All things SPF - How and when to apply
According to the NHS, most people don't apply enough sunscreen. As a guide, adults should aim to apply around:
- Two teaspoons of sunscreen if you're just covering your head, arms and neck
- Two tablespoons if you're covering your entire body while wearing a swimming costume
When not enough sunscreen is applied, the amount of protection it gives is reduced. If you're concerned you may not be applying enough sun cream, you could apply a stronger SPF for longer-lasting protection. If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen should be:
- applied 20 minutes before going out
- reapplied every 2 hours after initial sun exposure as a minimum (this should be increased in frequency if swimming, sweating or towel drying).
Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears – and head if you have thinning or no hair.
The star ratings system
As a brand, Australian Gold does not use the star rating system as this is an initiative founded by a UK retailer. Australian Gold, which is manufactured in the USA, do not distribute their items via this UK retailer, and hence have not adopted the star rating system.
The star ratings system is based upon the absorption of UVA rays in comparison to UVB rays. This rating can in fact be confusing, as a low SPF with a five star rating could offer less UVA protection than a higher SPF sunscreen with fewer stars.
We continually monitor the quality of their formulas and ingredients to ensure that it remains among the top, global skincare and sun protection providers. All of our products adhere to strict EU regulations and are classed as Broad Spectrum, with their bottles displaying the associated certification. The UVA protection for a sunscreen product should be at least a third of the labelled SPF. Only products that meet this requirement are awarded the Broad Spectrum certification.
Chemical vs mineral SPFs
We supply both chemical and mineral SPFs. The difference is in the application.
Chemical SPFs (the Spray Gels and corresponding lotions) absorb into the skin quickly. The protecting elements of this type of SPF absorb the UV to protect your skin.
Our botanical range are all mineral SPFs, or physical sun creams. These work as a barrier on the skin which reflect UV. These are all reef safe (reef friendly) lotions as they do not contain chemicals which can harm the ocean. Some countries are now only allowing the use of mineral SPFs to ensure the safety of their reefs. These lotions have been designed to be water resistant for up to 80 minutes, however to remove easily, use soap or a cleanser.
Applying with a tanning lotion
With a chemical lotion:
1. Apply your SPF 20-30 minutes before sun exposure to ensure it absorbs into the skin fully before UV exposure.
2. Apply your Intensifier immediately before sun exposure.
3. Reapply both products every two hours as a minimum.
With a mineral lotion:
1. Apply your Intensifier immediately before sun exposure.
2. Apply your Botanical SPF over the top once the Intensifier has absorbed into the skin, still before sun exposure.
3. Reapply in this order every two hours as a minimum.
What makes us different?
Unlike many brands of SPF, we also consider skincare a priority alongside sun safety. Therefore our lotions have been designed to make your skin feel good. These all absorb into the skin rapidly and leave your skin feeling soft and nourished. Plus the facial lotions have been designed as hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic products too, to keep skin happy and healthy.
Kids lotions
Although we used to stock a lotion for kids, this is something which we are not currently offering. Please note that when protecting children, we always advise to apply an SPF 50 for the best UV protection. This should be reapplied every two hours as a minimum and frequency should be increase when sweating, swimming or towel drying.
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