Best mineral sunscreen australia

Is your skin prone to redness and throwing a hissy fit at the first sign of changing temperatures/new products/stress/by random?! We feel you! It can take a while to find your groove with your skincare routine and we know introducing new products can be a little challenging. But if there’s one thing you shouldn’t skimp on when it comes to your routine, it’s adding in a broad spectrum sunscreen. No matter your skin type, all skin is susceptible to skin damage from the sun. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right sunscreen for your sensitive skin like a pro in 2023!

How to choose the right sunscreen for sensitive skin?

Choosing the right sensitive skin sunscreen doesn’t have to be hard, but it does mean you should pay attention to the ingredients, formulation, and protection level. Here are our top tips to help you choose the very best sunscreen for sensitive skin:

1. Go for a mineral sunscreen: These are sunscreens that use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredient. They work by reflecting about 5% of UV rays away from the skin, then neutralising the rest. Generally speaking, sensitive skin prefers them to chemical sunscreens.
2. Choose broad-spectrum protection: Make sure the sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, aka protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are those pesky ones that cause wrinkles and UVB rays can cause sunburn. Both types of UV rays can contribute to skin cancer.
3. Choose fragrance-free always: Nothing pisses sensitive skin off quite like artificial fragrances so always choose fragrance free! Look for sunscreens that are formulated for sensitive or hypoallergenic skin, and are free from irritating ingredients such as fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and dyes.
4. Buy SPF30 or SPF50+: Look for a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, which is recommended by dermatologists for everyday use. Higher SPF values may offer slightly increased protection, but no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays.
5. Do a patch test: Before applying a new sunscreen all over your face or body, do a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions or sensitivity. This can help you identify if the sunscreen is suitable for your sensitive skin.

4 Ways to Protect Sensitive Skin from UV Damage

Wearing sunscreen is of course just one way of protecting yourself from sun damage. There are other helpful things you can do to minimise damage including:

1. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen: Look for the best mineral sunscreen Australia with a high SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, arms, and legs. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
2. Seek shade: Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Stay in the shade or use umbrellas, hats, and protective clothing to block out the sun’s rays.
3. Wear protective clothing: Cover up with clothing made of tightly woven fabrics that offer additional protection from the sun. Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses that block UV rays can provide added defense for sensitive skin.
4. Don’t use tanning beds: Tanning beds can also damage sensitive skin. Avoid using them as they emit harmful UV radiation that can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Remember that sun protection should be a year-round practice, not just during the summer months or when you’re at the beach. Taking steps to protect your sensitive skin from the sun every day can help prevent sun damage and keep your skin healthy and radiant. Sunscreen is just one part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy, and it’s also important to seek shade, wear protective clothing, and take other precautions to protect your sensitive skin from the sun.