The final instalment in our series is here as we continue to debunk common SPF myths.
My skincare contains SPF, isn’t that enough?
SPF in skin care and make-up may protect our skin short term from the burning UVB rays, often at a lower level of SPF15 but the amount of skin care and make-up we apply isn’t enough. We should apply 1.5ml (2 pumps) protection to the face and double the amount to apply to the neck and decolletage. The SPF in skincare and make-up will also degrade during the day leaving your skin vulnerable a few hours after application.
Our Face Formulas contain premium skincare actives as well as targeted ingredients to combat skin concerns. Their lightweight textures are non-greasy, suitable for sensitive skin and they won’t block your pores. With tinted and super light Fluid formulas they’re perfect an all-in-one skin care, sun protection and colour correction. Discover your Face Formula by clicking the link.
My skin always has to go red before it goes brown.
Trauma tans don’t last. This is one of the biggest myths in sun protection, and it contributes to skin damage and skin cancer cases. The fact is that as soon as the skin reddens, it’s in trauma. Increasing time in the sun and lowering the SPF will only ensure skin burns and sheds, leaving the skin tan-less within days. By protecting your skin properly, you’ll achieve a deeper, longer lasting and even tan.
Check your SPF’s shelf life.
The average shelf life for sun protection is just 6-12 months. All Ultrasun products have a shelf life of 2 years AFTER opening so can be used for more than one season and make great value for money. How long a sun cream lasts isn’t just about value, it’s about effectiveness and ability to protect to the level indicated.
Do those with a darker skin tone need to use an SPF?
It’s a myth that black skin doesn’t need sunscreen. Black skin may have an advantage with a natural SPF of about 13, but that is not enough protection. A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF30 and above is essential. Black skin can still suffer burns from being unprotected in the sun, which is an indicator that damage including cell mutation is happening further down in the dermal layers.
In addition, UV rays are chief instigators when it comes to uneven skin tone and hyper-pigmentation as it sends the melanin producing cells, the melanocytes, into a production overdrive which causes patchy, uneven blemished skin tone.
A high UVA % filter preferably of over 90% and SPF (UVB) of at least 30 is equally crucial for darker skin tones for the prevention of skin cancer and preventing skin damage as part of a regular skin care routine.
Ultrasun has sun protection products for all skin tones that deliver high, broad-spectrum protection without chalky residue that those with darker skin tones want to avoid.
Do I need to apply SPF to all exposed areas?
The most common sites for malignant melanoma to occur are for men on the chest or back and for women it’s more likely on the legs, between the knee and feet. If you think about it, your ankles or shins are one of the spots that tend to get the most exposure - if you 'get them out' as soon as the weather turns a little warmer, how often do you put cream on them? One of the biggest risks is the regular low-intensity exposure. More so than a one-off burn.
Lips are often forgotten and with no natural shade on the lower lip, the upper lip area in particular shows ageing from sun damage quicker.
Our Lip Protection SPF30 & SPF50 are infused with Blackcurrant seed oil to nourish chapped skin from environmental stress and UV damage.