1. Start With Sunscreen on Your Face Right Now

Don’t wait until you start to show signs of sun damage before you start applying sun protection to your face. Why? Because sun damage is irreversible, so no matter how many face masks you do, that damage is there to stay. There is no time better than right now to start your SPF regime and reap all the benefits.

Use sunscreen on your face every day (hello, BB Creams that contain SPF!). Your face is the most exposed to the effects of the sun all year round - even in winter and when it’s cloudy.

But it’s not only your face. Don’t forget to pay special attention to your neck and chest - and the backs of your hands too. These areas are being bombarded by damaging UV rays each and every day and so are extra sensitive to showing signs of sun damage.

You should opt for a broad-spectrum product with a minimum of SPF 25 for fair to medium skin and SPF 15 if you have dark skin for the best protection.

A high SPF lightweight, non-greasy sunblock option is Everysun Anti-Aging Face Cream SPF50. Garnier Skin Naturals Super UV Invisible Serum Sunscreen SPF50 is also a good choice as it leaves no white cast.

The best BB creams with SPF protection:
Garnier Skin Active BB Cream Classic SPF in Medium and Dark.
BioNike Defence Hydractive BB Cream SPF15 for a healthy glow.
Vichy Ideal Soleil Mattifying Dry Touch BB Cream SPF50 with skin loving anti-oxidants.

The Best Face Sunscreens
Sunscreen For All Skins:
Clarins UV Plus 5P Anti-Pollution SPF 50 Translucent, chock full of antioxidants to protect your skin against free radical damage from UV rays.
Sunscreens For Oily Skins:
Nivea Sun Shine Control SPF50 Sunscreen or Eucerin Sun Oil Control Dry Touch SPF 50+ for oily combination skins.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Dry Touch Fluid SPF50 is non-greasy with a double anti-shine action and ultra-dry finish that leaves no white marks so is ideal for dark skins.
Sunscreen For Dark Spots & Marks:
Nivea Sun Dark Spot Control LUMINOUS630 Cream SPF 50+ if you have hyperpigmentation concerns.
Sunscreens For Dry Sensitive Skins:
Eucerin Sun Face Creme SPF50 for dry sensitive skin and Bioderma Sensibio AR BB Cream SPF30 for sensitive skin prone to rosacea.

Read More. Natural No-Makeup Makeup: The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Dewy Fresh-Faced Skin

2. How to Apply Sunscreen the Right Way

How much sunscreen to use?
Extensive research has found that most people do not apply enough sunscreen – so while they think they are protected, they are not. The rule of thumb is roughly a shot glass full to cover the body and a generous dollop for the face and neck. Rather overdo it and be sure. You also need to apply it 20-30 minutes before you go outside to make sure that it’s fully absorbed by the skin.

Apply sunscreen after moisturiser.
A sunscreen should be applied to your face after your moisturiser so you don’t dilute the benefits. It’s often easier to just use a facial moisturiser that includes a high enough SPF to give you enough cover (that means a SPF 30 plus). Doubling up in this way means that you can then use the best moisturiser for your skin type or concern while still being well protected.

Your makeup should always be applied last. To avoid rubbing off all your good work, it’s best to use a foundation brush with smooth downward strokes and a light touch.

Don’t forget your eye area.
A recent study also shows that the majority of people are missing a crucial area of the face when applying sun cream: the eye area. Remember that even your eyelids are skin and are therefore in danger of skin cancer. Plus, the skin around your eyes is the first to show signs of ageing.

When rubbing your SPF in be sure to get relatively close to your eyes, and then be sure to always wear a UV protective pair of sun glasses (this will also reduce squinting, another cause of crow’s feet).

The best moisturisers with sunscreen for your skin type and concern:
Eucerin Sun Fluid Even Pigment Perfector SPF50 to control dark marks and spots.
Cetaphil Acne-Prone Skin Moisturiser SPF30 for oily/combination and acne prone skins.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Hydrating Moisturiser for normal to dry skin.
L'Oréal Revitalift Day Cream SPF30 with anti-wrinkle and extra firming benefits.
Uriage Roseliane CC Cream SPF30 for sensitive skin.

