How simply slapping on sunscreen can save you money on your beauty routine

Expert says Australians determined to stay young can save a bundle by simply slapping on some sunscreen each day and sticking to a simple and consistent beauty regime.

Australians hellbent on staying young should stop throwing their money at the lucrative beauty industry and instead slip, slop, slap, say experts.

Overpriced creams and cleansers and the latest craze in serums are just good marketing that can never replace sunscreen.

Dr Ian McColl, a consultant dermatologist at Queensland’s John Flynn Hospital Medical Centre and a Fellow of the Skin Cancer College Australasia, says it’s never too late to start applying sunscreen.

“When people come to me in their late 40s or early 50s I tell them it is never too late to get serious about sun protection but they really will need the lasers, peels, and fillers to make significant improvements to their skin and these treatments don’t come cheap,” he says.

Grace Baldwin applying sunscreen and skincare producs from Coles to help protect her skin. Picture: David Caird

“So for beauty on a budget, start early on good sun protection and keep it up all your life.

“Like most preventive measures you need to start before you think you actually need it.

“When I do a skin check the last area I look at are the buttocks and even in the worst sun offenders their buttock skin looks white, unwrinkled and like the proverbial baby’s bottom. There is a message there I think.”

The Skin Centre’s Dr Michael Freeman agrees.

“Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!” he insists for healthy looking skin.

And if you do go down the path of laser treatments, best you leave it to medical professionals.

“The dermatologist has a deeper understanding of the skin than beauticians,” Freeman says.

“The difference will be more appropriate treatments with less complications. Notwithstanding that the added safety will come at a price.”

CONSISTENT AND SIMPLE

Sydney-based integrative cosmetic specialist Madeline Calfas says the most cost-effective way to get great results is keeping a “consistent” and “simple” beauty regimen.

“Don’t over-complicate it. I find the majority of people get bamboozled – it doesn’t have to be 100 different products,” she says.

Madeline Calfas says cleanser, moisturiser, an active ingredient (product) and sunscreen is a good way to start a skincare routine.

“Cleanser, moisturiser, an active ingredient (product) and sunscreen is a good way to start a skincare routine that won’t break the bank or take too much time.”

Coles executive general manager for packaged grocery, Jonathan Torr, says Australians are turning to supermarkets for their quality, well-priced beauty and cosmetic needs.

“Our cosmetics category has seen double digit growth over the past three months alone compared to the same period last year,” Torr says.

“The pandemic has certainly contributed to the growth of the category with customers now more than ever looking to their local supermarket for more affordable and quality beauty needs.”

He says Coles is always looking for high-quality products, a diverse range and affordability.

“Offering great value is not just about price but also the quality of our product range which we’re always looking to improve, particularly in our Coles own brand and exclusive to Coles brands such as KOi, Zena, Urban Colour cosmetics and recently launched Coles brand Defuzzer, Gua Sha and Jade roller to give customers affordable beauty options,” Torr says.

Originally published as How simply slapping on sunscreen can save you money on your beauty routine