Sunscreen for Face and Body
Sunscreen is your skin’s best friend 365 days a year
If you’ve ever experienced a northern hemisphere summer, you’ll know that UV up there isn’t nearly as strong as UV down here in New Zealand. There’s something about the Kiwi sun that bites deep, making UV exposure a major health and beauty risk.
Our powerful sun isn’t just a summer problem. In New Zealand, UV is potentially damaging in every season. So, if you value your good looks and wellness, sunscreen should be a year-round daily habit.
What makes New Zealand’s sun so powerful?
There are three reasons why New Zealand’s sun is more likely to cause visible ageing and skin damage, compared to countries in the northern hemisphere:
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Sun’s orbit: The Earth is closer to the Sun during the southern hemisphere’s summer, meaning stronger UV rays. On the other hand, the northern hemisphere’s summer happens when the Earth is further from the Sun.
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Ozone layer: The ozone layer, which absorbs and blocks UV radiation, is naturally thinner over the southern hemisphere, especially near Antarctica. This allows more UV rays to reach the ground.
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Clean air: The southern hemisphere generally has less air pollution than the northern hemisphere. Pollution acts as a barrier to UV radiation, so New Zealand’s clearer skies allow more UV rays to penetrate the atmosphere.
Why is NZ’s sun even stronger by the sea and up the mountains?
UV levels are higher at the beach, on the water and up in the mountains due to reflective and atmospheric factors. At the beach and on water, surfaces like sand and water reflect UV rays, effectively doubling exposure as rays bounce around. In the mountains, the thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes offers less protection against UV rays, allowing more intense solar radiation to reach your skin. New Zealand’s beautifully clear skies amplify this effect.
If you live on the coast or in a high country area, you need to be doubly careful about protecting your exposed skin year-round.
Make sunscreen an everyday habit
Sunscreen is essential every day of the year, to protect exposed skin from New Zealand’s strong UV rays, which contribute to visible ageing and skin cancer. Up to 90% of skin aging and most skin cancers are caused by unprotected sun exposure. The damage is cumulative and can occur in as little as 10 minutes in the sun.
When you’re using sunscreen, don’t stop at your neck. Think of all the skin that gets exposed – your décolletage, forearms and the back of your hands. If you wear skirts and dresses, your lower legs also deserve protection.
Sunscreen for face protection: After cleansing and toning, apply your usual moisturiser followed by your choice of sunscreen. At Crisp Home + Wear, we stock high quality sunscreens by We Are Feel Good Inc., an Australian company that makes trusted products, especially for the southern hemisphere. For face protection, you could choose their Good Morning SPF50 or pick a tinted sunscreen such as their Tinted Sticky Zinc, which has attained cult status in Australia. They also do a tinted sunscreen stick, which is very handy when you’re on holiday.
Sunscreen for body protection: Moisturiser helps skin to stay hydrated and smooth, while sunscreen helps you to avoid unsightly pigmentation (aka age spots), wrinkling and skin cancer. After you’ve moisturised your décolletage, arms and legs, add a layer of sunscreen to areas that will be exposed to daylight. And don’t forget the backs of your hands – they tell the story of your age before any other part of you. A good product for body skin is Wild Rosella SPF 50 Sunscreen.
How do sunscreens work?
Sunscreen forms a protective barrier on your skin to block or absorb harmful UV rays. Physical sunscreens, containing minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays away, acting as a shield. They work as soon as they’re applied and are ideal if you need sunscreen for sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and transforms them into harmless heat, which is then released from the skin.
Some of the chemicals used in consumer sunscreens are known to be problematic, especially oxybenzone and octinoxate. We’re pleased to report that We Are Feel Good Inc formulations use a mix of chemical and mineral sunscreen ingredients that are known to be safe. Read more about We Are Feel Good Inc. products on their website.
Can wearing sunscreen stop you from getting enough Vitamin D?
While sunscreen reduces the amount of UVB rays that reach your skin, it doesn’t block them entirely. Studies show that even with daily sunscreen use, your skin can still produce the Vitamin D you need. Spending just 15 minutes outside a few times a week is usually enough.
If you’re worried about your Vitamin D levels, talk to your doctor. They may recommend supplements, which are a safe and effective way to ensure you’re getting enough.
Do people with darker skin really need sunscreen?
While darker skin contains more melanin, which provides some natural protection against UVB rays, it doesn’t block UVA rays. These are the rays that penetrate deep into the skin, causing damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.
Sunscreen helps protect all skin tones from harmful UV rays. Plus, it can prevent hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, common concerns for people with darker skin.
How much sunscreen should you use?
Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen, which means their skin is under-protected. For your face and neck, use about a teaspoon. For your arms, chest and legs, you’ll need around a shot glass worth. Reapply every two hours in summer, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
We Are Feel Good’s sunscreens are water-resistant for up to four hours, making them perfect for outdoor adventures. Be sure to reapply after towel-drying.
What about SPF moisturisers?
While moisturiser with SPF provides some protection, it’s not enough if you’re spending time outdoors. Moisturisers with SPF are primarily designed for hydration, not robust sun protection, and may not offer broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB rays.
Can you still tan with sunscreen?
Yes, you can still tan while wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen is designed to block most UV rays, but no product can block 100%. For example, SPF 50 blocks 98% of UV rays, allowing about 2% to reach your skin, which can cause tanning. Keep in mind that tanning is a sign of skin damage, as it occurs when your body increases melanin to protect itself.