3. Don’t Make These Sunscreen Mistakes

Ensure you apply all over
Other areas we tend to neglect are the tops of our feet, our ears, our lips and the top of our head. Bear in the mind the fact that the skin on your neck, face and head is extremely prone to developing skin cancer the next time you’re applying, and ensure that you cover up well.

Always reapply after swimming
And while you may think water resistant formulas will protect you during and after swimming (or sweating), they are not fully waterproof so derms always recommend you reapply immediately afterwards – just to be sure you are safe.

Our product picks: Island Tribe Clear Gel Sunstick SPF50 is great for sensitive areas like the neck, ears, lips and nose.
Sunlab Sunscreen Stick SPF40 is quick and easy to use, ideal for kids and adults, perfect for outdoor activities, and athletes. Reapply after towel drying, swimming, vigorous activity, or perspiring.

4. All Skin Types and Tones Need Sunscreen

Although it’s more common in those with lighter skin tones, skin cancer affects everyone. In fact, studies show that people with dark skin are more likely to only be diagnosed with melanoma in the late stages, making them less likely to survive a very treatable condition.

Extensive research shows regular use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen not only prevents sunburn but also reduces the risk of non-melanoma cancers by 40 percent and melanoma by 50 percent.

And yes – while dark skins are naturally better protected, it’s only by a very small margin - about an extra SPF3 to SPF10 depending upon your skin tone. So, even if you are protected by your darker skin colour, you still need a good sun protection product to avoid concerns such as accelerated ageing, dark spots, pigmentation  and skin cancer.

If you have been a bit reckless in the sun in the past, you might want to check out whether you have any skin skin cancer symptoms or do a quick mole check. Rather be safe than sorry…

The best sunscreens for dark skins in South Africa:
Cetaphil Sun SPF50+ Gel Cream, a lightweight, non-irritating, non-greasy gel cream with Vitamin E.
Eucerin Sun Gel Creme Oil Control SPF50 Dry for a long-lasting matte effect perfect for oily, acne prone skins.
La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF50+ Invisible Spray, lightweight and non-greasy for oily skins.
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 offers no residue and tons of protection plus a tint that works for all skin tones. Evens skin tone while blocking UV rays.
Sunskin Face Dry Touch SPF50, a lightweight cream-gel full spectrum sunscreen. Dry-touch, non-greasy, matte finish with no tackiness and a non-whitening formula suitable for all skin tones, as well as acne-prone and oily skins.
Island Tribe SPF50 Sunstick Clear Gel. Great for sensitive areas like the neck, ears, lips and nose.

Read More. Want Glowing Skin? You Need to Exfoliate Like A Pro

5. What Do the Different SPF Values Mean?

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number you should be using is relative to how quickly the sun changes the colour of your skin.

A quick way to figure it out is to see how many minutes it takes for your skin to darken or go pink after you have been in the sun. Multiply this number by the number on your SPF and you will know roughly how often you need to reapply. For example, if your skin starts turning colour after 5 minutes and you’re wearing SPF15 you should slather on another layer of sun cream after about 75 minutes.

This is only a rough guide, however, and most dermatologists recommend you use at least a SPF30 for light skins and reapply every two hours (more often is always better though). A minimum of SPF15 is recommended for dark skins and SPF 25 for medium to paler dark skin tones.

And be careful of thinking that doubling SPF will give you double the protection. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 protects against about 93 percent of UVB rays, one with an SPF of 30 protects against 97 percent of rays, and an SPF50 offers 98 percent protection, according to the Mayo Clinic. No SPF can block 100 percent of UV rays.

SPF sunscreen options for the body:
Piz Buin Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF15
Eucerin Sun Protect Dry Touch Sun Gel-Cream Ultra-Light SPF50

Read More. Valuable Tips on How to Get a Beautiful, Healthy Tan - Safely

6. Clothes Are a Form of Sunscreen Too

Your sun protection doesn’t end at the sun cream. Be sure to wear a hat (to protect the top of your head and add extra shade to your face and neck), sunglasses (for your sensitive eye area) and any other layers that block out the sun (particularly between 10am and 3pm) for that extra bit of protection.

