3 Places You Didn’t Know You Needed Sunscreen

“If I see the sun, feel the heat – I need sunscreen.” Oh, if only it was that simple!

UV (Ultraviolet) ray protection is not just for sunny days or when you are going for a swim.

Here are 3 places you didn’t know you needed sunscreen,

1. At Home

UV rays can pass through clouds and glass. If you have your study positioned by the window or enjoy sitting near the natural light glimmering into your home; the chances of being exposed to harmful UV rays are high. As mentioned by the International Ultraviolet Association, the transparency of a normal glass- as used in windows- is rather high thus almost all Ultraviolet A (UVA) light will pass through glass. As you may also realise, the items you place nearer to the window usually wears off in colouration and condition faster.

Remember that UVA light is responsible for premature aging of the skin. Over-exposure to UVA light results in wrinkling and damage to the skin texture. UVB is responsible for the sunburnt effect that sun exposure results in. This can make the skin red and painful when exposed for a length of time.

2. In the Car

In trains and airplanes as well – our favourite window seats might not be a good choice. Unlike windshields, which are made from laminated glass, the side window and/or sunroof of your car is made from a different glass which is tempered glass.

Whilst tempered glass is known to be non-shattering should an impact result in damage to the window, it is known to block 60–70% of Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, but not UVA. Laminated glass is known to block 98–99% of all UV light.

3. Computers and Phones

Other than the sun, devices emit blue light which is also a notable contribution to harming your skin. According to WebMD, research has shown that blue light from electronic devices can lead to cell shrinkage and death; ultimately speeding up the aging process. “Even exposures as short as 60 minutes can trigger these changes.” Long exposure could also lead to increasing production of melanin and pigmentation in the skin, darkening hyperpigmentation, especially in deeper skin tones.

In this case, not all sunscreens meet the needs to block blue light effectively. Michele Farber, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York, suggested to “Pick sunscreens that have a broad spectrum to protect your skin,” and “Physical blockers with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide help reflect light rays to offer broad protection against UV and high-energy visible light.”

More advice on how to reduce the damage that blue light does to the skin is from Mary Lupo, a board-certified dermatologist who mentions that a broad spectrum SPF with the help of zinc oxide can help protect from blue light. Dr. Maral Skelsey, director of the Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington and clinical associate professor of dermatology at Georgetown University have also commented that “It’s important, especially for those battling melasma, to look for ingredients like zinc oxide that block visible light,".

CANCER COUNCIL AUSTRALIA SUNSCREENS

Endorsed by the Australian Cancer Council, we present a wide range of sunscreens with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. They are rated between SPF30+ and 50+, comes in various formulations and packaging to suit different lifestyles.

A good choice here would be the Cancer Council Australia Everyday SPF30+ Sunscreen 1292, 110ml. It is lightweight, all-purpose and for daily use. You can apply this in your everyday life, anywhere you go. We have listed some key factors of the product:

• SPF 30+ protection
• Broad spectrum UVA + UVB protection
• Easily applied with no white residue
• Light, non-greasy lotion for daily use
• Suitable for all skin types
• Tested to 4 hours water resistance. Cancer Council recommends reapplying every 2 hours
• Made in Australia

To reduce blue light exposure, we suggest the Cancer Council Australia Zinc Stick SPF50+ White 1151, 12gm. Here are some key factors of the product:

• SPF50+ protection
• Broad-spectrum UVA + UVB protection
• No mess, lightweight sunscreen in a portable stick
• Ideal for sun-sensitive areas - ears, nose, lips and face
• Contains Zinc Oxide 250mg/g
• Suitable for all skin types
• Tested to 4 hours water resistance. Cancer Council recommends reapplying every 2 hours
• Made in Australia

So, even though we cannot see nor feel the sun at times, we are now aware of their existence in these unexpected locations. We can make our lives easier by making it a habit to apply sunscreen everyday!