Saturday, November 22, 2014

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?
 
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram

17 comments:

  1. Love this whole post! I don't think enough people are aware of why they should always have SPF in their daily lotion.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh very great products!
    xx

    www.sakuranko.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yay for SunSense! I used to be a pretty big sun worshipper too and while I still love the sun, I have had 3 moles removed in the last few years which really puts things in perspective! Also, working in the sun, I am always desperate to keep my exposure to a minimum with big hats and buckets of sunscreen. I'm loving the products you've shared too, especially the matte facial sunscreen and the clear mist and gel.

    Dani | KaBOOM! Cosmetics

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The clear mist is so good for lazy days!! :)

      Delete
  4. I never wear sunscreen as there's a core ingredient that makes my skin burn, activated when the sun sees me, so either way I burn like a vampire. :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw that sucks :( Maybe a naturally derived, organic sunscreen then?.... or mud lol apparently mud acts as a great barrier against UV rays... but check out this link below

      http://www.badgerbalm.com/s-64-badger-sunscreen-ingredients.aspx
      http://wellnessmama.com/2558/homemade-sunscreen/

      Delete
  5. I 100% agree with you about sunscreen. It is a must year round and you definitely have to remember to reapply if you are outside in the sun. I have very fair skin that burns (not tans) and I always carry sunscreen if I am going to be out.

    Jessica @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for the information! I get dry skin after each use, and now I know it's because of the alcohol...So I will need to have something with less, thankyou for telling us ^^


    恵美より ♥
    emi-doll.blogspot.jp

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is such an informative post! Thanks! I was always desperate to get a tan but I never did and still don't I just burn, sadly. But I have been noticing pigmentation these past two years - I'm guessing those 45 odd minutes under the sun during uni lunches must have really stacked up.

    I also differentiate UVA and UVB by remember that A = aging and B = burning. I think I'm getting better when it comes to sunscreen! I'm using a SPF50 at the moment but it's slightly oily and, even on my dry skin, my T-zone can get a bit shiny. I might try out Moisturising Face next!
    I'm going to have to try

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would usually spend about 10-15 minutes in the sun on a daily basis for my does of vita D. 5-10 mins during summer and 10-15 during winter. These freckles pops up like no body's business!!! I'm currently using some spot correction products, I'll let you know how it goes :)

      Oh that's an excellent way of differentiating UVA and UVB! I think you will love SunSense Moisturising face, no oiliness what so ever! I've seen them around priceline, definitely give it a test drive.

      Delete
  8. I have been using sunscreen for a long while now after ending up with a lot of sun damage on my forehead ,,,I use SPTM JAPAN sunscreen it's one of my must have product ...great and very detailed post xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think my computer just hiccupped or something...
      I've been using the Sunsense Daily Face for a good few years. I agree that the tint is nothing to speak of, but I pop mineral powder on top. I find everything else is too heavy on my oily skin. I've just bought a new tube, but you've got me curious about the face & neck one now. I'll have to try it out.

      I saw a documentary where the UV's were described as UVA = aging, UVB = burning. But they both contribute to skin cancer risk, so you need coverage of both. Great review!

      Delete
  10. Thanks for the information!! Sometimes sunbathing can be very dangerous (>__<)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great post! People forget how important sunscreen is sometimes xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sun Safe and Summer Ready: Your SunSense Sunscreen https://kemchongnang.top/ Guide

    ReplyDelete

Please leave your blog link. I would love to check out your blog and follow back!

Featured Post

Skin do’s and don’ts this holiday season

So, the holiday season is upon us! However whilst you're out there enjoying the summer vibes, it's crucial not to let your skincare ...

Popular Posts