Medicine in the Mirror

5. DECODING YOUR SUNSCREEN LABELS

February 08, 2021 Dr K Season 1 Episode 5
Medicine in the Mirror
5. DECODING YOUR SUNSCREEN LABELS
Show Notes

With summer in full swing, it’s more important than ever to have sun safety top of mind and it's when most of you  remember to reach for sunscreen.  Why do we need to use sunscreen in the first place? Did you know that 10 Kiwis are diagnosed with skin cancer every hour  due to UV exposure and that >90% of premature ageing is due to sun exposure. This is so easily preventable with the correct use of sunscreen. 

When scrolling online or scanning the supermarket aisle, there’s no question that choosing  a sunscreen  can be  pretty confusing. Reading a sunscreen label shouldn’t feel like you are deciphering The Da Vinci Code. I guess if you’re like most people you just grab the bottle with the highest SPF. The higher the number the better, right? 

In today’s episode I’ll help you decode what the labels actually mean.  So you can spend less time debating between brands, and more time actually enjoying the summer. I’ll explain  the most common words and phrases found on  sunscreens  so you can approach the shelves (or the websites) with the confidence that you're getting what you want and need, whether that’s a formula that won't irritate your skin, one that won't harm the environment, one that won't budge when you sweat, or all of the above — you’ll be a master of  sunscreen labels. .