By Victoria Rollison
As a nation of sun worshipers, we are constantly being reminded to ‘slip, slop, slap’ to minimise the risk of skin cancer. And even without the threat of cancer, we have learnt that the sun ages our skin when we don’t protect it. Suddenly the sun doesn’t seem that great! But never fear, because now there is a way to have it all! Use tinted sunscreen mixed with an anti-ageing moisturiser – it protects from UV and every time you reapply, your skin receives a replenishing treatment!
Here are three Aussie brands that Rescu. recommends you keep in your handbag:
True Solutions – All Day Moisture SPF 30+
Christine Snow from True Solutions explains that this product is based on the tried and true Zinc Oxide, which scientists call ‘intelligent sun protection’. This is a natural ingredient that isn’t absorbed into the skin and creates a barrier to the sun’s harsh rays. It is soothing for sensitive skin, and as Christine points out, protects from all of the cancer-causing rays including UVA1 and UVA11. She advises that you look for at least 5% zinc oxide in any product to get sufficient coverage.
This product only has one shade of tint, which is flattering on most skin tones. The moisturiser contains ingredients that moisten, smooth and soften your skin. And because the product is so light, it can be used as a primer underneath foundation.
True Solutions is available in a 100g tube with a recommended retail price of $60.00. This is great value for such a versatile product and gives you no excuse not to reapply!
Hissy Fit – Saving Face Moisturising Tinted Suncreen
Hissy Fit was the brainchild of Olympic gold medalists Louise Dobson and magazine editor Sue Smethurst, as a solution to their daily sunscreen needs. Developed by Dr. LeWinn’s Private Formula, Hissy Fit offers active women a waterproof sunscreen with a texture more like foundation. It is a great product for dry skin as it is extremely moisturising. It also comes in a range of shades to suit your skin colour.
The anti-ageing ingredients include botanical extracts and the sunscreen is SPF 30+, which is the highest possible broad spectrum protection available. Dr Allan Kalus of Avenue Plastic Surgery in Melbourne claims that, “The majority of skin conditions I treat are due to sun damage, wearing a good quality sunscreen everyday is the best anti-ageing treatment available”.
Hissy Fit Saving Face Moisturising Tinted Suncreen comes in a 30g tube, so it is easy to tuck into your handbag. It has a recommended retail price of $55.00.
Invisible Zinc – Tinted Daywear
Invisible Zinc’s Tinted Daywear has become a staple part of Australian women’s daily beauty routine. This is because the formula is micronised; it doesn’t soak into the skin, but deflects harmful UV rays. It also reflects light, giving a smooth finish that makes your skin look radiant.
With the key ingredient of Zinc Oxide, it is great for sensitive skin and offers fantastic protection from the sun. You can use it with concealer to replace your foundation and it can also take the place of your daily moisturiser.
Retailing at $32 for a 50g tube, with two shades available, this is a product you will fall in love with.
Put tinted sunscreen on the shopping list
You will have seen foundation products advertised that contain SPF. These offer some protection to your skin, but tinted sunscreens offer more protection. It is best to put sun screen on before applying any foundation.
As Christine Snow points out, “sun damage is accumulative, every minute of sun exposure from the time you are born adds up to deliver the photo-aged skin that we end up with after age 40. 85% (approx) of mature age sun-damage was accumulated before the age of 18.” She says that we should get into the everyday habit of using an SPF 30 just as we brush our teeth or comb our hair.
These great Australian products have made it easy, so it’s over to you, ladies.