You might be so focused on strength training or your running club to up your summer fitness game, that you forget to spring clean your beauty cupboard. We get it! Most sunscreens have an expiration date on the packaging, so do check that. Why the fuss? It’s certainly not just about preventing burning.
Think about skin ageing too and this simple rule: prevention over cure. In fact, if you consider sunscreen to be one of your anti-ageing products, then you’ll see its value alongside your treatment serums and moisturisers. For us in constantly sunny South Africa, with a very high UV index (the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet rays), we do need to be extra careful. Sunscreen application year-round (yes, even in winter) is always recommended. And so as we dive deep into summer, is it a case of no sunscreen no play? Oh yes!
Sun and Skin Damage: What You Need to Know Now
Everyone can be affected by sun damage. It may look different skin tone to skin tone, but it’s essentially the sun prematurely ageing skin. Dark marks, sun spots and wrinkles can show up on all skin types. Sun exposure without SPF protection can also cause skin cancer later in life.
This was all summed up in a report by the Boston Medical Centre, which stated that even if you feel like you have a natural protection thanks to your darker skin, you should still be applying broad-spectrum sunscreen – ideally one with an SPF of 30 or higher – to your face and body every two hours. Getting into this good habit means preventing wrinkles, dark marks and age spots.
READ MORE: Benefits Of Using Rose Water In Your Beauty Routine
Healthy Skin Starts With Sunscreen
Those with darker skin are more likely to experience dark marks and post-inflammatory dark marks left behind by injuries to the skin like blemishes. Sun exposure only makes these dark marks more pronounced. The best manner of protection is always guarding skin against UV radiation. So, what do you need from your sunscreen? Consider your skin type and conditions (like ageing for instance) when reaching a formula that suits your needs.
Oily Skin
NIVEA SUN UV Face Shine Control Cream SPF50 means a non-greasy, non-oily skin feel, that doesn’t add extra tackiness. This is often an issue for oily skin and sun protection. Instead, it mattifies skin, absorbing excess oil from the surface.
Hydrating (essential for oily skin), it’s highly effective with immediate UVA/UVB protection against sunburn and premature skin ageing. Naturally derived antioxidant supports skin protection against sun damage.
Mature Skin
NIVEA SUN UV Face Anti-Age Q10 SPF50 has a potent Q10 anti-oxidant formula specifically for de-ageing skin. Pigment spots, fine lines and wrinkles all get the support they need with this moisturising texture. Instant UVA/UVB protects against sunburn and further ageing. The benefit of naturally derived antioxidants gives your complexion more guard against the sun and the harm it causes.
Sensitive Skin
NIVEA SUN UV Face Sensitive Protection SPF50 comes with the power of three; immediate protection from UV skin damage, sun allergies (and irritations) and none of that greasy feeling that makes sunscreen a bother on your skin. Also – and very importantly – it’s non-fragranced with sustainable creds thanks to its Ocean Respect formula.
Take One for The Team
Body SPF & Family Favourite NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Trigger Spray SPF50+ is an ideal all-rounder for the whole family, with a handy trigger spray, its quick-apply mechanism is suitable for all skin types, providing water resistance as well as long-lasting moisture.
For the kids try the NIVEA SUN Kids SPF50+ Caring Sun Spray which is specially formulated to provide your little one’s skin with maximum protection from harmful UVA and UVB sun rays. Made with a moisturising and caring formula that is non-sticky- and it’s extra water resistant.
