Sunscreens

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It’s estimated that up to 80% of premature ageing is caused by the sun,[1] so daily sunscreen protection is essential for maintaining youthful-looking skin. Our advanced sunscreen range only utilises premium chemical sun filters for high performance protection against the harmful and ageing effects of UVA and UVB rays. Our formulas also deliver skin-friendly benefits and a non-greasy finish for effortless daily wear.

[1] F. Flament et al., Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2013, 6, pp 221-232

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is sunscreen important for healthy-looking skin?

Sunscreens play a crucial role in filtering out UVA and UVB radiation that can contribute to pigmentation, skin damage and skin cancer.

How does sunscreen protect against harmful UV rays?

Sunscreens in Australia use a combination of manual and organic UV filters that reflect sun rays, block UV from penetrating your skin and absorb it into energy (heat) to release it back into the atmosphere.

How often should I apply sunscreen for effective protection?

To protect against harsh UV rays in Australia, apply sun protection 20 minutes before leaving the house. This allows your SPF to develop an even shield across the applied areas. Additionally, it’s recommended you reapply every two hours if possible and straight after swimming to maintain effective sun protection.

How often should I reapply sunscreen?

Reapply sunscreen every two hours when you're outdoors to maintain effective protection against UV rays. After swimming, sweating or towel drying, reapply immediately, as these activities can reduce the efficacy of sunscreen by washing it off or diluting its protective layer.

Should I apply sunscreen even on cloudy or overcast days?

Yes — whether the sky is sunny, raining and cloudy, or you’re cruising the ski slopes, sunscreen in Australia is a must-have in any weather event.

How much facial sunscreen should I apply?

For effective protection, use approximately 1/4 teaspoon of sunscreen on your face. Spread the product evenly across all exposed areas, including the ears and neck. Under-application can lead to inadequate protection, so it’s crucial to use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin thoroughly.

Do you put sunscreen on before moisturiser?

Sunscreen should be the final step in your daytime skincare routine. Apply it after your moisturiser but before any makeup. This order helps the sunscreen form an effective barrier on the surface of your skin to protect against UV radiation without being diluted or disturbed by other products.

Can I use facial sunscreen under my makeup?

Yes — we include hydrating ingredients in our sun protection products that condition your skin to create a smooth base that makes it easy to apply and layer makeup. While some cosmetics feature some UV resistance, the amount needed to deliver equal protection to sunscreen may not be enough, so using a dedicated sun protection product is important.

Can I use body sunscreen for my face?

While you can use body sunscreen on your face in a pinch, it's generally not recommended as the formulation might be heavier and could potentially clog facial pores or cause irritation. Facial sunscreens are specifically formulated to be non-comedogenic and lighter on the skin. They are more suitable for daily use on the face, especially under makeup.

What does the SPF in sunscreen mean?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, indicates the level of protection against UVB rays, showing how long you can be exposed to the sun without burning compared to unprotected skin. It does not measure protection against UVA rays.

What is the recommended SPF level for daily use?

SPF 30+ is considered the minimum optimum level of sun protection in Australia — blocking 96.7% of UVB radiation. For superior peace of mind and efficacy, we recommend choosing a sunscreen with SPF 50+ — these sunscreens provide 50% more protection, filtering out 98% of UVB radiation.

Can sunscreen be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin?

Absolutely — whether your skin falls on the dry, oily or sensitive side of skin types, you can buy sun protection that maintains a flawless finish that doesn’t pill, leave a white cast or irritate sensitive skin, including the delicate skin around the eyes.

How do I choose the right sunscreen for my skin type?

Choose a sunscreen that matches your skin type: for dry skin, look for hydrating formulas; for oily skin, opt for oil-free or mattifying options; and for sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free and mineral-based sunscreens.

Does SPF sunscreen prevent tanning?

Sunscreen significantly reduces tanning by blocking and absorbing UV rays that trigger melanin production — the skin’s natural response to UV exposure. However, even the best sun protection products cannot block 100% of UV rays, so some tanning can still occur, especially if the sunscreen is not applied thoroughly or frequently enough.

Is higher SPF in sunscreen considered better?

