat. I looked like the biggest dag and sweated like a sauna but obviously never got burnt (or even tanned).
I still shudder to think of some of the other great girls that I worked with who wore short shorts and bikini tops! They just got scorched! At the time I was jealous of how fantastically tanned they were but now I am SO glad that I didn’t do it!
I use Olay 30+ every day and apply it quite thickly. My face looks white for a few minutes but it is great, well priced and I can buy it at the supermarket
loading...
Amen sister!
I used to wear Invisible zinc tinted moisturiser SPF 30+ ($35) every day but now I found a cancer council one which is also tinted and SPF 30+ for $15 in Priceline.
BARGAIN! I wear it to work everyday and my fancy pants foundation on the weekends.
loading...
Some sun exposure is important to help with vitamin D and while sensible sun protection does not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency, there are times when it’s actually important to leave your hat and sunscreen off.
Check the sun protection times daily for your location using the free SunSmart app or by checking the SunSmart or Bureau of Meteorology websites. The sun protection times show you when the UV is forecast to be 3 or above, which is the level that can cause skin and eye damage and ultimately skin cancer. To help with your vitamin D levels on these days, aim for a few minutes of sun exposure mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours given once a day is not sufficient in peak UV.
If no UV Alert is issued (and no sun protection times issued), the UV is predicted to be below 3, so aim for 20 minutes outside in the midday winter sun. Ensure as much skin as possible is exposed by wearing short sleeves or shorts – the more skin you have exposed to the sun, the more vitamin D you’ll make, so roll up those sleeves. Sun protection is not required unless you are near highly reflective surfaces such as snow, outside for extended periods or when the UV reaches 3 and above. UV levels 3 and above can cause skin and eye damage and ultimately skin cancer.
loading...
At last some common sense advice!!
loading...
What is a good tinted moisturiser with 30+ for pale skin with pinky undertones? I have tried the invisible zinc one but it was waaay too yellow-ish for me.
I currently just use the sun sense matte face sunscreen and then put foundation over that.
loading...
Sounds like me… I use Clinique Super City Block 30+ and have for years, it’s tinted and oil-free for daily use.
loading...
yeah that one’s great, nice medium coverage too. I used to use it instead of foundation. I think I may have to go out and buy it now!
loading...
Cool I’ll give it a go. Thanks!
loading...
I’m 17 and LIVE by QV’s SPF30 day cream. Love it.
loading...
Invisible Zinc tinted moisturiser is my absolute favourite, followed closely by Dove tinted moisturiser (only don’t buy the shade that’s too dark for you or you will end up looking like you dipped your face in mud. I speak from experience.)
loading...
I’ve been using Nivea Sun Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF30+ and finding it really good recently. It feels lovely and doesn’t make my pimple prone skin breakout (honestly I’m 32 when will the pimples stop?)
I’ve also bought the spray on Neutrogena which I use on my neck, shoulders and chest. I was a bit skeptical about how good a spray on could be, until I went blackberry picking a few weeks ago. We got home and I had a clear red stripe down the back of one arm where I had missed with the spray. The rest of me was fine. It is great stuff and both can be bought in a supermarket which really helps time poor me.
loading...
Ohhhhh a spray on!!! I need this!!!! I wonder if you can get a kids spray on??
loading...
Cancer Council has spray on sunscreen, I use spf30+ which lasts for 4 hours. I’m sure that i’ve seen a kids spray on too
loading...
The Nutrogena spray one is really good. We have tried Cancer Council, Banana Boat & Nutrogena. It’s the nicest spray (more like a mist).
loading...
Great article. Yes sunscreen is essential! I was recently in Singapore and they have products of SPF 50 and above there. I think one I saw was 120. Not sure why the technology is not available here. Bought back a Biore face one with SPF 50. Yet to try it.
loading...
SPF ratings are not universal and cant be compared directly with SPF ratings of Australian sunscreens. The idea behind the standards in Australia is that a high SPF (more than 30+) might give people a false sense of security and encourage much longer exposure to the sun, increasing burn rates. Therapeutic Goods Administration regulations do not allow SPF’s greater than 30 to be claimed on sunscreen labels. SPF 30+ rated sunscreen formulations in Australia will have an SPF rating greater than 30, but will not be marked any higher. They probably are a higher SPF, broader spectrum suncreen then say a 80+ in France
loading...
That’s true but this year regulations in Australia are changing and we will be seeing SPF 50+ products on shelves. All sunscreen manufacturers also have to go through stricter guidelines to ensure they all meet the same standard. Despite what we’ve been led to believe – a lot of products’ claims of ‘broad spectrum’ have not actually been so broad – and have only been providing decent UVB protection, not UVA. This is all soon to change though – so yay!
loading...
Hi Zoe,
Not sure whether to ask here or not as a suggestion for some advice, but I’ll ask anyway.
Do you have any recommendations or advice about what take home treatments are available and what are the best and most effective products as far as Alpha Hydroxy etc are concerned? I know L’Oreal used to sell a trio pack of face peels through Peiceline but I haven’t seen it in years. Ultraceuticals have a range but find you can’t buy the peels to use at home, only the follow up products.
