Be sun skin smart this season – and still look your best
You already know you should be wearing sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But, sadly, a few people realise just how harmful it can be, says Dr Marianne Duvenage, a dermatologist from NoviSkin in Pretoria.
Daily routine
• Wear sunscreen every single day. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate your skin, says Marianne.
• Apply chemical sunscreens (containing oxybenzone or avobenzone) on clean, bare skin, to give it a chance to interact with skin cells. Physical sunscreens (containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) can be applied after other products.
• Don’t skip moisturiser if you’re applying sunscreen. This can cause the skin to produce more oil. Switch
to a gel moisturiser if your usual cream feels too heavy along with the sunscreen, or start using a moisturiser with a built-in SPF.
• Remember to also protect your lips. Frequently slather on a lip balm that contains a sunscreen.
Going to the beach
• If you’re in a bathing suit, you need to apply about a shot glass full of sunscreen. If only your face
is exposed, you need less, advises Marianne.
• Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors, to give the ingredients a chance to start working. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Make sure you use a sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Try to avoid tanning between 11 am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its harshest.
Glam it up
• Never mix foundation with sunscreen. This affects its effectiveness by reducing the SPF level. Apply a layer of sunscreen, let it dry, then apply make-up on top.
• Choose an oil-free sunscreen to avoid that tell-tale sheen. On the other hand, a dewy foundation will help counteract the matte film some sunscreens leave behind.
• If you’re planning on having a big day out in the sun and want to do a full make-up routine, use waterproof products to avoid looking wilted by noon. Using a make-up setting spray will also do the trick.
For more health tips and hacks, page through the December issue of ClubX.
