We love our Australian summers for long days, beach swims and sunshine. But while we’re soaking it up, our skin is often paying the price. Skipping your hat or reapplication of sunscreen can have a significant effect on long-term changes in skin tone and structure, as UV rays alters the skin at a cellular level, often before damage is visible.
Two of the most common visible effects of sun damage on our faces are pigmentation and premature ageing.
Pigmentation: Dark Spots & Uneven Skin Tone
When UV rays penetrate the skin, melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment) are stimulated to produce more melanin. This is what causes tanning, but repeated or intense exposure can lead to persistent patches of pigmentation such as sun spots, freckles or melasma. These can be stubborn and often require targeted skincare and professional skin treatments to fade. UV-induced pigmentation doesn’t only result from sunburn, it accumulates over time from repeated exposure, even on cloudy days. This makes daily sun protection essential, not just when it’s sunny.
Ageing: Wrinkles, Fine Lines & Loss of Elasticity
Sun exposure accelerates what dermatologists call photoageing, which is the premature ageing of the skin caused by ultraviolet light. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis (the layer beneath the skin’s surface) and stimulate enzymes that break down collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep skin firm, plump and elastic). Wrinkles, fine lines, sagging and a leathery texture are all linked to chronic sun exposure, compared with intrinsic ageing caused by genetics and natural cell processes. These visible changes often appear years earlier than expected, especially on the face, neck, and décolletage, which receive the most daily UV exposure.
Six out of ten Australians are unaware that sun exposure is the biggest contributor to visible facial ageing, despite evidence showing it accounts for up to 80% of visible skin ageing.¹
Many people associate extreme UV levels with tropical destinations, but Adelaide regularly experiences very high to extreme UV levels, even on mild or cloudy days. Our clear skies, low pollution and proximity to Antarctic ozone thinning mean UV radiation can reach damaging levels quickly often before you feel hot or sunburnt. During summer, UV levels can peak as early as 9am, long before most people think to apply sunscreen.
Australian women show signs of facial ageing up to 20 years earlier than women in the United States, reinforcing how dramatically high-UV climates accelerate the ageing process when protection isn’t prioritised.²
Using Sunscreen CORRECTLY Is Essential
With consistent daily sun protection using a broad-spectrum SPF, correct application and reapplication, and supportive skincare, you can significantly reduce the impact of sun exposure on both pigmentation and premature ageing.
Common sunscreen mistakes we see in the Salon:
- Under-application: Most adults need about a full teaspoon of sunscreen for the face, neck and ears to achieve the SPF level required.
- Old or spoiled sunscreen: Is your sunscreen past its expiration date, or has it been stored in heat? This can drastically reduce its effectiveness.
- Forgetting morning application: If it isn’t applied, it isn’t protecting you. Build a habit that works, keep one on your vanity and one in your handbag.
- Not reapplying: In South Australian conditions, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating, even if labelled water-resistant. This applies whether you’re at the beach, walking the dog, or sitting outdoors at a café.
- Relying solely on SPF in makeup: SPF levels in makeup are usually low, and you’d need to apply an unrealistic amount to get full protection.
- Wearing SPF 50 because it “lasts longer”: Higher SPF offers slightly more protection, not longer wear time.
What’s Behind Recent Sunscreen Recalls in Australia
Over the past year, a number of sunscreen products in Australia were temporarily removed from shelves or paused for additional testing. This followed independent testing that raised concerns about whether some products were consistently meeting the SPF levels stated on their labels. In one case, a sunscreen marketed as SPF 50 was found to have an SPF as low as 4.
In Australia, sunscreens are regulated as therapeutic goods, meaning they must meet strict standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). When questions around SPF accuracy were raised, many brands voluntarily removed products from shelves to carry out additional verification and testing. This was not due to safety concerns, but to ensure consumers receive the level of protection they are promised.
At our salon, sun protection is a non-negotiable part of healthy skincare. We are proud to work with brands that went above and beyond during this period, undertaking extra testing.
Choosing the RIGHT Sunscreen for YOU
We stock mineral and chemical sunscreens, both can be effective when used correctly, choosing the right one depends on your skin type, concerns and lifestyle.
Mineral (Physical) Sunscreen:
- Reflects/scatters UV rays
- Can be gentler on sensitive skin
- Tend to feel thicker or heavier
Chemical Sunscreen:
- Absorb UV rays and converts them into heat, then releases from the skin
- Lightweight and non-greasy
SPF Ratings (When Used Correctly)
- SPF 50 filters 98% of UVB rays
- SPF 30 filters 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 25 filters 96% of UVB rays
- SPF 15 filters 93% of UVB rays
Our Current Go-To Face Sunscreens in Salon
Guiya Minerals Z-COTE® Zinc BB Cream
Sheer, natural sun protection with microfine natural zinc oxide, tinted for a fresh, dewy glow. Infused with calming green tea and hemp, plus antioxidant-rich milk thistle and grape seed extract, it nourishes, balances, and protects problematic skin while supporting a smooth, healthy-looking finish. Contains the equivalent of SPF 30.
We Are Feel Good Inc. Sticky Zinc SPF 50
Formulated with both physical and chemical UV filters, this broad-spectrum sunscreen is up to 4 hours water resistant. Enriched with niacinamide (Vitamin B3), aloe vera, and vitamin E, it’s tinted and can be worn as a BB cream or in place of foundation to even skin tone.
AestheticsRx Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 50
A fast-absorbing, lightweight, non-tinted chemical sunscreen suitable for face and body. Designed for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it contains patented activated vitamin D SPF technology to allow natural vitamin D production while maintaining a high level of sun protection.
We Are Feel Good Inc. Good Morning Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 50
A super lightweight, broad-spectrum, non-tinted chemical sunscreen. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and jojoba to provide pore-friendly hydration and support the skin barrier, plus tomato extract and plant-derived squalane for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection against environmental stressors and early signs of ageing.
Sun protection is one of the most powerful anti-ageing tools we have, especially in South Australia’s climate. Using the right SPF correctly and reapplying often can make a visible difference to your skin’s health and longevity. If you’re unsure whether your current routine is truly protecting your skin, our skin therapists are always happy to help tailor a sun-safe skincare plan for you.
Your future skin will thank you.
References
1. Flament F et al. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2013;6:221-232.
2. Goodman GJ et al. Comparison of self-reported signs of facial ageing among Caucasian women in Australia versus those in the USA, the UK and Canada. Australas J Dermatol. 2017;59(2):108–117.
