Ah, sunscreen—it’s a trusted skincare product for those hot summer holidays, a staple up at the ski field, and an excellent addition to any day bag. All that said, how many of us are wearing it day in, day out?
The hard truth is that we need to actively protect ourselves from the sun every single day, particularly when living in a country like New Zealand, where a hole in the ozone layer exposes us to particularly harsh UVA and UVB rays.
Read on to learn everything there is to know about sun protection, along with a selection of Bargain Chemist’s favourite products to keep you safe in the sun.
What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number tacked onto the tail end of SPF determines how many times more protection you have than you would if you didn’t have any sunscreen on. For example, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 provides 30 times more sun protection than your skin can give you naturally.
If your skin naturally burned after 10 minutes, SPF30 sunscreen would offer you approximately 300 minutes of sun protection. While this seems like a long period of protection, most brands still advise that people reapply sunscreen every couple of hours when they’re out in direct sunlight.
The difference between UVA and UVB rays
Harmful rays that reach us while we’re out and about can be categorised into two different groups: UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are short wave ultraviolet, which means they lead to sunburn on the outer layers of the skin (if it’s left uncovered and unprotected). By contrast, UVA rays are long-wave ultraviolet, which means they penetrate the skin more deeply and are a major cause of premature skin ageing.
Sun damage and skin cancer
New Zealanders should adhere to all guidelines around sun protection because repeated sun damage can lead to melanoma skin cancer, for which New Zealand has the highest rate of disease in the world (per capita).
Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D, but too much exposure to sunlight, even in the winter months, can cause vitamin D levels to rise to unhealthy levels. Studies have shown that excess amounts of Vitamin D lead to an increased risk of melanoma.
According to Melanoma NZ, melanomas form when melanocyte cells (which help protect skin from UV rays) join to create a mole. Most moles are harmless, but with melanoma being cancer that develops quickly, it’s extremely important to get these dark spots checked regularly by a medical professional.
Acting quickly is vital because, while melanoma is treatable if it’s caught early, it can be potentially fatal if left unchecked.
Top sunscreens for every occasion
Consumer NZ research in 2019 that found many popular sunscreens didn’t meet the SPF and/or broad-spectrum protection claimed on the packaging. While this seems cause for alarm, it’s worth noting the products that didn’t meet their claims did still offer protection, just not to the degree that was claimed on the bottle.
To give you peace of mind, Bargain Chemist has compiled a list of sunscreens that weren’t included in the list of products that fell short on their promises.
1. Bang for Your Buck – Nivea Sun SPF50+ Pump 1L
Trusted brand Nivea has long won hearts with its fast-absorbing sunscreens, which also offer high levels of UVA and UVB. Whether you need some sunscreen for a family holiday or a day out exploring with mates, the jumbo Nivea Sun SPF50+ one-litre pump will be your new best friend. The hearty bottles come in at just $29.46, meaning it will go the distance and save you pennies in the long haul.
2. The So Hot Right Now – Bondi Sands SPF50 Lotion
Bondi Sands has risen to cult-level status in recent years and for good reason. As global leaders in the self-tanning world, it made sense for the brand to venture into the other side of the SunSmart equation—sunscreen.
Fans have praised the company’s new sunscreen for its lightweight formula, ability to hydrate skin without being greasy, and the way it doesn’t leave users with a thick white layer of lotion they can’t rub in.
3. Pocket-Sized Protection – Nivea Sun Lotion Roll on SPF50+ 65ml
Full kudos to Nivea for creating the perfect handbag-sized sunscreen. The compact roll-on is easy to use and allows people to distribute the product evenly. You’ll burn through the roll-on if it’s your go-to sunscreen, but it makes a great emergency solution for times when you’ve been caught out without sun protection.
5. For Your Face – Swisse Natural Defence BB Cream SPF50
People wanting a skin-correcting product that has both SPF and moisturising benefits should look no further than a BB cream. If you’re reluctant to wear sunscreen under your makeup (some sunscreens can leave skin with an oily glow when worn under a full face of makeup), a BB cream will prove to be a much lighter option. It won’t protect you all day at the beach, but it will ensure you’re getting the everyday protection you need.