Basically, without having to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars in a beauty salon for these treatments, what, in your opinion, would you recommend to use and what’s the strongest you can buy without having to go through a professional?
I had AHA peels years ago (pre children days) and they were AMAZING!! I don’t have the big budget these days so any suggestions would be awesome. Thanks in advance xx
loading...
Go to Paula Begouns “Beautypedia” website and look under the Best Products section. She lists the best BHA’s and AHA’s and describes in detail what each one does so that you can choose with confidence
loading...
thanks Rene
loading...
Here’s another related question – if we have to reapply our body sunblock every four hours, do we then need to do the same with our face? What if we are wearing make-up? It seems that the only good we get out of the sunscreen we apply to our face is in the morning
Also, to get good SPF coverage we need a fairly think layer – I don’t think we put anywhere near as thick a layer on our face when applying the SPF moisturiser. Anyone have any ideas?
loading...
Yes, you should reapply your suncream every few hours if going out in the sun. If you’re wearing makeup then you may need to touch it up again after reapplying.
I don’t know the answer to your second question but I personally ensure I have some pretty good, solid coverage when using my SPF products.
loading...
PS the Neutrogena spray on sunscreens are handy if you’re wearing makeup as well as you don’t have to smear it all over your makeup, just spray it over the top.
loading...
I heard that you need a teaspoon of cream per limb. I might have dreamt it though.
loading...
Zoe: you are ACE
loading...
Yes yes yes
That and a hat for the last 20 years- I’m 38. Mostly to keep the feckless away and I had a lot!!!!
Have been called grandma since I started with the hat but am soo glad I did!!!
Even with growing up in dry, strong heat when sunscreen was barely an after thought my skin looks great compared to most my age and even a lot younger
Wish I had of been as obsessive about it with my hands also
loading...
I love the Garnier BB cream and use it in conjucntion with a facial sunscreen and someitmes I use a mineral powder over the top. Nothing is getting through! x
loading...
I’m all for wearing sunscreen when its summer….but not everyday in Winter after I have found out that both myself, my husband and one of my children is deficient in vitamind D. Possibly genetics related, however studies are showing that up to a quarter of Australians are deficient in this very essential vitamin. Skin cancer is indeed scary stuff….but we probably need to also stress the importance of finding a balance, like everything in life.
loading...
The uv rays are worse on dreary days.
You need 10-15 mins direct exposure on limbs ( not between 10amand 4pm though) daily to get enough vitamin d.
loading...
Hi Ally
I live in Tas where most people are low in vitamin D but I am really low as in 47. My Dr has told me I actually have to forego the sun protection for part of the day, so when I go for a walk will do so before 9, take Vit D supplements, etc. Am to be retested soon so hope it has made a difference!
loading...
Hi Anon, me too! I moved from Tassie to Sydney 6 years ago and I’m pretty low in vit D. I was recommended by my doc and a nuturopath to get 10 mins of sun before 10 or after 4, and it’s helped loads. I have more energy but I’m still pretty deficient.
loading...
Best thing I wear everyday – Clinique’s City Block SPF 25 (not the 30). It’s lightweight, tinted, non-greasy, doesn’t smell or feel like sunscreen and doubles as a primer. This product changed my morning routine and I actually LIKE wearning sunscreen everyday now!
loading...
Is this product sort of a foundation? It sounds good and my skin likes Clinique.
loading...
It’s not a foundation but is quite creamy and matt so you can get away with not wearing anything else if you feel comfortable. I wear a matt foundation over the top (which stays even in the Brisbane summer heat with the City Block underneath!), but only because my skin is so oily (and freckly).
loading...
I have very oily skin and wearing sunscreen is just impossible if I don’t want to walk around super shiny and greasy. Can anyone recommend sunscreen for oily skin??
loading...
Lil – see my post above re: Clinque. I have oily (and freckly, breakout skin – the WORST combination!), but seriously this product changed the way I think about my oily skin.
loading...
Thanks, I’ll give it a go!
loading...
Paula’s Choice has a good mattifying moisturiser/sunscreen. Actually, all of her products are pretty great.
loading...
I was just about to post the exact same thing!! I have tried heaps of products with no good results. Oh I would love to know this one too!! I don’t even use a moisturiser in summer because 5 minutes later my face is a grease pit. In winter my skin goes to a more normal type and I have no problems with this. But summer is when I should be wearing the sunscreen the most!
Please help us Zoe!! I am sure there are lots of us out there with the same issue.
loading...
Sorry Zoe, I have to say SLEEP is the best beauty product in the world!! A week with lack of sleep from a teething baby is playing havoc with my skin. Its so blotchy, its breaking out and has lost its glow
But sunscreen is amazing!! Also Ultraceuticals Eventone Serum is the most incredible thing! Thanks so much for recommending it on Primped many moons ago! It has done amazing things on my skin. I no longer need to hide behind foundation like I used to.
loading...