Shopping for sunscreen? Tips to get the most bang for your buck

Before buying a sunscreen, it is important to know what you need and what to look out for.

Key checks are broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance if needed.

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You also need to take your skin type, the expiration date, and ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin B3 (niacinamide), or zinc oxide into consideration.

“You should be able to look for powerful antioxidants. Our skin doesn’t necessarily get damaged by the fact that there are sun rays, but also because there is pollution in the air. There are certain environmental extremities like heat or cold,” says Pretorius.

Even the viscosity (thickness) is important.

“The human skin needs to breathe. There is physical gas exchange taking place through our skin. Especially for individuals who are quite active or wear makeup,” Pretorius adds. 

She recommends that people with dry skin use a cream, while those with oily skin should use a spray-on formula.

Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day for full protection. 

To listen to Pretorius in conversation with 702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane, click below: