Sun Safe and Summer Ready: Your SunSense Sunscreen Guide

Beach culture was a big part of my teenage-hood. When I was 15, my friends and I were out on one sole mission - a flawless tan all year round. We'd spend hours cooking under the sun, lying to our parents about how we applied sunscreen every hour and coming home red, burnt and peeling. 

I started to notice freckles and severe sun damage to my forehead a couple of years after high school, it was a terrifying experience for a 19 year old. I have been taking good care of my skin for the past 5-6 years, and nurturing it with quality skincare products and the right sun protection. I still have sun damage on my forehead and freckles on my face, but I was able to minimise further damage by taking precautions and using sunscreen all year round.

As much as I love Mean Girls' Don't-Have-Sex-Because-You-Will-Get-Pregnant-And-Die approach, I thought I'd provide you guys some reasoning as to why Sunscreen should be in your makeup stash all year round. 

Lets go through some FAQ, I did some research and came up with some interesting answers.

Physical Vs Chemical

 Physical sunscreen protects your skin by blocking sun rays and prevents your body from absorbing harmful rays. Physical blocks often utilise ingredients such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, these are less likely to provide you with a white over-cast after application.

Chemical blocks interact with your cells, the ingredients will act as a filter and reduce UV penetration. Some chemical block contains UV absorbing chemicals that may also scatter UV rays. Common ingredients in chemical blocks: Octylcrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Helioplex, 4-MBC, Mexoryl SX and XL, Tinosorb S and M, Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus.

What is SPF?

SPF = Sun Protection Factor. It is a comparative measure to indicate how long it may take for you to get sunburnt (red) with/without sunscreen. For example, I get red after 5 minutes in the sun, an SPF of 30 will allow me to remain in the sun 30 times longer than it would usually take for me to get "red". 

UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B)?

Both UVB and UVA rays may contribute to skin/eye damage and skin cancer. Therefore sunscreen should be a crucial part of your daily routine as UVB and UVA rays have the ability to suppress your immune system. 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA rays account for up to 95% of UV radiation reaching the earth's surface. UVA can penetrate the subcutaneous layer (which is the layer under your dermis), as a result, it penetrates deeper than UVB and contributes to general cumulative sun damage and pre-manture aging. UVA also has the potential to initiate and contribute to skin cancer. This is the ray that increases our melanoma and tans our skin.

UVB targets the epidermal layer (the more superficial layer of our skin), it is responsible for redness and sun burns. The intensity of UVB rays are scaled based on location, time of the day and season. UVB can damage your skin during all four seasons, it assists in developing skin cancer and contributes to pre-mature aging.

How often should I re-apply my sunscreen?

The cancer council recommends reapplication every 2 hours (this includes water-resistant products), however, if you begin to notice some redness or tenderness within 2 hours, reapply immediately.

What to look for in a Sunscreen?

1. Photostability - Physical Blocks are "photostable" this means that it won't break down. However, some chemical blocks containing Avobenzone is not particularly stable.
2. Broad Spectrum Protection - Protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Physical block can filter both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical blocks are able to filter both rays, however this is based on their ingredients. Most product would indicated whether both rays are protected against.
3. SPF - The SPF in your foundation is often inadequate during summer. It is recommended to use protection that this above SPF 15.
4. Irritability -  Overall, Chemical blocks are known to cause more irritations than Physical blocks. However, You might want to avoid Physical Blocks that contains Titanium Oxide if you react to mineral makeup as it may potentially trigger break outs. If you have sensitive skin, try a test patch on your wrist.
5. Dryness - Dryness is caused by the high alcohol content from certain sunscreen. Alcohol is added so that the texture is less greasy. If you have dry skin like me, stick with sunscreen with less alcohol ;)

SunSense Clear Gel SPF 50

• Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Chemical block
• Preservative free
• 60 minutes water resistant

Comments:

Clear gel sunscreen. This is mum's favourite. If you're scared of the white over cast on your face after you've applied sunscreen. This is the right product for you, no white residue guaranteed!

Ingredients:
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 5.0%, Homosalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate 10.0%, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 3.0%

SunSense Sport

• Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Physical block
• Convenient tubes and roll on sizes handy for carrying & application.
• 4 hours water resistant.
• SPF 50+
• Sand and Sweat resistant.

Comments:

Initially, I thought this would be heavy duty... by heavy duty, I mean thick and greasy. My usual sport sunscreens are comparative to smearing lard over my arms. This was surprisingly light and fluffy. Two thumbs up!

 Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isostearic Acid, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Benzophenone-3, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Aluminium Stearate, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Polyacrylic Acid, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, BHT, Parfum

 

SunSense Clear Mist

• Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Chemical block
• 3 hours water-resistant
• Multi-directional spray for ease of application.

Comments:

This is an excellent spray for those with facial hair, my boyfriend is in love with this sunscreen because it doesn't get caught in his beard! I like to spray and rub. Anyone with any skin can use this spray, just be a little cautious if you are using it on your face. You want some blotting paper or loose powder handy if you are spraying this on your face and you have oily skin. Mum has oily skin, she looked like she was ready to fry some chips after she sprayed this on her face.

 Ingredients 
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 5.0%, Homosalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate 10.0%, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 3.0%

SunSense Daily Face

• Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Physical block
• It is fragrance free and oil free.
• Non greasey
• Sheer tint for an invisible matt finish.
• SPF 50+

Comments:

Another excellent product for normal to dry skin. The consistency may be a little greasy for oily skin. I would recommend loose powder after application. For me, the tint did not cover any flaws or uneven skin tone, but it's a great base for powder foundation.

 Ingredients 
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Benzophenone-3, PVP, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Isostearic Acid, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Aluminium Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, CI 77492, Propylparaben, PEG-4 Laurate, BHT, CI 77491, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

 SunSense Moisturing Face

• Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Chemical block
• Light, non-greasy.
• Moisturising base for dry skin.
• Can be used under make-up.
• SPF 50+ 

 Comments:

Hands down the BEST facial sunscreen I have ever used. I know it's designed for dry/normal skin, but I would highly recommend this for oily skin as well. It dries matte! No grease, no oily residue. Excellent to use alone or act as a fantastic make up base. HG product right here. If you're looking for the perfect facial sunscreen this summer, THIS IS IT.

  Ingredients
Aqua (Water), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclomethicone, Glycolic Acid, Isostearic Acid, Niacinamide, PEG-100 Stearate (and) Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ammonium Hydroxide, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Decyl Glucoside, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Tocopherol, Propylene Glycol

SunSense Lip Balm

• Physical block
• Soothes and moisturises dry and chapped lips.
• Smooth glide-on applicator provides an even distribution over both lips.
• Suitable for all skin types.
• SPF 50+ 
• UVA &UVB protection
• Low-irritant formulation, free of PABA, PABA derivatives, lanolin and contains no preservatives.

Comments:

A creamy balm in a tube essentially. It is super moisturising and fantastic for my dry chapped lips. I've been using Palmer's Sunscreen Stick previously. It was a little waxy and provided OK moisture. This product topped off the game. I'm converted, let me join your clan.

Ingredients:
Bemotrizinol 1.0%, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2.5%, Octyl Methoxycinnamate 3.0%, Oxybenzone 1.0%, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate2.4%, Titanium Dioxide 0.7%

*These products were provided for my consideration, all opinions are my own. 

Do you use sunscreen everyday?
 

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