The sun can play a major role in damaging your skin. Particularly in Australia where the UV rating sits at dangerous levels throughout many months of the year. Combine this with the popularity of sun tanning and forgetting to wear sunscreen and you’ve got a recipe for dry, burnt, frazzled skin.
UV rays break down elastin and collagen, which causes sagging and wrinkling of the skin. These rays make skin feel rougher and pigment cells become over-stimulated, leading to dreaded ‘sun spots.’
Give your Neora Day Cream a helping hand by avoiding excessive sun damage to your skin this summer. Below is a suggested sun-smart guide to help you retain your healthy looking skin.
Being Sun Smart
Due to Australia close proximity to the equator, we unfortunately experience some of the highest UV levels on the planet. From 10:00am to 4:00pm, the sun subjects your skin to the most damaging UV rays. Depending on where you’re located within Australia, it’s highly recommended to follow the Sun Exposure chart below to understand how much ‘Vitamin D’ your skin can safely absorb before it becomes hazardous.
| Latitude | Summer
Dec – Jan (at 10am OR 2pm ^ST) |
Winter
July – Aug (at midday) |
|
| Northern | Townsville | 5 – 7 minutes | 7 minutes |
| Cairns | 6 – 7 minutes | 7 minutes | |
| Central | Brisbane | 6 – 7 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Perth | 5 – 6 minutes | 15 minutes | |
| Southern | Sydney | 6 – 8 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Adelaide | 5 – 7 minutes | 20 minutes | |
| Melbourne | 6 – 8 minutes | 25 minutes | |
| Hobart | 7 – 10 minutes | 30 minutes |
Avoid Tanning Beds
If you don’t want to look older than your age, stay as far away as possible from tanning beds. Your skin will become leathery, wrinkled, and dark spots will appear resulting from the unprotected UV exposure of tanning beds. Premature aging is a long-term side effect of UV exposure, meaning it may not show on your skin until many years after.
Learn Sunscreen Labels
Not all sunscreens are the same. Some will have a higher SPF and some will contain moisturisers that nourish the skin at the same time. It’s always good to be aware of the different types that are available and choose one that is right for you. The recommended standard for sunscreen within Australia is SPF50+ as set by the Cancer Council.
SPF30+ may seem like enough coverage, however it’s highly recommended to restock your sunscreen with SPF50+ or higher. Labels that say ‘waterproof’ or ‘sweatproof’ have been found to be misleading and as of 2013 are no longer permitted to make these claims. See the table below for a guide to the varying types of SPF and how to apply correctly.
| Old SPF30+ | New SPF30 | SPF50+ | |
| UVB protection (sunburn and skin cancer) | 96.7% | 96.7% | 98% |
| UVB protection (sunburn and skin cancer) in ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreens | Included | Improved | Improved |
| Application | Every two hours and after swimming, exercising or towel drying | Every two hours and after swimming, exercising or towel drying | Every two hours and after swimming, exercising or towel drying |
Neora Night and Day Creams are proven to reduce the signs of aging, including the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration; also improves the appearance of skin’s tone and texture.