The holidays are almost here, and for most of us that means time spent outdoors in the sun, sea or pool. While we’re having the best of times, it’s important we remember to protect our skin with a good, broad spectrum sunscreen that will protect against UVA & UVB rays.
UVB rays – those that burn the skin, cause redness or tanning and are the rays responsible for skin cancer because they damage DNA. UVA rays cause indirect damage directly through oxidative stress – meaning free radicals get formed. Free radicals are unstable molecules that disrupt DNA. These free radicals stimulate an enzyme that breaks down collagen, and this leads to fine lines and wrinkles. If you can block the UVA effectively, you will minimise the number of free radicals that get formed.
Always apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going into the sun. Reason being, the UV filters need 15 to 20 minutes to start working. Most are triggered as you rub the sunscreen onto your skin, but they need some time to start doing the job properly.
Best Reef Safe
Bioderma Photoderm Lait ULTRA SPF 50+ R669 – BUY
This incredible formula offers very high sun protection for the while family, including those with sensitive skin, pregnant & breastfeeding women, children from the age of 12 months, patients undergoing oncological treatments or other medical conditions. The formula used in Photoderm Lait Ultra SPF50+ contains the brands exclusive SUN ACTIVE DEFENSE, which is high technology sun protection, reinforced against UV rays without the risk of skin becoming irritated.
Bioderma sunscreens have been tested on marine algae, coral and freshwater plankton to ensure that the formulas pass toxicity tests for aquatic ecosystems, including coral. You’ll see a CORAL SAFE label on the tube (heart with water).
The Bioderma Photoderm Lait Ultra SPF50+ formula is sweat resistant and won’t wear off during a workout. It’s also resistant to sand (YES!) and VERY water resistant. In fact, its sun protection factor remains above 50% of what is indicated, after four periods of swimming for 20 minutes each. It can also easily be applied to wet skin and doesn’t leave any white traces. In addition, it offers 8 hours of hydration with a light and melting texture. It can be used on face and body.
Best Spray Formula
Heliocare 360 Invisible Spray SPF 50+ R560 – BUY
This is a broad-spectrum spray for the body that protects against photo ageing. It has an invisible skin finish and absorbs quickly. The formula contains Fernblock to increase the skin’s resistance to the sun and protect against photo-ageing. UNA and UVB filters protect against radiation. Glycosylases repairs DNA before any damage occurs, while Vitamin C&E provide potent antioxidant activity. A “BioShield” system mimics melanocytes and doubles the strength of your own Melanin (this is what gives skin its colour). Green Tea helps neutralize harmful free radicals that can cause DNA damage, leading to premature ageing and skin cancer. The formula is water and sand resistant and I absolutely LOVE how effortlessly it sprays onto the skin, never clogging up. It also has a mechanism to close and open the spray.
Best Oral Capsule to Compliment Topical Protection
Heliocare 360 Capsules R625 – BUY
These capsules are taken orally to compliment topical protection (sunscreen). I used them earlier this year while sailing in Bodrum, Turkey and I swear, they saved my skin. They are especially beneficial in helping to protect those who are at high risk of skin cancer, pigmentation and skin ageing.
The key ingredient is Fernblock+, a potent antioxidant from the tropical fern which is rich in ferulic acid and caffeic. This unique and potent complex is able to provide efficient photo-immune protection, neutralizing free radicals and repairing damaged DNA in the cells. The formula also contains Vitamin C and E to strengthen the skin’s resistance to UV radiation. It also contains the BioShield System (mimics melanocytes and doubles the strength of one’s own melanin) and Niacinamide to protect against environmental aggressors. There are also prebiotics in the formula, which is gluten free.
The Heliocare 360 Capsules should NOT be used in place of a sunscreen, but rather as an extra layer of protection.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch Sensitive Protect SPF 50+ R330.00 – BUY
This formula soothes sensitive skin and helps protect against sun-induced skin damage. It combines UVA & UVB filters for high protection. It also contains the antioxidant Licochalcone A that neutralizes free radicals (those nasty, unstable molecules that change DNA and are responsible for premature ageing).
It’s easy to apply, absorbs in seconds and leaves a dry touch on the skin. I love the ultra-light texture that’s non-greasy or sticky and water and sweat resistant. It has excellent skin tolerability on sensitive and blemish prone skin. I would highly recommend this formula for the whole body, but especially on areas of the body where breakouts are occurring, like the chest and back.
Best to Protect and Hydrate
Institute Esthederm ADAPTASUN Protective Milky Body Spray R1006.50 – BUY
Esthederm is a luxury French brand that uses premium skincare technology. The brand has focused its research on how the skin interacts with the sun to maximise sun tolerance, while allowing for a long-lasting and safe tan. Their sun products contain the brands patented “Global Cellular Protection” technology, that works to neutralize photo-ageing while strengthening the skin’s natural defense mechanisms during sun exposure.
Its unique sun protection factor, categorised as ‘Strong Sun’ (UV index 8 to 10), provides complete protection against UVA & UVB rays, infrared and invisible light that is responsible for photo-ageing. This allows for ultimate, prolonged sun protection while encouraging a deep, long-lasting tan. The ADAPTASUN Protective Milky Body Spray has a creamy and deeply moisturising non-sticky formula. It includes a blend of antioxidant ingredients, helping prevent photo-ageing while keeping the skin supple and radiant and encouraging a beautiful tan.
Best Sun Care Oil
Clarins Sun Care Oil Mist UVA/UVB R555 – BUY
If you’re wanting a tanning oil, I highly recommend this, non-greasy dry oil that can be used on body and hair. This nourishing formula protects the skin and hair from the drying conditions associated with being beach or poolside (salt & chlorine). The formula has a “Sun Plant Complex” that helps prevent visible signs of sun-related ageing and dehydration, containing extracts of Aloe vera, Baobab, Pea, Plane Tree and Senna. If you like an oil sunscreen, I highly recommend this one.
