So we live in AUSTRALIA and we all know by now the importance of sunscreen, many of us still never fail to come up with excuses not to use it every day: too greasy, makes your skin look white, it smells. But the biggest turn-off when we consider the use of sunscreen is the breakouts and irritation it can cause.
"Many people are quite sensitive to sunscreen chemicals causing irritated eyes, rashes and dermatitis - says Michelle. There are a lot of sunscreens on the market that contain harsh chemicals that can burn and inflame the skin. Our modern skincare industry is producing some amazing quality sunscreens that are both focused on skin health and environment too".
If you are not sure about the difference of sunscreen ingredients and how to use them - read here - this explains
Sunscreen is a must-have all year, but the summertime is arguably the most crucial season to slather it on since most of us spend more time outdoors than usual, and the UV index is at its highest. “Sunscreen protects our skin from melanoma and UV light damage that leads to the breakdown of elastin and collagen - we want these!” says Michelle from Skin Nerd Australia
But in the summer, when your skin is already more prone to acne and breakouts thanks to an increase of oil and sweat, it can make you more hesitant to layer on sunscreen for fear of clogged pores. “When it’s hot out, the body cools itself by creating moisture. However, more sweat can increase bacteria that can ultimately cause more breakouts,”. If we think about the environments where we most liberally apply its at the beach - add a mixture of sweat from heat, fine little particles of sand and bingo you have a lovely environment for micro congestion.
Again we apply sunscreen mainly when doing outdoor activities - gardening, running, bike riding, park adventures - these all have some element of sweat and outdoor dirt and grime.
We wouldn't change this for the world as we all need to encourage outdoor activities more than ever...we just need to perfect 'How we actually remove it!'
Its all about the CLEANSE!
Sunscreen is designed to be sweat and water resistant so it requires a quality cleanse and wash to remove the medium that protects our skin so well. Although the SPF reduces to nil after 4 hours the actual product cream and humectant applied remains and we layer it more than once to protect our skin.
Below are a few hot tips to remember when coming home from your summer activity
- Always have a Luke Warm to Warm Shower - this will help soften the left over cream and remove it more efficiently
- Use Shower Gel for your body and your facial cleanser and remember as we always say "60 seconds minimum massage to ensure all the cream is broken down" .
- You MUST remove with a Face Washer/ Cloth - the splash remove will only shift the cleansing product and not take away the residual sunscreen. What better product to use than a Cleansing Cloth. The shammy like texture will swipe over the skin removing all traces of sunscreen - so much so you will see it tint the cloth! Just remember wash it with a little body wash to remove so its clean for your next cleanse.
REMEMBER ALSO
In the summer, we tend to sweat heavily in more places, so the chest, back, shoulders, and hairline can all be more prone to breakouts. Make sure when in the shower your concentrate on these areas too.
WHAT CLEANSER SHOULD YOU USE?
Any cleanser that is your normal one is fine - you don't need to go all super strength cray cray and select something that is going to destroy your skin at the same time. Just use it correctly - 60 seconds and remove with your cloth.
Changing it up for these kind of moments means we often put our skin under stress. It likes the same thing used daily regardless of its external situation. Gentle but effective is best!
WHAT SUNSCREENS ARE THE BEST?
There are so many formulas on the market now its really a personal choice when it comes to what you prefer.
You should look for and consider your environment - UVB Zinc protectors work best for outdoor use, UVA chemical protectors work well if you see a lot of violet ray from indoors. (yep we get UV damage from things like bright lights, computer screens - it basically feels like we expose our skin 24/7 to things that age it!
Avoid sprays and aerosol can version as these are not providing you with efficient application - basically pointless!
Happy Summer TCC fans - remember to tag us in some summer loving skin cleansing following your beach days
Michelle x
