The Beauty Diary: How to avoid SPF mistakes we’re all guilty of
It’s easy to forget things we do every day when on holiday – but this simple mistake can have serious ramifications once you get home.
It’s the final step in your skincare routine, but don’t let its last place deceive you – sunscreen is the most vital product you can put on your face.
It prevents painful sunburn and cuts your risk of developing skin cancer – oh, and it is also the best way to prevent wrinkles.
But for some reason so many of us are still not using sunscreen on our faces (or the rest of our bodies for that matter) every day, and if we are, we’re making basic mistakes with the application.
So how do you shoehorn sunscreen into your routine until it becomes a habit? Charlotte Pienaar, the founder of the US’s best-selling SPF brand Everyday Humans, says it’s about making it easy enough it won’t feel like a chore.
“SPF is one of those nagging mum things that takes education to understand the importance of preventive care,” she told news.com.au’s The Beauty Diary.
“Most people prioritise steps that have visual results like hydration and exfoliation over prevention. But it’s actually the most important step of your skincare routine.”
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Because of this, Charlotte set about creating a sunscreen that aids skin as well as protects it – and the result? An SPF serum that feels and acts like skincare with all the benefits of sunscreen.
“I wanted a sunscreen that you can wear alone and can also play well with make-up,” Charlotte said.
COMMON SUNSCREEN MISTAKES
According to Charlotte – and pretty much every skincare expert will agree – most people either aren’t applying sunscreen at all or are using too little.
Australian guidelines state you need one teaspoon of sunscreen per limb, which for your face is your head and neck. But it’s kind of a confusing measurement considering most of us apply sunscreen in the bathroom where there’s no cutlery to hand.
But Charlotte recommends the two finger rule, saying it’s “go-to” instruction when in doubt.
It’s not an exact science, but she said it will give you “roughly” the right amount to ensure your face and neck are adequately protected from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Of course, you need to remember to reapply every two hours.
Another easy mistake to make is to not apply during winter or during periods indoors such as isolation which we’ve all become accustomed to lately.
“During the winter a lot of people think they should wear less sunscreen because it isn’t as sunny, but UVA/UVB rays don’t go on holiday during the winter. They’re still around,” she said. As are rays coming through your windows.
She also points out people can easily miss areas on their face, leaving them with burnt patches – something I am all too familiar with. I am forever accidentally ignoring the bridge of my nose and have to remind myself constantly to go over it.
Last year I went overseas before coronavirus happened and snapped this selfie as a reminder not to keep making the same mistake – but I know I’m not the only person who forgets, especially on holiday.
“A lot of people tend to forget about their ears and the outer corners of their eyes,” Charlotte explained.
“Personally I forget sometimes too, but I always remind myself that sunscreen helps with anti-ageing, and I want to delay those crows feet for as long as I can.”
It’s not just your face you need to think about, with your head and hair often being ignored too.
“Much like our skin, our hair strands also suffer when it comes to the sun,” Virginie Gayssot, Head of Education at Franck Provost salons, told The Beauty Diary.
“Sun damage can come in the forms of dry and brittle strands, broken or split ends, thinning and frizziness and of course can wreak havoc on your colour – fading your colour faster and leaving it looking dull.”
For blondes this will turn your locks an almost yellow shade and for darker colours, the harsh UVA/UVB rays can change the pigment of the colour making it look almost reddish.
While red heads will notice their vibrant shades turning coppery.
To avoid this, Virginie recommends wearing a hat when going in the sun.
“A wide brim one will also cover your face,” she said.
“If you plan to go swimming (either at the beach or in chlorine) tie your hair up and use some leave in conditioner.
“Rinse hair as soon as you get out of the water.”
Another option is a hair sunscreen. Virginie recommends the Kérastase Soleil range which “provides effective sun and UV protection for hair”.
Here are a few new sunscreen products I’ve been loving this summer – none of them sting your eyes, they all sit well under make-up and they are super easy to use.
EVERYDAY HUMANS RESTING BEACH FACE
Available at Sephora and everyday-humans.com
Price: $41
First of all, kudos for such a clever name. How can anyone resist buying this from the name alone? I’m certain you can’t. But if humour isn’t enough to snag your coins, then this review probably will because this sunscreen is amazeballs.
While this isn’t the first skincare meets sunscreen hybrid on the market (Melbourne brand Ultra Violette have been doing it for a few years) it is the first one I have come across that truly applies like a serum. It’s super light on the skin, is extremely hydrating and gives a glowy finish – plus it protects from those harmful sun rays.
What I really loved about this was how versatile it was. When I wore it under make-up it didn’t pill or cake and when I couldn’t be bothered with foundation, it made my skin look luminous and glassy.
The non-sticky formula was quick absorbing and has a lovely fresh scent to it – the only issue I could find with it was the fact it is an SPF30 which during an Australian summer is not ideal so make sure you reapply this regularly throughout the day (it’s a great option for this reapplication hack). Overall though, very impressed.
BONDI SANDS HYDRA UV PROTECT SPF 50+ FACE LOTION
Available at Priceline and
Price: $22.95
If you’re looking for an SPF that’s fuss free and easy to use – give this a whirl. First off, its price point is much gentler on the pocket than some of the “skinscreen” products on shelves.
It’s a lush light formula that sinks in fast and leaves skin soft and without that greasy sheen some sunscreens can give. It wears beautifully under make-up and doesn’t pill. It really is fab for your face.
LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS XL INVISIBLE FLUID SPF 50+
Available at Chemist Warehouse and Priceline
Price: $29.95
La Roche-Posay have improved the “ultra light” formula with a super lightweight sunscreen that applies “invisible”, making it suitable for all skin types and tones.
It’s fragrance-free, has the highest level of UVA protection and dermatogically tested for sensitive skin, making it a winner in my book. There’s also a tinted version for those that want a bit of light coverage without make-up.
My favourite thing about this sunscreen is it’s really hydrating, even applying like a moisturiser without that sticky feeling nobody likes.
This column is not advertorial content. Every review is independent, honest and ad free.
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