Not all sunblocks are created equal.
According to Richard Parker, Founder and Director of Research at high-performance hybrid skincare brand Rationale, you should only use sunscreens that contain natural zinc oxide as an active ingredient.
Read on for everything you need to know about protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Plus expert tips on how to keep your tattoos looking fresh all summer long.
Sunscreen absorbs UV rays before they can damage the skin, while sunscreen blocks them like a shield
Chemical sunscreen versus physical sunscreen
A chemical sunscreen absorbs the sun’s harmful UV rays before they can damage your skin.
It is often thin in consistency, contains skin-boosting ingredients and is ideal for daily use.
Physical sunscreen is also called mineral sunscreen. It sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays like a shield.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the main active ingredients in physical blocks.
Physical sunscreens provide immediate protection, while chemical sunscreens require time to absorb before exposure to the sun.
“If you’re going to get wet, whether from swimming or sweating, a water-resistant zinc sunscreen is the best choice,” says Richard Parker.
‘Water-resistant sunscreens contain heavy oils and waxes that repel water, but they feel heavy and can clog your pores. Only use this if you are sure you will burn, for example on the beach in the summer.’
This is not the time to cut corners. The right amount and application are essential
For maximum protection, a chemical sunscreen should be applied to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outside to allow the product to bond to the skin.
It should be applied to any part of the body exposed to the sun, avoiding your eyes and mouth.
Ears, feet and back of the neck are the most common areas overlooked.
Experts recommend using the amount of sunscreen needed to fit into a shot glass over the entire body.
“When you’re outside, you should apply sunscreen every two hours on average, especially if you’re physically active,” says Richard.
For the face, he recommends Rationale #3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+ serum.
‘RATIONALE #3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+ is a new type of zinc oxide sunscreen called Superfluid, which is super light and only needs to be applied once a day.’
It spreads very quickly, thinly and evenly over the skin and provides invisible zinc protection.
To apply, ‘take a few drops onto your fingertips, warm them between your hands, then lightly press and glide over your face, neck and backs of hands.’
Before makeup, a real sunscreen should always be applied
Apply SPF before makeup
Many foundations and blushes offer sun-protective elements, but when worn alone they don’t provide the right amount of protection your skin needs.
A proper sunscreen should always be the last step of your morning routine, taking about five minutes to soak in before applying makeup.
Any makeup that contains SPF is considered an added bonus.
According to Richard, RATIONALE #3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+ replaces makeup foundations, which have an unreliable SPF.
‘It contains zinc and iron oxides that help prevent sun damage and leave skin looking even, dewy and radiant.’
La Roche-Posay (named the fastest growing skincare brand by NielsenIQ for the second year in a row) is recommended by dermatologists worldwide and is very popular on social media.
Beauty junkies are raving about the brand’s Anthelios UV Hydra Sunscreen with SPF 50.
The daily hydrating sunscreen with hyaluronic acid provides hydrated, healthier-looking skin and a dewy finish with a barely-there texture that blends invisibly on all skin tones and skin types – and it’s affordable!
Before you make a splash, opt for a water-resistant sunscreen
Sunscreens are available in the form of lotions, sprays, gels, powders and oils.
But if you’re going to get wet, either from swimming or sweating, Richard says a water-resistant zinc sunscreen is the best choice.
‘Water-resistant sunscreens contain heavy oils and waxes that repel water, but they feel heavy and can clog your pores.
‘Only use this if you are sure you will burn, for example on the beach in the summer.’
Erin Murray, SVP of Marketing at Mad Rabbit, recommends a sunblock of at least 30 to protect body art
Tattoo care is a must
“During the summer months, several factors can affect your tattoo, such as exposure to pool water or ocean water,” says Erin Murray, SVP of Marketing at Mad Rabbit.
‘Although pool and ocean water can dry out skin and dull tattoos, prolonged sun exposure is the main concern.’
The harsh rays of the sun can significantly affect the appearance of body ink if proper precautions are not taken.
“The most effective preventive measures include applying sunscreen and putting on protective clothing,” says Erin.
Sun protective clothing, also called UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Fabric) clothing, is made of fabrics that can absorb, reflect or block UV rays.
Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants can also help; only avoid fabrics with an open weave.
‘In situations where protective clothing is not feasible, such as at the beach, it is essential to apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 90-120 minutes,’ says Erin.
‘Personally, I prefer physical sunscreens containing zinc and/or titanium over chemical sunscreens as they are less likely to be absorbed by the body.’
According to the expert, a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is required. She prefers Mad Rabbit SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen for both colored and black body art.
‘The care remains the same; however, in my experience, the fading can be more noticeable, especially with colored tattoos.”
The expert suggests applying aftercare products such as the Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm to tattoos that have been affected by environmental factors to restore their vibrancy.
‘It is of utmost importance that your tattoo is not exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
“Regardless of the season or the activities you do, protecting your tattoo from the sun’s rays should always be your top priority,” Erin emphasizes.
