Be Sun Savvy This Summer

28th OF October 2012

We're getting ready for a long, hot, summer so whether you're poolside, beachside or trackside we've got the top tips on how to protect your skin from top to toe this silly season.

by Anna McDougall

We hear the terms UVA and UVB a lot in the lead up to summer, but what do they actually mean? The sun savvy people at Banana Boat have given us the low down.

UVA Rays are also called and more easily remembered as “UV Aging rays”- they are the cause of long term skin damage & photoaging, in other words, they cause premature aging, wrinkles and sun spots.

Many of us sun-lovers use as little as half the amount of sunscreen required to reach the SPF on the product and do not re-apply every 2 hours as directed! Sunburn is actually only one part of the problem - significant skin damage occurs without any immediate effect.

Top Tips for Sun Protection

Apply 15-20mins before sun exposure
Apply a 20 cent coin size to each body part
Seek shade between 10 and 3pm
Re-apply every 2 hours
Always re-apply after swimming, towel drying and excessive perspiration
Wearing protective clothing hats and eyewear is important
Keep children under the age of 6 months should have limited sun exposure.
Consult your doctor before applying sunscreen to an infant.
If you've got a new-born, Cancer Council Australia recommends keeping babies out of the sun as much as possible for the first 12 months.
The most effective sunscreen is labelled SPF30+, broad spectrum and water-resistant.

Keep in mind:

Did you know that significant skin damage can occur prior to your skin becoming sunburnt? DNA damage, the formation of harmful free radicals and suppression of your immune system can occur even on days you do not get sunburnt.

A sunburn is the visual warning sign that you have been overexposed to the sun and have caused skin damage. However, significant skin damage can occur prior to your skin becoming sunburnt. The sun’s UV rays can cause DNA damage and can form harmful free radicals on the skin ; they can also suppress your immune system

In addition to this, non-melanoma skin cancers have been closely linked to lifetime UV exposure.

If you're heading out into the sun for your Melbourne Cup Day celebrations, try these options to protect your skin whilst looking your best!

MAC Prep & Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF35/PA+++
RRP: $49 call 1800 613 828 for stockists, available December 3 2012

True Solutions True All Day Moisture SPF 30+ Tinted Moisturiser
RRP: $60 call 1800 808 993 for stockists

Ultraceuticals Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ Tinted
RRP: $45/ $60 available from selected beauty salons and David Jones stores

NIVEA Lip Care Sun SPF 30+
RRP: $4.37 call 1800 103 023 for stockists

INIKA Mineral Foundation SPF 20+
RRP: $59.95 available through over 300 selected stockists across Australia, including TVSN.