Cream de la cream

By FIONA HAWTIN

Summer holidays mean lazing around not too far from a beach.

Now that we're on high alert about the skin cancer-inducing effects of the sun, the days of slathering on oil for a deep tan are long gone. Tans come from a bottle now.

And so does protection from the ultraviolet rays. Essentially sunscreens filter the damaging UVA and UVB rays that penetrate the ozone layer.

Not only do they give you cancer, they prematurely age skin faster than anything else. An effective sunscreen needs to be broad spectrum, which means it combats both UVA and UVB rays.

Dr Elizabeth Baird of Auckland Dermatology says the ones to avoid are real no-frills types.

"I wouldn't dream of buying them," she says.

"There are some very good sunscreens on the market. Some of them are $10 a bottle and some of them are $70 a bottle."

And use these every day, even in winter, so that using sunscreen becomes automatic.

"We live in New Zealand. It's not so much the heat that matters, it's the sunshine. Even in the middle of winter, we get some glorious days."

If using the stuff every day sounds daunting, Wendy Fulton, the manger of health promotions for the Auckland Cancer Society, says it should be applied any time you plan on being outside between September and after Easter.

But try to avoid the sun at all between 11am and 4pm by finding shade, or wearing a hat, a loose-sleeved shirt and sunglasses and using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF30 on any exposed areas as a last line of defence. The SPF30 gives maximum protection.

To use it properly:

* Apply a broad spectrum SPF30 sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going into the sun.

* Spread it on thickly and rub it in lightly. On average, this means one teaspoon on each arm, leg, front and back of the body and half that for the face.

* Reapply every two hours or more often if you're swimming or sweating heavily.

* For sunscreens made here and in Australia, ensure it's got the Australia and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS2604 on it somewhere. For brands made elsewhere, check that it's a reputable brand of broad spectrum SPF30.

* Check the expiry date where possible. Otherwise, make sure you buy sunscreen from somewhere with a high turnover so you're getting fresh product.

Reliable sunscreens are easy to come by. In the end, it comes down to personal preference, brand loyalty, budget, whether you choose a cream over a spray and any attractive optional extras thrown into the deal.

Recommended sunscreens


Cancer Society Elements Daily Moisturiser SPF30

Elements is the Cancer Society's skincare range. It encourages people to use an SPF30 moisturiser as part of their daily skincare routine so that if they go for a walk in their lunch-hour, they're covered. Good, non-greasy facial moisturiser that provides a good base for foundation. It does have an expiry date, but in tiny print on the crimped bit at the top of the tube. Check out the men's range of skincare also. $11.95 for 100g from selected pharmacies, department and variety stores.

Hawaiian Tropic Oil Free Sport Sunblock SPF30

Touted as being sweat- and water-resistant, this is ideal for active holidaymakers whose idea of a good time is a bit of triathlon. It's recommended by the American Skin Cancer Foundation. The spray is a fast way to apply the stuff, but make sure you get an even coverage. Also the trigger spray can be uncomfortable to hold. Because it rubs in quickly thanks to the alcohol content, it means you've got to be more vigilant in the application. From $14.95 for 234ml from selected supermarkets, department stores and pharmacies.

Clarins Sun Control Cream Very High Protection SPF30

This is one for the face, especially sun-sensitive skin. As well as giving broad spectrum protection, it also has botanical extracts that moisturise and soothe the skin. $42 for 75ml from selected department stores, pharmacies and beauty therapists.

Clinique Sun-Care Body Spray SPF30

This is such an easy sunscreen to use there's no excuse for not using it every day. The pump spray is foolproof and you get broad spectrum protection. $42 for 150ml from selected department stores and pharmacies.

Ego Sunsense Ultra SPF30+ Broad Spectrum Milk

A runny milk that gives broad spectrum protection. It boasts that it can give an SPF30+ even after two hours in the water. The Cancer Society says to reapply more often than that if you're in water. This has the AS/NZS2604 seal of approval and the expiry date printed on the bottom of the bottle. About $14.95 for 125ml from selected pharmacies.

Lancome Soleil Ultra SPF50 Body Milk

While the Cancer Society says an SPF30 gives maximum protection, this SPF50 will give maximum peace of mind. It's a broad-spectrum milk that, while water-resistant, is not greasy. The colourant is preservative-free, which is why Lancome recommends it for delicate skin and children. $55 for 150ml from selected department stores and pharmacies.