Higher SPF sunscreens provide more protection against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and contribute to skin cancer risk. While no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, higher SPF ratings, such as 50 or above, offer stronger and longer-lasting protection. Apply properly and reapply frequently to ensure effective coverage.

What is the difference between a physical and chemical sunscreen?

Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, use active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These create a physical barrier on the skin that reflects and scatters UV radiation. They provide immediate sun protection and are less likely to cause irritation. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain organic compounds that absorb UV radiation. Ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone convert UV into heat and release it from the skin. These sunscreens may feel lighter on the skin but require about 20 minutes to become effective after application.

What other products can I find at Medik8?

Medik8 offers a wide range of skincare products, including vitamin C, retinal, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and more. We use science-based research to address specific skin concerns, from acne to ageing, and improve overall skin health.

What is the recommended SPF level for daily use?

SPF 30+ is considered the minimum optimum level of sun protection in Australia — blocking 96.7% of UVB radiation. For superior peace of mind and efficacy, we recommend choosing a sunscreen with SPF 50+ — these sunscreens provide 50% more protection, filtering out 98% of UVB radiation.

Can sunscreen be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin?

Absolutely — whether your skin falls on the dry, oily or sensitive side of skin types, you can buy sun protection that maintains a flawless finish that doesn’t pill, leave a white cast or irritate sensitive skin, including the delicate skin around the eyes.

How do I choose the right sunscreen for my skin type?

Choose a sunscreen that matches your skin type: for dry skin, look for hydrating formulas; for oily skin, opt for oil-free or mattifying options; and for sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free and mineral-based sunscreens.

Should I apply sunscreen even on cloudy or overcast days?

Yes — whether the sky is sunny, raining and cloudy, or you’re cruising the ski slopes, sunscreen in Australia is a must-have in any weather event.

How much facial sunscreen should I apply?

For effective protection, use approximately 1/4 teaspoon of sunscreen on your face. Spread the product evenly across all exposed areas, including the ears and neck. Under-application can lead to inadequate protection, so it’s crucial to use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin thoroughly.

Do you put sunscreen on before moisturiser?

Sunscreen should be the final step in your daytime skincare routine. Apply it after your moisturiser but before any makeup. This order helps the sunscreen form an effective barrier on the surface of your skin to protect against UV radiation without being diluted or disturbed by other products.

Can I use facial sunscreen under my makeup?

Yes — we include hydrating ingredients in our sun protection products that condition your skin to create a smooth base that makes it easy to apply and layer makeup. While some cosmetics feature some UV resistance, the amount needed to deliver equal protection to sunscreen may not be enough, so using a dedicated sun protection product is important.

Can I use body sunscreen for my face?

While you can use body sunscreen on your face in a pinch, it's generally not recommended as the formulation might be heavier and could potentially clog facial pores or cause irritation. Facial sunscreens are specifically formulated to be non-comedogenic and lighter on the skin. They are more suitable for daily use on the face, especially under makeup.

Does SPF sunscreen prevent tanning?

Sunscreen significantly reduces tanning by blocking and absorbing UV rays that trigger melanin production — the skin’s natural response to UV exposure. However, even the best sun protection products cannot block 100% of UV rays, so some tanning can still occur, especially if the sunscreen is not applied thoroughly or frequently enough.

Is higher SPF in sunscreen considered better?

Higher SPF sunscreens provide more protection against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and contribute to skin cancer risk. While no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, higher SPF ratings, such as 50 or above, offer stronger and longer-lasting protection. Apply properly and reapply frequently to ensure effective coverage.

What is the difference between a physical and chemical sunscreen?

Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, use active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These create a physical barrier on the skin that reflects and scatters UV radiation. They provide immediate sun protection and are less likely to cause irritation. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain organic compounds that absorb UV radiation. Ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone convert UV into heat and release it from the skin. These sunscreens may feel lighter on the skin but require about 20 minutes to become effective after application.

What other products can I find at Medik8?

Medik8 offers a wide range of skincare products, including vitamin C, retinal, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and more. We use science-based research to address specific skin concerns, from acne to ageing, and improve overall skin health.