Sun Smart
Should I use a moisturiser and SPF in the one product,
or a moisturiser first and then apply a dedicated SPF?
Our concern with moisturisers that include SPF is that they’re usually applied first thing in the morning, with no reapplication, giving a false sense of security. By lunchtime protection ability will be dubious. SPF protection is all about reapplication.
Many moisturisers that include SPF are not Broad Spectrum either, offering UVB protection but not UVA .
We recommend applying a high quality SPF Mineral Make-up Powder, reapplication is easy, over Moisturiser and Foundation. As SPF Mineral Make-up Powders can look a little dry, mist Facial Toner/Clarifying Toner or Rose Water to give it a more natural, dewy finish.
Alternatively for face and/or body use an entirely physical block (zinc and/or titanium dioxide) SPF Sunscreen over your usual Dr. Hauschka Moisturiser or Body Moisturiser and remember to reapply. A true physical block doesn’t require absorption time, it will protect your skin the moment it’s applied.
Sunscreens
Look For
Active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, a physical barrier that reflects UV light rather than a chemical barrier that requires absorption.
Antioxdants – vitamins A, C and E.
SPF 15 to 50 depending on your skin tone and sun intensity.
Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB protection. SPF rating is on UVB.
Use lotions, NOT sprays, due to likely inhalation.
Water-resistant for the beach or pool.
Avoid
Retinyl palmitatem, synthetic vitamin A, due to phototoxicity.
Oxybenzone, benzophenone, octocrylene, or octyl methoxycinnamate which may be potentially carcinogenic.
Synthetic chemical preservatives such as parabens and methylisothiazolinone (MIT).
Very High SPF which may contribute to a false sense of security and offers little additional benefit, see below SPF chart.
Silicones and petrolatum which are occlusive and block pores.
Synthetic chemical fragrance.
Sunbathing Dos and Don’ts
Apply sunscreen before sun exposure.
Apply generously. Low application amounts reduce protection. About six teaspoonfuls of sunscreen for the whole body is recommended by the EU as the correct amount for an adult.
Allow sunscreen to be absorbed before putting on clothes, this will help avoid staining.
Reapply sunscreen frequently to maintain protection, especially after perspiring or swimming, towels and sand can also rub off sunscreen and reduce its protective qualities.
No sunscreen product gives 100% protection against UV rays. Over-exposure to the sun is a serious health threat.
Remember to avoid sun between 10am and 4pm.
Do not take the SPF to its limit, remember your reapplication times.
Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight. Up to the age of seven, children are particularly sensitive to the sun while their skin gradually develops thicker, protective skin cells, additional use of protective clothing is therefore very important.
What about Vitamin D?
We need sunlight for Vitamin D, around 20 minutes per day, and not between 10am to 4pm.
UVA & UVB
The sunlight that reaches us is made up of two types of harmful rays: long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) and short wave ultraviolet B (UVB). Basically, UVA rays are ageing and UVB rays burn. Overexposure to either can damage the skin. There’s also UVC – these are the shortest and strongest, but they’re absorbed by the ozone layer and don’t typically reach the Earth.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer. Unprotected exposure can lead to premature skin ageing and risk of skin cancer.
UVB rays will usually burn the superficial layers of your skin. The intensity of UVB rays vary by season, location and time of day, with 10am to 4pm being the peak hours. Sunburned skin can cause permanent damage.
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Sunscreens are classified by an SPF number which refers to their ability to deflect UVB rays.
SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to burn sunscreen-protected skin vs. unprotected skin. So if a person burns after 10 minutes in the sun uses an SPF 2, they have double that time before a sunburn – 20 minutes. Skin protected with SPF 15 would take 15 times longer, or 150 minutes for sunburn to occur.
Keep in mind though, the increase from 20 to 45 level SPF provides only 2.8% more UV protection.
Cover-up
Think cool baggy trousers, maxi skirts and dresses, pretty tops, floppy hats and sunnies.
After Sun
Dr. Hauschka After Sun is a summertime and holiday must-have body moisturiser!
Vitamin antioxidants A, C and E. Wild carrot root extract is a rich source of provitamin A, vitamin C rich Rosehip extract and vitamin E is to be found in plant oils, including Jojoba Oil.
Moisture rich extracts of Ice Plant and Quince Seed to restore your skin’s lost moisture.
Cooling, soothing and deeply hydrating.
Calendula and Anthyllis extracts soothe sun-stressed skin.
Almond oil, Shea Butter and Rose Wax give the skin intensive nourishing care, protection and help your skin retain moisture.
Light and rapidly absorbed body lotion.
Helps your tan last longer.
Superb value for money given the ingredients in this quality formulation.
May be used on face and hands as well as body.
Free from synthetic chemical fragrances, dyes or preservatives.
Dr. Hauschka Quality
Authentic natural and organic skin care and make-up, certified to NATRUE standards
Free from chemical/synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives
Free from mineral oils, parabens, silicone and PEGs
Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
Wherever possible, all raw materials come from controlled organic or biodynamic (Demeter certified) cultivation and are recovered under fair conditions
We do not test on animals
Since 1967 Dr. Hauschka has been devoted to creating skin care formulations from Nature. Our efficacy is based on our unique skin care philosophy, rhythmic process and the highest quality natural ingredients with a preference for biodynamic, organic or responsibly wild harvested sources. The result, healthy and radiant skin! NATRUE certified natural and organic skin care and make-up. Free from synthetic chemical fragrances, colours or preservatives, mineral oils, parabens, silicones and PEG.