1. What is UV? 

Ultraviolet radiation is one form of the sun’s energy, and reaches us down on ground level as a combination of UVA and UVB rays. It’s sometimes called the invisible killer, because we can’t see or feel it but it causes serious damage to unprotected skin. It’s the leading cause of skin cancer, premature ageing, and a host of other health issues.

2. How will UV radiation affect my skin?

UV radiation causes damage directly to your skin cells – damage which builds up over time and can’t be reversed. Excessive exposure can lead to nasty health repercussions, ranging from the temporary pain of a sunburn to an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

UV damage also causes up to 80% of premature ageing, including wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, discolouration and roughness.

3. Do I need to wear sunscreen every day?

You can wear sunscreen everyday. Sun protection is recommended any time UV levels is 3 or above , which is pretty common in Australia even in winter. You can check the day’s UV levels on your phone’s weather app or the SunSmart app and apply accordingly.

That being said, incorporating sunscreen into your everyday routine to ensure you’re always protected when you need to be certainly doesn’t hurt.

Are all ingredients in sunscreens safe?

Sunscreen is regulated as a listed medicine by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia and complies with AS/NZS 2604. Sunscreen is still classified as a cosmetic in NZ but must comply also with AS/NZS 2604. In AUS Sunscreen can only be manufactured by TGA approved facilities. Sunscreens in NZ can be produced at any manufacturing facility. So rest assured our Australian-made Essano suncare range is made to some of the strictest regulations in the world.

 

How can we trust the legitimacy of your testing?

Our testing is conducted by a laboratory that specialises in pharmaceutical, sunscreen and skin care products. It is completely independent of Cancer Council and Vitality Brands.

As there are limited number of laboratories in Australia that offer the TGA approved testing facilities, we use a range of testing facilities in both Australia and overseas. All these facilities meet the Australian Standard.

 

4. What if I’m only going outside for a little while? 

It only takes 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure for damage to start. That includes little moments like walking to and from your car, grabbing a coffee or ducking out of the office for lunch.

5. Is sunscreen enough to keep me safe from the sun? 

Sunscreen is your skin’s best friend, but it’s not a suit of armour. For the highest level of sun safety, adopt 3-5 measures of sun protection whenever you’re out and about. On top of applying SPF50+ sunscreen, remember to wear protective clothing, keep sunglasses on hand, wear a hat that covers your ears and neck, and seek out shady spots to sit in. Layering up your measures of sun protection is the best way to guard yourself against skin damage.

6. What does SPF mean? 

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and indicates how effective a product is at protecting you from the sun. It’s tested by timing how long it takes for skin to get red after sun exposure.

In the lab, SPF30 sunscreen filters 96.7% of UV radiation and SPF50 sunscreen filters 98% of UV radiation – so the difference between the two is pretty small. It’s almost impossible to recreate lab conditions in your day-to-day life, however. Factors like skin type, UV levels, how much product you apply, and what you’re doing that day will always come into play.

So, to get the most out of your SPF and keep yourself as safe as possible, it’s important to apply sunscreen of any SPF rating liberally, repeatedly, and as directed.

7. What does broad-spectrum mean? 

There are two types of UV rays that reach and affect our skin – UVA and UVB. Both operate on different wavelengths and impact different layers of the skin, but both are incredibly harmful through overexposure. UVA causes most signs of premature ageing like wrinkles, roughness and sunspots. UVB, on the other hand, increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

‘Broad-spectrum’ means that a sunscreen filters both types of UV radiation, offering more thorough and effective protection.

8. What’s the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen? 

There are two major types of sunscreen that tackle UV protection in different but equally effective ways. Chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays like a sponge, stopping them from damaging your cells. Physical sunscreen, on the other hand, creates a barrier of ingredients like zinc oxide that block and reflect UV rays away from your skin.

Which you use comes almost entirely down to personal preference. Some people find that physical sunscreens are more likely to leave a chalky white cast on the skin and prefer a lighter chemical formula, while others like the fact that physical formulas make it easier to see where you’ve already applied sunscreen.

9. How much sunscreen should I apply? 

It’s probably more than you think. For adults, the perfect amount is at least 5ml (about one teaspoon) for each of the following areas: the front of the body, the back of the body and each limb, plus a final teaspoon spread across the face, neck and ears. So picture filling up a total of seven teaspoons every time you apply.

