Sun Cream and Sunscreens

Culturally, we spend most of our time talking about the weather, and no matter what time of year it is, we seem to be preoccupied with the sun.

When dark clouds gather, we bemoan its disappearance, and when it finally shows itself there can be an unhealthy obsession with baking in it until we look like lobsters.

Whilst it might sound like fun, exposing our skin to the sun for a long period of time  is not good for us, which is why sun lotion is considered an essential product that everyone should be using.

There are all kinds of reasons why we should protect our skin by using sun lotion every single day.

Sunburn might seem like a minor complaint, but it can actually have massive implications. Here we find out what we need to protect against and why.

What is sun damage?

Sun damage is something that most people think of as sunburn, but it is actually a much more long-term problem.

When you are exposed to the sun, you are subject the ultraviolet (UV) light that it emits. Sun damage is one of the main causes of premature ageing, including wrinkles, age spots, lose skin, spider veins and a blotchy complexion.

There are only two ways to prevent sun damage: stay out of the sun or wear sun lotion. The first option is not usually much fun which is why sun lotion is so important.

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you don’t need to wear any kind of sun care on a cloudy day, but up to 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds, so you should make sure that you are wearing sun lotion every time you go outdoors.

Take a look at our guide on ‘How to stay safe and protected in the sun’ for more ways to protect yourself and your family.

Natural sun lotion

Many people are now turning to natural sun lotion as an alternative option to keep their skin healthy and protected.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is an important thing to consider when it comes to natural sunscreen, and the higher the number, the better.

That’s why we love the Ultrasun Face Mineral Sunscreen as it is great for protecting your face every day, is free from perfume and still has an SPF of 50.

The best sunscreen for kids

We know that children’s skin can often be more sensitive than adults, which is why many parents opt for a specialist sunscreen designed for children, such as Jason Sunbrellas Kids Natural Sunblock.

This tear-free, water-resistant formula contains SPF45 in a long-lasting product. It is hypoallergenic, and is infused with natural chamomile and calendula extracts, so their tender skin is protected in every sense.

Lip balm

The sun can affect the skin in different ways, and our lips can be particularly vulnerable at any time of year.

The Dr Organic Aloe Vera Lip Balm instantly hydrates the lips but also offers SPF15  protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

If you are buying natural sun care to go abroad, you might have other factors that you need to consider.

Sun cream Insect Repellent

The Incognito Suncream Insect Repellent SPF30 cleverly combines SPF with insect repellent and moisturiser for natural protection against much of what nature might throw at you.

Sunscreen for everyday use

Sunscreen is something that many of us do not think about until we are packing our case to go on holiday, but in truth we should be including this in our daily skincare routine.

Simply apply it after you have used all your other skincare products and you will know that your skin is protected and healthy. It is a little change that makes a big difference.