Why you should care about SPF.
When I worked in the crazy world of magazines, I was lucky enough to work with some absolute beauty geniuses.
The beauty team was a fountain of priceless knowledge but the number one piece of advice I took away was: ALWAYS WEAR SPF.
They’d say the earlier the better so if you haven’t heard it already - GIRL START PUTTING SOME SPF ON THAT GORGEOUS FACE OF YOURS.
Our sun here in NZ is killer and can do all sorts of damage to you precious skin year-round.
Bondi Sands founder Blair James talks to Billie about why SPF really is that important to wear.
Don’t just take our word for it, this guy knows his stuff!
Bondi Sands Founder Blair James
Why is SPF so important to wear?
With such harsh UV rays, especially in NZ, daily SPF application is essential to protect your skin from sun damage, regardless of the weather conditions. A high SPF sunscreen will not only decrease your risk of developing skin cancers like melanoma and pre-cancers lesions, but also helps to prevent premature ageing caused by the sun damage - think pigmentation, loss of elasticity and wrinkles.
How does it actually work to protect our skin?
SPF works by combining a number of active ingredients that block harmful ultraviolet radiation from penetrating the skin, therefore preventing common signs of sun damage.
Why is it so important to start wearing SPF from a young age?
Sun damage doesn’t discriminate, so the earlier you start wearing SPF, the better. In fact, those who wear daily sun protection from an early age are likely to uphold youthful looking skin for longer – the impact of years of sun damage tend to appear later in life. At Bondi Sands, we’re dedicated to creating sunscreen that’s comfortable on the skin for daily wear – think non-greasy, fragrance free and no white cast. Our multi-benefit formulae are enriched with hydrating ingredients to leave skin moisturised and glowing from the inside out, making daily application more desirable from a younger age.
What should I be looking for when buying SPF products?
When choosing a sunscreen, always make sure your product of choice offers both UVA and UVB protection. UVA rays cause premature ageing and UVB rays burn the skin, so it’s essential to protect from both. All products within the Bondi Sands Suncare range offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning they protect you against both harmful UVA and UVB rays. They are also reef friendly, water resistant and ultra hydrating, so you can step outside with confidence every day.
How much should we be wearing everyday?
A common mistake we see from customers is the amount of sunscreen they apply, where increasing product usage is key to sufficiently protecting yourself from the sun, as well as consistent re- application throughout the day to stay protected. You’ll need at least one teaspoon per limb, one for the front of the body, one for the back and one for the face – including your eyelids, ears and neck. Re-apply every 4 hours, or earlier if sweating or swimming.
Can I wear SPF and makeup at the same time?
Absolutely – and you should! The Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid is my recommendation for an ultra-lightweight primer for under your make-up. It’s quick drying, invisible, non-greasy sits beautifully on the skin.
Alternatively our SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Mist can be sprayed over makeup as an ultra-lightweight layer of protection throughout the day. This product is super convenient for re-application throughout the day (and the perfect size to carry in your bag on-the-go).
Should I be buying something different for my face and body?
Whilst both face and body sunscreens offer the same level of protection, our Bondi Sands Face Sunscreens have been formulated specifically for daily wear. It’s important to ensure your product of choice is dermatologically tested, suitable for sensitive skin, and non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores and cause break-outs.
Our Bondi Sands Face range is fragrance free, fast-absorbing and dries to an invisible finish – perfect for wear with or without make up.
With additional hydrating properties, your Bondi Sands Face Sunscreen can replace your daily moisturiser as the ultimate 2-in-1 product – a non-negotiable in your daily skincare routine.
Do I still need to use it in the winter?
Rain, hail or shine, if the UV is over three, it’s important to keep your skin safe and protected. UV can also penetrate through glass, so regardless if you’re inside or outdoors, year-round daily sunscreen application is an essential habit get familiar with.
Why is it even more important to wear SPF in New Zealand?
New Zealand, like Australia, is exposed to high levels of UV radiation because of the thin ozone layer.
As a result, our countries have some of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, accounting for large number of cancers diagnosed each year. Knowing that the sun exposes our skin to dangerous UV radiation, it’s extremely important to stay confidently protected and consistently use sunscreen every day.