10. Can I layer multiple products for more protection? 

Unfortunately, SPF doesn’t stack. So, if you apply SPF30 and SPF50 sunscreen at the same time, you’ll come out of it with SPF50 protection – not SPF80.

11. When in my routine do I apply sunscreen? 

As a general rule, sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine. This usually means applying it after your moisturiser, but before your makeup. Wait a few minutes between each step to make sure every product has time to absorb and dry.

12. If I apply sunscreen in the morning, am I good for the rest of the day? 

Not unless you plan on staying inside all day. If you’re heading outside at all, you’ll need to reapply. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours, as well as after swimming, sweating or towelling off.

13. Will sunscreen interact badly with my makeup? 

Sunscreen formulas have come a long way, and there are plenty of facial sunscreens that take compatibility with makeup into account. Essano’s Vitamin C Fluid SPF50+, for example, was specifically designed to be worn under makeup. Finding a sunscreen that creates a good base for your favourite makeup products will make you more likely to incorporate SPF into your everyday routine.

14. If my makeup has SPF in it, do I still need to wear sunscreen? 

Absolutely. There are a few reasons why you shouldn’t rely on SPF-infused makeup to keep you safe in the sun. Firstly, you’d likely need a lot of layers to reach an effective amount of SPF, and chances are that’s not the look you’re going for.

Sunscreen also needs to be applied in a full, even layer across the entire face. It’s harder to guarantee this with products like foundation than it is with a dedicated facial sunscreen. And don’t forget, the protection provided by your foundation will only last for the first two hours of wear. Eventually, you’ll have to reapply – and you probably don’t want to redo your makeup base every two hours.

15. How do I reapply sunscreen without ruining my makeup? 

It might take a little practice, but it’s possible to stay safe and keep your look intact throughout the day. The first step is to think about what kind of base products you’re using. Cream and liquid foundations will hold up better than powders when it comes to reapplying, as they’re less likely to cake or move around.

We’d recommend using your clean fingers or a non-absorbent makeup sponge to dab (not swipe) a cream or liquid foundation on top of your makeup. Just remember to go slowly and carefully, applying an even layer of sunscreen to your entire face. You might need to touch up a couple of spots afterwards, but the extra effort is worth it to stay protected.

16. Can sunscreen cause breakouts? 

Only if you’re using a formula that’s not complementary to your skin type. Just like with skincare and makeup, no sunscreen is perfect for every person. Whether you have dry, oily or sensitive skin, it’s worth taking the time to find a sunscreen your skin loves.

17. Do I need to wear SPF on my lips? 

Yes! People often forget that the skin on your lips is still skin, and can be damaged by UV just like the rest of your body. Keep an SPF lip balm in your bag or pocket and reapply it regularly whenever you’re in the sun.

18. Is wearing sunscreen on my face enough? 

Sun damage can occur anywhere on the body, so protecting just one spot doesn’t do much good. Any bit of skin that’s not covered by clothing should be covered by sunscreen, all the way from your head to your toes.

19. Will sunscreen stop me from tanning? 

Yes, and that’s a good thing! A tan might look nice, but it’s a sign that your skin is damaged. When skin is exposed to harmful levels of UV, it tries to protect itself by producing melanin. Think of it like a cry for help from your skin cells, telling you that irreversible UV damage has already begun and you need to get out of the sun ASAP.

20. Will sunscreen affect my vitamin D levels? 

Vitamin D is vital for healthy bodies, but there’s no need to put yourself at risk for its sake. Studies show that sunscreen use has very little impact on vitamin D levels over time, and most Aussies and Kiwis get their fill in little, incidental moments like walking from their car or hanging out the washing. Excess sun exposure for the sake of vitamin D is never a good idea, even for people with deficiencies.

21. Will sunscreen keep me looking young? 

Since up to 80% of premature ageing is caused by UV damage, one of the best ways of maintaining youthful skin is to avoid that damage in the first place. Effective sunscreen use will reduce your chance of developing wrinkles, sunspots, sagging skin and rough textures. UV radiation can also break down your skin’s elastin fibres, which are responsible for keeping you looking plump, bouncy and young.