February. Always one of our hottest months. Stay sun safe!
Canvas cotton canopy. Retro tassel fringing. Natural wood pole. Pool, beach, picnic … this Llandudno Beach Traveller Umbrella is the bomb. It has a UPF50+ canvas cotton canopy, an adjustable hinge, so you can move it with the sun, and is big enough for two. There’s also a minimalist carrier bag. Summer never looked so good! R2450 from thebeachbumscpt.com
Stay hydrated. The Field Bottle is a fully insulated, double walled, stainless steel drinking flask … this Beach Stripes design collection in orchard orange ticks the glam Summer box. R799 from fieldbar.co.za
Finding the correct sun cream
Sun protection is a crucial element of healthy skin, but finding the right sun cream can be a challenge. Let’s face it … some of us have sensitive skin, others oily, we want safe options for our children and are worried about hyperpigmentation. Hello Bioderma’s Photoderm range … who boast they have a product for each skin type and each skin condition under the sun! There are options for sensitive skin (gentle, high-protection formulas minimise irritation and allergies), for oily a acne-prone skin (lightweight, non-comedogenic options prevent breakouts), for dry skin (hydrating sun cream that provides essential moisture alongside protection), for those with hyperpigmentation concerns (formulas with specific ingredients help prevent and minimise dark spots) and for children and babies. With most having an SPF50+, there’s a cream for blue light protection, and those with natural, light and golden tints. What we love … the creams are non-sticky, water resistant, fast absorbing and invisible. You’ll find the range, from around R245, at DisChem and Clicks.
Lamelle’s ground-breaking Helase 50+ is a multi-functional, anti-ageing sun protection product that transcends SPF by providing better protection against the entire spectrum of sunlight, while the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol destroys harmful free radicals to decrease the number of harmful enzymes that cause thinning and sagging of the skin. On top of this, it decreases the damaging and ageing inflammation in the skin while actively stopping the effects of ageing on the skin and keeping the skin’s immunity intact when exposed to sunlight. It is suitable for the whole family, all skin tones, and all skin types. R640 from dermastore.co.za
Six common sun protection myths we need to stop believing
Nowadays we have access to a wealth of information. Yet there is so much misinformation available at our fingertips that even the most sceptical of us are at risk of being fooled. This is particularly true when it comes to skincare and sun protection.
From old wives’ tales to uninformed advice being punted on social media, most of us are at risk of being exposed to a sun protection myth (or ten!) this summer.
Lamelle Research Laboratories have debunked a few of the most common sun protection myths to ensure we stay protected this season and beyond.
Myth You only need to use sun protection when it’s sunny outside.
Truth While we are more likely to get a painful sunburn when it is sunny outside, did you know that the sun’s UV rays can damage our skin even on overcast and rainy days? UVA rays are responsible for accelerated ageing and cellular DNA damage, and unfortunately for us, they are present all year round – regardless of the weather. This means you must apply a good quality, broad-spectrum SPF product daily, irrespective of the season.
Myth The higher the SPF, the stronger the sun protection. Truth The sun protection factor (SPF) number on your sunscreen tube applies to time – not to strength. Let’s say you can spend ten minutes outdoors before your skin starts to burn. An SPF 30 would then protect your skin for thirty times longer, which, in this case, is 300 minutes. If you were to apply an SPF 50, it would protect your skin for 500 minutes. The SPF number is directly proportional to the amount of time you are protected rather than the strength of the protection.
Myth Sun protection products are not safe for babies and children.
Truth Many skincare products are unsuitable for children, and this may include some sun protection products, but plenty of available sunscreens are safe for young skin. Babies and young children are extremely vulnerable to sunburn, so it is imperative to protect their skin with a suitable SPF from around the age of six months and up. If you are unsure whether a sun protection product is suitable for your child, consult your medical practitioner or the brand in question.
Myth Darker skin tones do not need to apply SPF.
Truth A common misconception is that only very fair and Caucasian skin tones need sun protection. Even though it is not always visible, people with darker skin tones can still get sunburnt, and even worse, they are also vulnerable to developing skin cancer. The truth is that all skin types, from the very lightest to the very deepest need SPF protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Myth Sunscreen is toxic and contains harmful chemicals.
Truth Modern sunscreen formulations have come a long way. Not only have their textures, efficacy, and scents improved, but brands have also worked to improve their formulations to be beneficial and safe. Sunscreen is safe. This is one of the most important myths to debunk, because when people do not use sunscreen out of fear, it is incredibly detrimental to their health. If you are concerned about the safety of sun protection products, we recommend researching to find a brand you can trust. Look for a credible skincare brand whose formulas are backed by science and clinical trials and who have a strong reputation. If you have questions, ask them. Ask your doctor, your therapist or the brand in question. It’s important not to stay silent if you have concerns.
Myth You don’t need to reapply waterproof sunscreen.
Truth The terms waterproof and water-resistant are somewhat misleading because they imply that your sun protection product remains on the skin even after being in the water. There is no such thing as actual waterproof sunscreen, as all SPF products will wash off from the skin eventually. Experts recommend reapplying your SPF after every swim or every two hours if your skin stays dry.
Details: lamelle.co.za
