Sunscreen 101: Here’s Everything You Need To Know Before Aussie Summer Hits

Summer is right around the corner and knowing how to protect your skin in the hotter months when UV rays are at their most intense is essential. 

We’ll explore everything you should know about sunscreen to get the most out of it this Aussie summer, including the different types of sunscreens, what to look out for, how it works, when to reapply and more. 

What is Sunscreen?

As the name suggests, sunscreen acts as a protective screen on your skin that lessens and prevents damage caused by UV (ultraviolet) rays. 

There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral. Each type works in a slightly different way to protect your skin from UV exposure. Chemical sunscreens contain filters that absorb UV rays, converting them into harmless heat which the body can release. Physical sunscreens work by reflecting UV rays off your skin.

Chemical sunscreens tend to feel better on the skin and can be formulated to feel lighter and less greasy. Physical sunscreens have a tendency to feel more sticky and can leave a white cast on the skin.

What’s the Difference Between UVA and UVB?

There are two types of radiation emitted by the sun: UVA and UVB rays. Each type impacts your skin differently, although both create free radical damage. 

UVA rays tend to be the source of sun-induced ageing. When you think of freckles, hyperpigmentation, decreased skin elasticity and wrinkles that emerge after sun exposure, those are likely caused by UVA.

UVB rays are what cause sunburns. Although you’ll feel a sunburn rapidly after excess UVB exposure, they also increase your longer-term risk of skin cancer.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it tells you how well your sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays. Specifically, the SPF number tells you how long your skin will be protected from sunburn for. 

The SPF number corresponds to how much your skin’s sunburn threshold is increased by. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will increase sunburn protection by 30 times, while SPF50+ will offer at least 50 times as much sunburn resistance compared to what your skin would have unprotected by sunscreen.

It’s best to choose a very high level of SPF protection, so opt for sunscreens with an SPF of 50+ as much as possible. 

Why Look for Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?

While it’s important to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF rating, it’s also essential to look for sunscreens offering ‘broad spectrum’ protection. Broad spectrum sunscreens not only protect against UVB rays, but also against UVA rays, giving your skin the best protection possible. 

Certain sunscreen brands e.g. NIVEA SUN only make broad spectrum sun protection sunscreens, which can make choosing a sunscreen easier. 

When do you Need to Wear Sunscreen?

Everyday! Making sunscreen a daily habit is the best way to protect your skin against the harmful effects of the sun. 

The pleasant formulations of NIVEA Sun SPF 50 UV Face Sensitive, NIVEA Sun UV Face Sunscreen Shine Control SPF50+ and NIVEA Sun UV Face Sunscreen BB Cream SPF50+, which are broad spectrum, dermatologically approved and designed to feel light on the skin with a non-greasy and 0% sticky feeling can make it easier to incorporate a sunscreen into your everyday routine. 

It’s especially important to have sunscreen on when UV levels are above moderate, or the UV index is over 3. During Australia’s summer months, bear in mind the varying UV levels throughout the day. As a general rule of thumb, UV levels are highest during the middle of the day when the sun is in the highest position in the sky. 

You can keep track of UV levels via the Bureau of Meteorology, whose forecasts will advise when the UV index looks set to be three or higher.

How Often Should you Reapply Sunscreen?

All good things come to an end and that includes the protection sunscreen provides. Your sunscreen will tell you how often you need to reapply (typically every 2–4 hours) in order for your skin to continue to be protected. 

What is Water Resistance?

Some sunscreens, such as NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture SPF50+ Sunscreen, will be labelled ‘water resistant’. These sunscreens will continue to protect your skin even while you’re in the water, unlike regular sunscreens which lose their effectiveness once they get wet. 

If you’re going to be swimming, sweating or towelling off, you should still re-apply your sunscreen as soon as you’re dry.

Is Sunscreen Alone Enough?

Finally, as crucial as sunscreen is to protecting yourself against the harsh summer sun, it’s only one line of defence. Be sure to cover up, seek out shade and wear sunnies and a wide-brimmed hat as much as possible. 

_{Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently.}