We all know the detrimental effects of the sun and with summer just around the corner, it’s time to make sure you are protecting your skin from harsh UVA & UVB rays as well as keeping it in beautiful condition.

And to help us with that, Tony Vargas - Vice President, Global Research & Development for Elizabeth Arden gives us the low down on sunscreen and his top product picks for summer.

What is SPF?  How is it calculated?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.  SPF only measures the Sun Protection Factor against UVB rays.  To determine the best SPF for you, you first need to figure out how long you can stay in the sun before turning red.  Assuming it’s 10 minutes, if you apply a sunscreen with SPF 15, you can stay in the sun 10 x 15 or 150 minutes (2.5 hours) before burning. 

What is the difference between UVA/UVB rays? 
The sun radiates three kinds of light: UVA, UVB and UVC.  Of these three, UVC is naturally filtered out by the earth’s ozone layer, leaving UVA and UVB rays as the most harmful to your skin.  UVB causes redness or sunburn that you see.  UVA is the stronger type of solar radiation that can effect lower layers of the skin and cause skin damage and skin cancer.  The most common ingredients that can protect against UVA radiation are avobenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  If your sunscreen does not include one of these ingredients, you are putting yourself at risk for serious skin damage. 

What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens? 
Mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays from the skin and usually cause no irritation.  Chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays.  They are both safe and effective for use. 

Product love:

Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 Sunscreen PA+++ 50ml RRP$40   
This lightweight, oil-free lotion helps protect your skin from sun exposure while hydrating for up to 8 hours.  The powerful SPF 50 helps shield skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays that can cause sunburn, surface skin cell damage and premature signs of aging. 
 
Drawing inspiration from the singular success of the targeted, all-purpose Eight Hour Skin Protectant, this is your beach-bag staple product for fun in the sun.   It’s ideal to use all over your face or for targeted protection on the nose, forehead or other sun-sensitive spots.
 
Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF 50 Sunscreen PA+++ has been endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation Program.  This seal is awarded to UV protection products with a minimum SPF 15 or UPF 30 that meet criteria of The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 50ml RRP$64
Nothing feels more natural than pure, microlight minerals.  Now Elizabeth Arden brings you the best with Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 – oil free, talc free and fragrance free.
 
Brighten and even out your skin tone with Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Fair, Light, Medium and Deep.  Infused with microlight minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, this hint of sheer, natural colour instantly transforms and perfects skin’s appearance for a fresh, luminous glow.