You know the drill... sunscreen, lots of it, regularly reapplied, especially after wallowing in the water. Water resistant does not mean waterproof. "I applied it this morning" won't mean much by mid-afternoon.
If you're seriously out in the sun get a strong sunscreen, preferably SPF30+, or better yet 50+ given the advance in sheer formulas. Match it to purpose for the best results. If you're playing sport for hours, you'll want a different finish than a sheer lick of sunscreen under makeup. If you're getting married, zinc nose should be avoided. If your skin is especially oily, sensitive or prone to breakouts look for a specialist product.
Remember sunscreen in your moisturiser, primer or BB cream is all well and good, but don't kid yourself that SPF15 in one of them adds up to as much protection as you would get from a designated sunscreen of the same rating. That's because the percentage of a cosmetic product containing the active screening ingredients will be much smaller.
If you're serious about not looking like leather in your later years, those little PA++ signs speak to you. The more plus signs the better in this Asian-origin labelling system, but any broad-spectrum sunscreen will help deter UVA as well as UVB rays, it's just the PA rating (optional here) gives an idea of how effectively it nixes the former.
The rule of thumb is UVA equals ageing, from the rays that cause long-term deep damage and the development of age spots. UVB equals burning and it doesn't take long for that to happen. Both UVA and UVB rays are nasty in excess and our environmental exposure is why New Zealand (along with Queensland) has the world's highest rate of skin cancers. But thankfully we are more sun aware than in many countries, so the good news is that with common sense those scary statistics - which some experts think are plateauing - may even start to fall in the decades ahead.
Do your bit by playing safe this summer. Check your sunscreen isn't past its use by date, and remember that as well as those sunscreens featured on this page, there are plenty of other good ones out there including specialist beauty salon ranges which often bolster up the anti-ageing aspects. Whatever you choose, just commit to wearing something.
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"Our customers don't want a one-sunscreen-fits-all approach, they want specific products for specific needs - a sunscreen wardrobe of sorts," says Mecca Cosmetica founder Jo Horgan. The Australasian beauty emporium stocks many big international skincare names, but has also developed its own suncare line based on customer feedback, with the addition this season of a sunscreen specifically for the eye area.
"It's one of the first places to flashlight UV-induced ageing," says Horgan. Mecca Cosmetica's To Save Eyes SPF30 ($42) applies a hydrating protective veil by rollerball and has the handy addition of caffeine to counteract puffiness.
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When on holiday a multi-tasking face and body sunscreen may be all you want to carry, but around town opt for a specialist facial sunscreen with a sheer finish or a BB, CC, moisturiser or primer with a high SPF. If yours is tinted then you can choose to skip wearing foundation for a more fresh-faced summer look.
A good everyday buy is Garnier's Ambre Solaire BB Cream Sun SPF50 ($17.49), from a popular European range introduced to New Zealand just a few months ago. Neutrogena has added to its Ultra Sheer range with Clear Face SPF30 ($22.99), which has an oil-free, water-light effect suited to those with troubled skins who tend to shy away from sun protection altogether.
Tried-and-true Clinique City Block ($50) is worth revisiting, thanks to the introduction of a Sheer SPF25 formula which won't clog pores. For the flush, the lush feel of La Mer's Blanc de la Mer SPF50 UV Protecting Fluid ($185) will appeal.
If you prefer to avoid chemical screens, then look primarily to natural skincare companies which rely on physical blockers such as zinc, rather than a combination of both. Snowberry's new Active Outdoor SPF30 ($43) has upped the protection without white glugginess.
This takes it beyond the usual lower SPF of many natural products and has some nice botanical ingredients thrown in for good measure. Oasis Sun SPF30 ($18) is another good option well-tolerated by sensitive skins, explaining why it has been chosen by a leading skin clinic chain as their natural product of choice.
FOR BODY
Many body blocks leave you smelling all beachy or like a coconut which can be a bit much. That's one reason we are smitten by Mecca Cosmetica's To Save Body SPF50Sunscreen ($54). The fragrance is light and fresh and the finish non-oily and non-whitening, but best of all it feels like a moisturiser, so it's a pleasure to put on.
Skinnies Sungel SPF30, has a barely discernible smell but is most notable for its unusual water-free formula, with a little gel spreading effectively over a large area and a new Beauty Gel ($44.50). Check out Nivea's latest, Ultra Beach Protect SPF50 ($23.49) which dries quickly and has that familiar comforting Nivea smell, rather than coming out of the can smelling like it could single-handedly deplete the ozone as some sport-style sprays do. Ultraceuticals Sun Active SPF50 Clear Body Spray ($69) is free of fragrance and fast drying.
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Sunscreen is a unisex product, but men, with their generally oilier skin and denser body hair, tend to prefer lighter formulas for the face and spray-ons for the body. One bloke who knows more than most about their preferences is Triumph & Disaster founder Dion Nash, who first became interested in caring for his own skin from his time out in the field as an international cricketer. The former Black Cap'sNo Dice SPF50 for the face ($65) isn't greasy so it won't slide down your neck and stain your whites and he's left cricketer's nose in the past too. Added antioxidants will help keep the face in form for the long haul.
FOR KIDS
For babies and toddlers use a sensitive skin sunscreen or something especially developed for young skin. Try Babu SPF30 ($33) a New Zealand-made combination-style product, with a light papaya fragrance that the whole family will enjoy. As the kids grow, spray-ons are easiest, especially with squirmers, and Neutrogena makes some good ones, including the Fresh Cooling Mist SPF70 ($22.99) which will get their attention and Wet Skin Kids SPF85 ($24) for staying power in the water.
FOR AFTER
Cleanse off the day's sunscreen and grime while keeping summer skin supple and hydrated with oils. Try the Lipidol range, which has a Cleansing Body Oil, for use in the shower. Oil locks effectively onto skin for a deep cleanse when emulsified with water and is at the heart of the Lipidol range of six items for face and body all priced at $9.95 each, including a Sun Oil SPF20 for your next exposure.
