Beauty Diary: If you’re doing this in a bikini, it’s ageing you fast
Young Aussies are guilty of spreading a new bikini trend that is not only potentially “dangerous”, it’s also making them look old.
Face & Body
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It should go without saying that wearing sunscreen, and more importantly avoiding sunburn, is a must. Especially in Australia.
A staggering two in three in Australians will get skin cancer in their lifetime due to the harsh UVA levels in our country. These are the highest rates in the world.
But while awareness about sun-safe habits has never been higher, and the “Slip, Slop, Slap” campaign has become ingrained in Aussie culture, recent data shows that only half (53.9 per cent) of Australians are using three or more forms of sun protection. The Cancer Council recommends we adopt five, including clothing, sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, sunnies and shade.
The numbers are even lower with young Australians, as stats suggest fewer than one in ten 18 to 30-year-olds take necessary sun precautions.
This has become glaringly evident with the rise of a worrying new Gen Z trend that has been filling social media feeds in recent weeks where influencers show off their “tanning routines”.
Many clips show young women wearing tiny bikinis with angry red skin, while other videos contain tutorials on how to “rawdog” in the sun.
The alarming hashtag “#sunburnttanlines” currently has more than 200 million views on TikTok – and has prompted calls from experts to end the “dangerous” videos.
“Can we not,” wrote Melbourne pharmaceutical scientist and author of Your Best Skin, Hannah English, on an informative video highlighting there is “no such thing as a healthy tan”.
One of the most shocking things many people don’t realise about sun damage, is that it actually accelerates ageing, studies have shown.
Considering the average age at which consumers begin using anti-ageing products is just 26, it seems likely that young sunbakers are hitting fast-forward on things such as wrinkles, pigmentation and even skin cancer.
Instead of getting incensed at those promoting the #sunburnttanlines on social media, I wanted to share a few products that not only care for skin – but also protect it from damaging sun rays.
Three Warriors Radiant Complexion Serum
Available at David Jones, Adore Beauty and threewarriors.com.au
Price: $80
Can’t survive without that “sun-kissed glow”? No problem. I’ve got you covered. This serum is packed with a range of hydrating ingredients that nourishes skin and it leaves the most subtle hint of fake-tan. The colour is buildable, it’s very lightweight and best of all – no sunburn required to get the desired effect. We love.
Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+
Available at Sephora and ultraviolette.com.au
Price: $52
Boost your longevity by wearing sunscreen. There are so many on the market now, including a range of affordable ones. Cult-Aussie “skinscreen” brand Ultra Violette recently released this “next generation SPF”, a “superlight mineral sunscreen” that contains factor 50+ protection. Always use as directed. Reapply often.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer
Available at Sephora
Price: $49
Fake the shimmer of sun hitting your skin with this unreal illuminator. The liquid applies with a silky finish and gives a gorgeous shimmer that sparkles in even the dullest of conditions. This is one of my favourite products of all time. It’s divine.
Naked Sundays UV Hair Protectant Mist
Available at nakedsundays.com
Price: $39.90
Don’t forget about your head and hair. If you do head to the beach, because hello, salt water is life – a common area of the body commonly forgotten when it comes to sun protection is the scalp and hair. This lightweight leave-in hair mist is super conditioning and helps defend locks against the sun’s harsh UV rays. The “world first” item is one I didn’t even know I needed until recently, but it’s now with me every time I hit the beach.
Always use as directed. Reapply often.
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Originally published as Beauty Diary: If you’re doing this in a bikini, it’s ageing you fast