Spring UV Is Here: How to Protect Your Skin Without Upsetting It
Spring in Australia feels soft. The sun is warm, the days are longer, and it's easy to think the harsh UV is still months away. It isn't. UV levels climb quickly from now, and your skin is already adjusting to the change of season.
Sunscreen is the step that protects everything else in your routine. It doesn't have to leave your skin feeling tight, greasy or irritated. Here's how to make SPF work with your skin.
Why sunscreen comes first
Daily sunscreen is the most effective way to protect your skin from UV damage. That includes premature ageing, pigmentation and uneven tone. A great serum can support your skin, but it can't make up for skipping SPF.
UV also stresses the skin barrier, the outer layer that holds in moisture and keeps irritants out. When the barrier is under pressure, skin can feel dry, sensitive or reactive. Protecting it every day is easier than repairing it later.
How to choose a sunscreen your skin likes
The best sunscreen is the one you'll wear every single day. Look for:
- Broad spectrum, SPF 50+. This protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and it's the standard in Australia.
- A texture you enjoy. Lightweight and comfortable wins, especially if you wear makeup.
- A gentle formula. If your skin is sensitive, consider fragrance-free options.
If a sunscreen pills, stings or feels heavy, try a different one. Finding the right formula is worth the effort.
How to apply it properly
Most people use less sunscreen than they need. A few simple habits help:
- Apply it as the last step of your morning routine, after moisturiser.
- Use enough.The general guide is about a teaspoon for the face and neck.
- Reapply every two hours when you're outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.
- Cover the easy-to-miss spots: ears, hairline, jaw and the sides of the neck.
Cleanse it off gently
Sunscreen needs to come off at the end of the day, but scrubbing hard isn't the answer. Over-cleansing can strip the skin and disrupt its natural balance.
Use a gentle cleanser, and double cleanse if you wear makeup or a water-resistant formula. Then follow with hydration to keep your skin feeling comfortable.
Support your skin after sun
- Sun, wind and heat all work on your skin.
- After a long day outdoors, go back to basics:
- Use hydrating, soothing products.Choose ingredients that support your skin barrier.Skip strong exfoliants and active treatments for a day or two.
Your skin's microbiome, the community of microorganisms that lives on its surface, is part of this barrier. Calm, consistent care helps keep it balanced.
Your spring routine at a glance
Morning: Cleanse, treat, moisturise, SPF
Evening: Cleanse, treat or repair, moisturise
Keep it simple, stay consistent, and adjust as the weather changes.
The takeaway
Sunscreen is the least glamorous step and the one that protects your results. Build it into your morning, choose a formula you enjoy, and your skin will stay comfortable all season.
