The goal is simple: protect your skin in a way that fits your lifestyle, with easy, science-based solutions that offer more than just UV defence. And while this may sound like a lot to consider, building a solid sun care routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s break down how to incorporate sun care into your routine without overcomplicating things. The best sun protection? It’s the one you use every day… and trust me, consistency is key. Having a drawer full of sunscreens won’t help if you aren’t using any of them regularly. Whether you lean towards chemical or physical formulas, it’s about choosing one that works for your skin and making it part of your daily routine.
"More than two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime."
Cancer Council
To start off, it’s helpful to understand the difference between chemical and physical formulas. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and transforming them into heat, which is then released from the skin. These sunscreens tend to be lightweight and invisible, ideal for everyday use. Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, sit on top of the skin and act as a barrier, reflecting UV rays. Formulas with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great for sensitive skin because they cause less irritation and provide immediate protection. They might leave a slight colour cast, but their gentle, broad-spectrum coverage makes them a good choice for easily reactive skin.
To ensure your skin gets adequate protection, always choose SPF 50+ and make sure it’s broad-spectrum, covering both UVA and UVB rays. For those with sensitive skin, zinc-based formulas are highly effective.
The number one cause of skin damage is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV rays penetrate the skin and can cause immediate effects like sunburn, as well as long-term damage such as premature aging (wrinkles, loss of elasticity) and an increased risk of skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to this damage, with UVA being primarily responsible for aging and UVB for burning, although both can lead to skin cancer over time.
While we offer a variety of products to suit different skin needs, here are a few that we highly recommend for effective daily sun protection.
Eclipse All Day Moisturiser PerfecTint Beige
The lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF by iS Clinical features a built-in moisturiser, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and antioxidant vitamin E. As a physical SPF, it’s ideal for people with rosacea and acne-prone skin, while the titanium dioxide specifically supports those with melasma.
Extreme Protect All Day Moisturiser
This multifunctional SPF by iS Clinical is designed to offer high-level protection while supporting DNA repair and antioxidant support. It incorporates extremozyme technology, which shields skin cells from environmental stressors and UV exposure, aiding DNA repair. Vitamin E and centella asiatica provide antioxidant protection and also neutralise free radicals. With water resistance for up to 40 minutes, this formula is an excellent addition for beach days.
Radiance Daily Cream
Toskani's Radiance Daily Cream offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while promoting and enhancing your skin’s radiance by addressing pigmentation concerns. This sun protection formula includes niacinamide (B3), vitamin C, arbutin, and licorice to brighten pigmentation. If you’re aiming to achieve your pigment reduction goals, this will help you reach them faster while shielding your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Purchase Radiance Daily Cream
Airyday
The Airyday SPF range is designed to provide superior sun protection with lightweight, wearable formulas that cater to a variety of skin types, offering an ‘SPF wardrobe’ for different skin and product needs throughout the week. These ultra-light formulas are quickly absorbed, non-greasy, and provide complete solar-constant protection, including indoor blue light defence. Additionally, the range is eco-friendly, vegan and reef-safe, making it a conscientious choice for both your skin and the environment.
Application Tips
Sunscreen is always the very last step and needs to be reapplied every two to three hours, especially when spending time outdoors. Additionally, getting the right amount of sunscreen is crucial for full protection. Follow these simple guidelines for each application:
- 1 teaspoon for your face
- 1½ teaspoons for your face and neck
- 2 teaspoons for your face, neck, and décolletage
And if you’ve got a shaved head or simply have no hair, don’t forget another 1½ teaspoons for your scalp.