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Is there a difference between expensive and budget sunscreens?

lady applying sunscreen

26 . 11 . 24

Is there a difference between expensive and budget sunscreens?

Sunscreen prices vary enormously, so it begs the question, will your skin thank you for spending more? Or are you largely paying for fancier packaging? Let’s discuss.

The sun’s power to harm your skin:

The sun has immense power when considering your skin health. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can contribute to premature ageing, sunburn and most importantly, skin cancer. There are two main types of UV rays with different effects on your skin.

UVA rays UVB rays
  • Are consistently present throughout the year
  • Can reach us through clouds and glass
  • May penetrate deep levels of the skin but not be felt
  • Damage collagen and elastin fibres
  • Lead to premature ageing, wrinkles and sagging.
  • Levels higher in summer months
  • Cause surface damage like sunburn
  • Responsible for the majority of DNA damage, which can lead to cancerous mutations.

Every time your cells divide, there’s a risk of cancerous mutations. That risk increases as you get older, and your body can’t keep things in check as well as it used to. Sun-related DNA damage sustained in your youth may result in skin cancer in later years.

Remember, no sunscreen can be expected to prevent 100% of sun-related skin problems. It’s also important to wear a hat, protective clothing, sunglasses and seek shade where possible.

The importance of sunscreen:

Consistent use of a quality sunscreen can help to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. That helps to:

What to look for in a sunscreen:

  1. Broad spectrum: Protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
  2. A minimum of SPF 50+ – this provides the best protection.
  3. TGA approved: Most sunscreens are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to ensure they meet certain standards. Look for a product featuring an AUST L identification number on the packaging.
  4. If outdoors, exercising or swimming, choose an SPF that is water resistant.
  5. Suitable for your skin: If you’re prone to acne, look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen. If you have sensitive skin, look for something without fragrance. If you have pigmentation or Melasma, look for a tinted or Zinc based SPF.
  6. Feels good: The best sunscreen is the one that you will wear consistently, so we recommend sourcing one that feels good on your skin. Sunscreens are notorious for feeling heavy and greasy on the skin, however, brands have listened to our ranting over the years and there are plenty of quality, light-weight formulas available that feel like a moisturiser.

Important note: Don’t rely on SPF in cosmetic products as your sole method of sun protection. For example, a foundation that has SPF 30. This is not adequate sun protection and it’s easy for consumers to be misled. You must always apply a quality, broad spectrum SPF 50+ BEFORE applying makeup or other cosmetic products. If you want something with colour, look for a tinted option.

Are premium sunscreens better?

Both budget and expensive sunscreens can protect against UV radiation if they are SPF 50+, broad-spectrum, and TGA-approved.

So, both products will achieve the basics. It’s the extras that explain the price difference.

Higher-priced options may be:

  • Tailored to the needs of certain skin types, making them more suitable for people with oily skin, acne, rosacea
  • Hypoallergenic, using fewer irritants or fragrances
  • Better at providing sustained water resistance for outdoor sports or water-based activities
  • They may also feel nicer on your skin with a luxurious texture.

At the end of the day, we maintain that the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear every single day without fail. That usually comes down to a balance of affordability and product preference.

How can we help?

If you’re concerned about sun damage to your skin, we encourage you to see us. As a combined dermatology and cosmetic clinic, we’re ideally placed to care for both your skin’s health and its appearance.

Book your skin cancer check for a thorough examination in our skin cancer clinic. This is an important way to catch any potentially cancerous changes before they progress to a more serious stage.

If you’re concerned about your skin’s appearance after sun damage, we encourage you to see our dermal therapy team for a skin assessment, which may include skin care, enzyme peels and laser treatments.

Book a skin consult to see what’s best for your skin health.

 

Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

References

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