Summer is a time for sunshine, but with all that extra time outdoors comes an increased need to protect your skin. Sun exposure may feel good in the moment, but it can cause long-term damage if you’re not careful.
Repeated sun exposure without protection speeds up skin aging and significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma—the deadliest form. According to dermatologists, consistent use of sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to reduce your lifetime risk. Even when you’re not sunbathing, activities like walking the dog, driving, or sitting by a window expose your skin to UV rays. So make sun protection a daily habit. Protecting your skin with the right sunscreen helps:
- Prevent sunburn and skin irritation
- Reduce the risk of skin cancer
- Prevent premature aging and hyperpigmentation
Understanding the types of UV radiation and how to choose the right sunscreen is the first step toward keeping your skin healthy and glowing.
UVA and UVB rays: what’s the difference?
The sun emits two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays that affect the skin:
- UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin. They are primarily responsible for premature aging, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots. UVA rays are present year-round and can pass through windows and clouds.
- UVB rays affect the surface of the skin. They’re the main cause of sunburn and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. UVB intensity peaks during the summer months and midday hours.
Both UVA and UVB rays can damage your skin’s DNA, leading to aging, sunburn, and increased cancer risk. That’s why consistent sun protection is essential—even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors near windows.
Choosing the right sunscreen
Here’s what to look for when selecting a sunscreen this summer:
1. Broad-Spectrum Protection – choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to ensure protection from both UVA and UVB rays. If it’s not labelled broad-spectrum, it’s not offering complete defence.
2. SPF 30 or Higher – SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to protection against UVB rays. An SPF of 30 blocks about 97% of UVB radiation. While higher SPFs offer marginally more protection, SPF 30 or above is the minimum recommended, especially during extended sun exposure.
3. Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens – physical sunscreens – also known as mineral sunscreens—use natural active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These work by reflecting UV rays off the skin rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens.
Mineral sunscreens are: great for sensitive or acne-prone skin, effective immediately upon application, less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions
How to apply for maximum protection
- Apply generously: Use about a shot glass (1 oz) for your entire body. For the face it should be at least half a teaspoon.
- Don’t miss spots: Ears, neck, tops of feet, and back of hands are commonly neglected.
- Reapply often: Every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
- Make it a daily habit: UV damage happens even on overcast days.
Final thoughts
Enjoy the summer sun, but do it safely. With the right sunscreen—broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and preferably mineral-based—you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. Prevention today means healthier, more youthful skin tomorrow.
Dermalogica sunscreen recommendation.
Dynamic Skin Recovery Spf50 Moisturiser – hydrating, firming age defense – skin type, Hydrates, Reduces signs of skin ageing, Evens skin tone and dark spots.
Biolumin-c heat aging protector spf50 – turn down heat ageing, turn up radiance, great for all skin types.
Clearing Defense spf30 – Shine-reducing SPF moisturiser helps protect breakout-prone skin from environmental stress. Ideal for Oily/acne prone skin.
Powerbright Moisturizer SPF 50 – dark spot defence, ideal for skin with hyperpigmentation.
Prisma Protect Spf30 Moisturiser – light-activated skin defense. Ideal for Oily/acne prone skin.
Invisible Physical Defense Mineral Sunscreen Spf30 – weightless physical sunscreen. Ideal for all skin types.
All Dermalogica SPF are available at Saiqs. If you would like help in finding the right SPF then book a skin consultation with Saiqa via our booking link