6. The One Your Dermatologist Likes – Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defence SPF50
You’d be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist that didn’t trust Cetaphil. The brand’s moisturisers and cleansers are made from gentle ingredients, which means they’re a perfect choice for sensitive skin. The brand’s SPF facial moisturiser provides broad-spectrum protection, doesn’t block pores, is suitable for sensitive skin, and is completely fragrance-free.
7. The Beach-Friendly One – Neutrogena Beach Defence Spray SPF50
Everyone knows why sand and sunscreen don’t mix (did someone say unwanted exfoliation?). Cue Neutrogena’s Beach Defence Spray. The aerosol spray canister means you barely even need to touch the product once it’s been sprayed onto the skin. Rub it in lightly and you’ll be good to go.
7. For the Cricket Pitch – Invisible Zinc Sports 4hr Water Resistant 100ml
It wouldn’t feel like summer sport without some zinc on hand! Unlike the thick, white zinc of years gone by, Invisible Zinc’s nifty lightweight formula is designed to glide onto the skin and leave a silky finish. The naturally derived zinc oxide shield is sweat-resistant, making the product a winner both on and off the pitch.
8. Sun protection for your lips – Chapstick L/B Ultra SPF30+
If you often struggle with chapped lips and can’t figure out why, then you're hardly alone. When it comes time to slathering your face in sunscreen, the lips are almost always missed off the list (and for good reason – no one likes the taste of sunscreen!).
That doesn’t mean, however, that our lips are immune to sun damage. Keeping a lip balm with SPF protection in your car, your bathroom, at work, and in your pocket will ensure you’re never without the vital protection your lips need and deserve.
Sunscreen application and use tips
You’ve purchased your sunscreen, now you need to ensure proper application. Here’s how to do it, as outlined by Sunsmart NZ.
- Abide by the ‘two coat approach’. Apply one coat of sunscreen 20 minutes before leaving the house, and another once you’ve been outside for 15 minutes. This creates a thicker protective barrier between the sun and your skin.
- Adults should use one teaspoon of sunscreen to cover the face, neck, and ears (collectively), and one teaspoon for each leg, each arm, the front of the body, and the back of the body.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours (this is particularly important if you’re out in direct sunlight).
- Be mindful of the fact that no sunscreen provides full UV protection so, whenever possible, limit sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm.
Storing your sunscreen
- Be sure not to store sunscreen in direct sunlight or extremely warm spaces of your home or car (glovebox or car boot).
- Keep tabs on the expiration dates of the various sunscreens dotted around your house.
Other forms of sun protection
Sunscreen is a great tool for preventing sunburn but should be used in conjunction with other methods of sun protection. Melanoma NZ recommends:
- Staying out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm during warmer months.
- Wearing a hat and sunglasses (our eyes need protecting too!).
- Wearing long-sleeve shirts outside and rash shirts when swimming.
- Positioning yourself in the shade where possible.
After-sun care: healing sunburns
If you’re unlucky enough to get sunburnt, there are things you can do to speed up the skin’s healing process and ease discomfort.
- Use an after-sun gel or spray made from aloe vera extract to soothe and calm skin.
- Cool the sunburnt area by having a cold shower, or by pressing a cold flannel or towel to the skin.
- Drink plenty of water to rehydrate after serious sun exposure.
- Avoid alcohol, along with any other beverages that may further dehydrate you.
- Avoid any further sun exposure.
Treating severe sunburn
You should seek advice from a medical professional if your sunburn:
- Causes blistering or swelling,
- is spread over an extremely large are,
- leaves you feeling dizzy or nauseous, or
- leads to a high fever.
Find the sunscreen that best meets your needs
If you're ready to find the perfect sunscreen for your lifestyle, put your chemist order online right here and you're good to go! Bargain Chemist offers a wide range of quality, affordable sun protection products for any lifestyle. Order online or find the nearest Bargain Chemist location to you, so that you can enjoy the rays without fear!