7. You Need Both UVA and UVB Broad Spectrum Protection

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light photons are the primary cause of skin damage. There are two main culprits. UVA is responsible for many of the visible signs of aging, while UVB light is considered the primary source of sunburn. Think “A” for aging and “B” for burning.

UVA Rays
Tanning is due to the production of extra melanin pigment caused by UVA rays. However, UVA light penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB, destroying collagen. The result? Our skin loses its elasticity and smoothness, leading to wrinkles.

Certain skin molecules also pass absorbed UV energy onto free radicals which can result in an overload of the skin’s built-in antioxidant network leading to even further skin damage.

UVB Rays
To protect your skin from both ageing and burning, most sunscreens are broad-spectrum products which contain both UVA and UVB filters. And for extra face protection against free radical damage, look for those that also include anti-oxidants such as Q10 and vitamins C and E.

High UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF50 sunscreens with specialised protection:
Piz Buin Sun Protection Allergy Face Cream SPF50+ specifically developed to protect sun-sensitive skin.
Eucerin Sun Photoaging Control Sun Fluid SPF50+ protects against free radical damage, prevents photoaging and visibly reduces signs of skin ageing.
Cetaphil Sun Lotion SPF50+ is non-greasy so suitable for oily as well as sensitive skins; for body and face
Bioderma Photoderm Spot-Age SPF50+ Anti-spots Antioxidant Gel-Cream illuminates and protects. Helps reduce existing dark spots and prevent new pigmentation spots.
Nivea Sun UV Face Specialist Spot Control Cream SPF50 includes the Luminous630 ingredient to prevent and visibly reduce sun-induced spots. Enriched with moisturising hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

8. The Sun Is Everywhere – Even Indoors and In Shade

Most of us are guilty of only whipping out the sunscreen once we’re heading to the beach. If you’re serious about caring for your skin (and staying cancer-free) you need to be wearing it way more often. Like every day.

‘Incidental’ sun exposure, such as sitting next to a window in your office, when it’s cloudy, or walking to your car in the mornings counts too - and every bit adds up. Those UV rays get everywhere - all the time.

And if you think you don’t need to apply sunscreen because you’re sitting in the shade at the beach, think again. The sun is constantly being reflected, off the sea, the sand and other elements, and this counts as sun exposure to your skin.

Basically, the rule is if you’re going to be even vaguely exposed, inside or out, you’re going to need some sun cream. Simple.

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9. A Sunscreen Spray Is Just as Effective

Some people think that sunscreen in a spray bottle isn’t as effective because it feels much thinner but, if applied correctly, it’s just as good.

Hold the spray about 2cm away from your skin, spray the lotion over the exposed skin three times and then rub it in well. Even though derms normally recommend the 2-hour reapplication rule, it’s best to reapply sunscreen sprays every hour.

Clear sunscreen sprays are particularly good for dark skins as they don’t leave any residue.

Our sunscreen spray picks:
We like the transparent Techniblock Sun Protection Clear Spray SPF50+; La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Body Mist SPF50 and Nivea Sun Protect & Dry Touch Mist SPF50.

10. Natural Mineral Sunblocks vs Chemical Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens are becoming more popular as people want to opt for something more ‘natural’ than chemical formulas. Unlike chemical sunscreens that penetrate the skin and work by absorbing UV rays, mineral formulas provide a protective shield on top of the skin that blocks UV rays.

Simply speaking, one is a chemical sunscreen while mineral based products are physical sunblocks. While there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to choosing which kind is best you should test a few formulas to find out which one works best for you.

Generally mineral sun creams are great for sensitive skin as they sit on top of the skin and don’t irritate as much. Check the ingredients list of whatever you’re buying and choose products that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (they’re minerals). Be aware that some can leave a white cast on your skin.

Avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone (which is an allergen and hormone disruptor) or Vitamin A (AKA retinol). While there is no definitive proof, there have been studies that link Vitamin A in sun creams to speeding up the development of skin tumours. Yikes.

Our mineral sunblock with SPF picks:
Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF50 is a 100% mineral formulation with no chemical filters making it ideal for those with sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin.

Other good options include Avène Sun Protection Mineral Cream SPF50+, Clinique SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face and Uriage Bariesun Moisturising Minerale Cream SPF50+.

11. The Only ‘Good Tan’ is a Fake Self-Tan

Sorry, you’re probably not going to want to hear this one. There’s no such thing as a ‘good tan’. Just know that any change of colour in your skin is, in fact, sun damage on some level. No matter how subtle it is. The bottom line – the only safe tan is a fake self-tan. So, if you want the ultimate in sun protection rather stick to a fake tan - or embrace your natural shade!

We absolutely love the Caribbean range of fake tans - available in a can, mousse or spritz form. You have the option of choosing the right shade for your skin tone (A for light, B for medium, C for dark) as well as an instant (can or spritz) or gradual (mousse or aerosol) tan. How much easier can it get? Check out how to DIY a natural looking self-tan the Caribbean way here.

Our safe self-tan product picks:
Caribbean Self-Tan in a can, spritzer or mousse.
Caribbean Tan Instant Body Bronzer SPF20
Tropitone Bronze It 3 In 1 SPF15
Skinny Tan - Tan & Tone Oil

Read More. Valuable Tips on How to Get a Beautiful, Healthy Tan - Safely

12. The SPF In Your Makeup Can Protect You Too

If you don’t like to wear too many layers on your face then choose makeup that has an SPF. Remember that in order for it to be effective you need to apply it to your whole face, like you would sunscreen.

Your best bet may be a tinted sun cream instead of a foundation. The formula will absorb well and blend right in with your skin.

Our tinted sunscreen for face picks:
Bioderma Photoderm Tinted Cream SPF50+ and Eucerin Sun Tinted Creme SPF50. If your skin is prone to hyperpigmentation problems, then try La Roche Posay Anthelios Dry Touch Fluid SPF50+ also good for oily skins.

Read More. Go-To-Guide on The Best Foundations (And Reviews) For Your Oily/Combination Skin

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Need Broad Spectrum Protection?
 
Your skin is exposed to both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Both cause skin damage so you need broad spectrum protection against both. 

UVA (Aging Rays): These account for up to 95% of the UV radiation reaching Earth. They go deep into the skin, destroy collagen, cause wrinkles, and lead to dark spots and marks. Because UVA rays can penetrate glass and clouds, year-round protection is essential.

UVB (Burning Rays): These are the primary cause of sunburn, and in many instances, also lead to skin cancer. The SPF tells you how well a sunscreen blocks these rays. Only mineral sunscreens are able to block close to 100%. 

Does Higher SPF Equal More Protection?

Yes, but as it gets higher, only by a very little bit… 

A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 protects against about 93 percent of UVB rays, an SPF of 30 protects against 97 percent of rays, and an SPF50 offers 98 percent protection. Only a 1% difference – and arguably not worth any additional cost. No SPF can block 100 percent of UV rays.

SPF ratings only measure protection against UVB rays which burn the skin. And higher SPF ratings don’t necessarily equal much better protection. 

UVA protection is just as important as UVB. UVA works against the rays that are responsible for wrinkles and hyperpigmentation caused by sun (or “photoaging”).
It’s far more important to opt for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection than worry about that extra 1%. 

Does Dark Skin Need Sun Protection?

Absolutely. The additional melanin in the skin does offer some natural protection at about SPF 13 but this is not high enough to stop any damage (including cancer) to your skin. The minimum required for dark skins is SPF 25 which should be regularly applied every 2 hours if you’re outside.

Sunscreen prevents sunburn damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation (dark spots and marks). To avoid a white cast on the skin, it’s best to opt for chemical or tinted sunscreens, and avoid mineral options, unless they have colour adapting pigments.