A good quality body SPF goes a long way to ensure that you avoid a sunburn, but also to protect your skin against premature ageing, pigmentation and DNA damage. While it’s a relatively simple product to use, there is still some confusion about how it should be applied. We’ve answered the most common SPF questions – and cleared up some myths!
Can I go outside as soon as I’ve applied my SPF?
Sunscreen takes approximately 15 – 20 minutes to absorb into your skin, so it’s best to apply it at least 15 minutes before going out.
How many times a day do I need to reapply?
The time between applications vary from product to product, as well as your movements. If you’re spending time outdoors, you should reapply your SPF at least every two hours. If you’re spending time indoors, you can reapply less frequently.
Will my sunscreen come off when I swim?
A lot of sunscreens have water-resistant properties, and while this goes a long way to ensure product stays on your body, there is no product that can guarantee zero run-off in the water. For this reason, it’s best to reapply your SPF after every swim.
Which factor should I use?
SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and this number refers to how long you can stay in the sun without burning. So in theory, if you wear an SPF30 it will take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen. We say “in theory” because this calculation is based on using sunscreen in perfect laboratory conditions, ie. in the perfect quantity and reapplied at the right intervals. In real life these conditions are unlikely, so it’s best to go for the highest SPF, and to reapply frequently.
Can I wear a regular body lotion that contains an SPF rather than a sunscreen?
We wouldn’t recommend it, as the protection offered by a regular body lotion with an added SPF is not as powerful as the protection offered by a sunscreen product. Most body SPFs have moisturising properties, so your skin will enjoy the benefits of hydration whilst having full protection.
How much product should I apply?
The truth is – probably more than you think! Think of the size of a shot glass. Dermatologists recommend applying at least two full shot glasses’ worth of sunscreen to cover your body. Again, the amount you need depends largely on a product’s texture and formulation, but when it comes to SPF, more is more.
A great quality body SPF is non-negotiable, but do you struggle to find one that’s just right? Not too sticky, not too oily, a great scent and no white cast? We’ve searched high and low to find the best of the best, and have been testing up a storm. These are the body SPFs we recommend this summer.
Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Protective Body Lotion Strong Sun (R1060.00)
Formulated using the Institut Esthederm patented Global Cellular Protection technology, this revolutionary sun cream provides complete sun protection for the whole body. By educating the skin to protect itself against harmful UVA and UVB rays, the skin can develop a faster and longer-lasting tan, while preventing sunburn and delaying skin ageing. With its smooth and non-greasy texture, the Adaptasun Body Lotion acts as a moisturiser that allows you to develop a golden glow and natural tan. We love how innovative the technology in this product is! And it doesn’t hurt that it smells incredible and has a non-sticky, fast-absorbing formulation, too.
Shop online here.
Eau Thermale Avène SPF50+ Spray (R335.00)
Suitable for sensitive skins (yay!), this water-resistant SPF offers extremely broad-spectrum UVB-UVA protection. It has a patented filter system that contains only four sun filters for broad-spectrum protection and optimal skin tolerance, a unique antioxidant complex for complete cellular protection against oxidative stress, and trusted Avène Thermal Spring Water, recognized for its soothing, anti-irritating and softening properties. It was developed to minimise impact on the marine ecosystem, which is something we hope more and more companies will begin to do. This formula doesn’t leave white marks, is easily absorbed and offers added hydration.
Shop online here.
Heliocare 360° Invisible Spray SPF50+ (R560.00)
This full-spectrum photoimmunoprotection spray for the body has an invisible finish (really, we’ve tested it!) and offers incredibly fast absorption. It contains key ingredient Fernblock® (an all-natural antioxidant extract), UVA and UVB filters and a host of other powerful ingredients that are safe, even for sensitive skins, and that offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, visible light and IR-A (infrared). Water-resistant, sand-resistant and effective on wet skin, it also has an incredible fruity scent. We love that it has the ability to increase the skin’s resistance to the sun and to neutralise harmful free radicals that can cause damage to DNA (which leads to premature ageing).
Shop online here.
Bioderma Photoderm Max Spray SPF50+ (R349.95)
This easy-to-use spray offers very high protection, and is safe to use on both the face and the body. It is colourless when applied, leaving no oily film, no greasy effect and no white traces. The formula activates the skin’s natural defences and protects from risks of cellular damage. The ultra-light invisible texture is also non- comedogenic and hypoallergenic. Did you know that Bioderma Photoderm products are coral-safe? This means that you can use Photoderm with the confidence that it won’t cause harm to aquatic ecosystems and precious coral.
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Piz Buin Tan & Protect Tan Intensifying Sun Oil Spray SPF15 (R219.95)
This lightweight oil spray contains Illumitone which helps to enhance the skin’s own natural tanning process. It moisturises the skin (which contributes to a longer-lasting colour and prevents peeling) and contains advanced UVA and UVB filters for instant and effective protection. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy, it melts into the skin, leaving it soft and hydrated.
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Nivea Sun Protect & Dry Touch SPF50 (R174.99)
This lightweight SPF provides highly effective UVA/UVB protection and has a lovely cooling effect that leaves your skin refreshed and silky. The 100% transparent, non-greasy spray is quickly absorbed, water resistant and leaves no white marks. The dry touch formula makes it feel like you’re not wearing sunscreen, which is ultimately what we all want: protection without stickiness, oiliness or irritation. Plus, it comes in a 95% recycled bottle! Nivea’s doing a lot to help minimise their impact on the environment, and we’re here for it. This SPF has an 80% biodegradable formula, and is free from octinoxate and oxybenzone, two UV filters known to cause harm to the ocean.
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SVR Sun Secure Brume SPF50+ (R440.00)
This fantastic product by SVR targets all types of sun rays – UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared, using SVR’s Integral Secure Technology. Sun Secure Brume SPF50+ is the ultimate cool-down for all skin types. An ultra-fine mist, it leaves an invisible finish and provides an immediate sensation of freshness. It is easy to apply, even on wet skin, and is suitable for use from ages three and up, plus it’s safe to use on the face as well. Like the rest of SVR’s Sun Secure range, this product is free from potentially concerning ingredients like parabens and mineral oils.
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Optiphi Body Curve Solar Spritz SPF30 (R480.00)
Curb the effects of UV radiation, such as redness, sensitivity and photo-ageing with this oil-free, mattifying and lightweight sun protection product. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy, it’s the perfect product for an active lifestyle. It contains a number of innovative ingredients to protect the skin: The damaging effects of Infrared radiation are reduced by Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, which also boosts hyaluronic acid production. Skin texture, strength and hydration are improved, resulting in a firmer appearance of the skin. Strong antioxidant protection is provided by Tripeptide-33, which reduces the onset of photo-ageing and minimises the damage caused by free radicals. Heat Shock Proteins increase the skin’s ability to function under conditions of stress. This in turn balances the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, important anti-ageing components. Sound good? That’s because it is! The lovely invisible mist is effective while feeling like second skin.
Shop online here.
