Dr Amy Wechsler, a family dermatologist practicing in New York City, is in Australia to help us turn back the clock.
Dr Wechsler says that money doesn't buy good skin - and many cheaper moisturisers and sunscreens are just as good as the expensive ones.
Featured on tonight's show was a sunscreen that promises optimum protection, while feeling like a high-end moisturiser on your skin. It’s called Invisible Zinc and it costs around $35.
INVISIBLE ZINC STOCKISTS:
Myer: All Stores nationally
David Jones: All stores nationally
Priceline: All stores nationally
Pharmacy stockists:
Terry White
Priceline Pharmacies
All Good Pharmacy Groups nationally
Ph: 1800 806 873
New minis available at Woolworths:
Tinted daywear, 4 hr water resistant and Face & Body Sunscreen
For online purchasing:
www.adorebeauty.com.au
www.chemistdirect.com.au
www.pharmacyonline.com.au
Visit Dr Amy Wechsler's website: www.dramywechsler.com
General tips on sunscreen
While sunscreen is an important part of sun protection, you should remember that in sun-drenched country like Australia, sunscreen should not be used as your only form of sun protection or as a way of extending the time you spend in the sun.
Sunscreens in Australia are subject to regulation and therefore they must comply with certain standards. The ability of a sunscreen to protect skin from burning is measured using the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and in Australia, these range from 4 to 50+. However the SPF should only be used as a guide. How long you take to burn will depend on your skin type and the UV Index at the time.
UV radiation penetrates skin causing damage to the cells. There are different types of radiation which cause different types of damage. These are called UVA and UVB. A broad spectrum sunscreen filters out both types of UV radiation – but some sunscreens that are not broad spectrum will only filter out one type of radiation effectively. Always check the sunscreen you buy effectively blocks both UBA and UVB.
How sunscreen works
Sunscreens contain ingredients which work in two different ways. They can:
Reflect UV radiation away from the skin and so provide a block to the UV radiation penetrating the skin. These ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients may give the skin a milky appearance but are the least likely to cause problems in people with sensitive skin.
Absorb UV radiation and so provide a chemical barrier which prevents skin from absorbing UV radiation. These ingredients include octylmethoxycinnamate, methylbenzylidene camphor and butyl methoxycinnamate.
Many sunscreens contain a mixture of both types of ingredients to maximise their effectiveness. None of these chemicals has been shown to cause any long-term side effects.
How to get the best result from your sunscreen
Obviously, choose a sunscreen which suits your skin type and activity. Water resistant sunscreen is best if you are going to be swimming or are likely to sweat.
If your skin is sensitive then it may be best to use a fragrance free sunscreen with zinc or titanium dioxide.
Alcohol or gel based sunscreens are least likely to worsen acne.
For sunscreen to be effective it needs to be applied 20 minutes before going out into the sun. A generous amount of sunscreen is needed, however many people don’t apply enough. As a guide, about a teaspoon (5ml) is required for each arm, leg, front of body, back of body and half a teaspoon for the face.
The average sized adult needs about 7 teaspoons for their whole body (35ml). Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, whether or not the label says to do so. Sunscreen is easily wiped or washed off so reapplying is important. And check the expiry date; most sunscreens will last for two-to-three years.
Additional information: The NSW Cancer Institute – visit: The Dark Side of Tanning
