SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen is one of the few skincare products that benefits everyone, regardless of age or skin type. It is not just about avoiding sunburn. Regular sunscreen protects the skin from cumulative damage that contributes to pigmentation, sensitivity, premature ageing, and skin cancer.
​
At ALLOR, sunscreen is considered a foundation of skin health rather than an optional add-on. Without consistent sun protection, even well-designed skincare routines and in-clinic treatments struggle to deliver stable, long-term results.
What SPF Actually Means
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB radiation, the type of ultraviolet light primarily responsible for sunburn.
​
In practical terms:
-
SPF 15 filters approximately 93% of UVB
-
SPF 30 filters around 97% of UVB
-
SPF 50+ filters at least 98% of UVB
No sunscreen completely blocks all ultraviolet radiation. Even high-SPF products allow a small amount of UV to reach the skin, which is why application technique and consistency matter so much.
​
The difference between SPF levels is smaller than many people expect. Real-world protection depends far more on:
-
How generously the sunscreen is applied
-
Whether it is reapplied during the day
-
Duration and intensity of sun exposure
Using SPF 50+ sparingly or inconsistently offers less protection than applying SPF 30 properly and regularly. Care is also needed with SPF in mineral powder foundation, as this requires heavy, consistent application to be effective.
UVA vs UVB: Why Broad-Spectrum Matters
UVB causes visible sunburn, but UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and plays a major role in:
-
Pigmentation
-
Collagen breakdown
-
Long-term skin ageing
-
Skin cancer risk
UVA exposure occurs year-round, even on cloudy days and through glass which is why broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against both UVA and UVB, are essential for daily use, not just beach days.
Water-Resistant Sunscreen: What the Label Really Means
Water-resistant sunscreen is formulated to maintain its level of protection for a limited period when exposed to water, sweat, or moisture. It does not mean waterproof, and it does not remove the need for re-application.
Water resistance is expressed as a time-based claim, which may vary between products. Labels commonly indicate protection lasting for a set duration during water exposure, such as two hours, four hours or other periods depending on testing standards used.
​
These time frames are measured under controlled laboratory conditions. In real life, protection can break down sooner due to towel drying, friction, heavy sweating, uneven application, or prolonged exposure.
​
Because of this, water-resistant sunscreen should always be:
-
Applied generously before exposure
-
Reapplied after swimming, sweating, or toweling
-
Used alongside other sun-protective measures such as hats, cover-ups and staying in the shade
No sunscreen provides ongoing protection once it has been worn away. Re-application remains essential, regardless of the stated water-resistance claim.
Why Sun Exposure Is Harsher in New Zealand
New Zealand experiences some of the highest ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels in the world. This is due to a combination of environmental and geographic factors, including:
-
Thinner ozone coverage in the Southern Hemisphere
-
Clear atmospheric conditions that allow more UV to reach the skin
-
Outdoor lifestyles with high cumulative sun exposure
-
The angle and intensity of the sun during summer months
Because of this, UV damage accumulates more quickly than in many parts of Europe, North America, or the UK. Sunscreen habits that may feel adequate overseas are often insufficient in New Zealand conditions.
​
This higher UV burden is reflected in national health data. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, including melanoma.
According to Cancer Society of New Zealand, melanoma incidence rates in New Zealand are significantly higher than the global average, largely due to long-term UV exposure and historical sun protection behaviours. It is also why most people living in New Zealand experience premature skin ageing.
​
This context matters. In New Zealand, sunscreen is not just cosmetic skincare. It is a core part of protecting skin health over a lifetime and reducing preventable disease risk.
Choosing Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens perform equally, even when their labels appear similar. Independent testing has shown that some products do not achieve their stated SPF when assessed under standardised laboratory conditions.
​
In New Zealand, sunscreen performance is reviewed through independent consumer testing. Consumer NZ, working alongside Te Whatu Ora, publishes laboratory testing results for sunscreens sold locally. These assessments examine whether products meet their labelled SPF claims and whether they provide reliable broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection.
​
Similar findings have been reported internationally. Independent testing by CHOICE in Australia has also identified variability in sunscreen performance, with some products underperforming despite claims of higher SPF levels.
​
Together, these findings reinforce that packaging alone is not a guarantee of protection, particularly in high-UV environments like New Zealand. Rather than relying on marketing language, choosing sunscreen based on verified testing results, formulation quality, and real-world usability leads to more dependable protection.
​
The most effective sunscreen is not the most expensive or the most heavily promoted. It is the one that performs as tested, is applied correctly, and is used consistently in everyday life.
Skin Treatments and Long-Term Skin Health
Sunscreen becomes especially important when the skin is undergoing active treatment. Ingredients and procedures that improve skin function can also temporarily increase sensitivity to ultraviolet exposure.
​
This includes the use of:
-
Retinoids
-
Chemical exfoliants
Without consistent sun protection, these treatments are more likely to trigger inflammation, pigmentation changes, and delayed healing. Results are harder to maintain, and the risk of set-backs increases.
​
However, daily sunscreen use is not only relevant during treatment phases. It benefits all skin types by supporting:
-
More stable skin behaviour
-
Reduced background inflammation
-
Better tolerance of active ingredients
-
Safer, more predictable long-term outcomes
Used consistently, sunscreen allows the skin to repair and respond rather than continually reacting to ongoing UV stress.
​
At ALLOR, sunscreen is discussed as part of an overall skin strategy rather than a standalone product recommendation. We focus on helping people understand what level of protection is appropriate, how to choose formulations that fit their skin and lifestyle, and how to integrate sunscreen realistically into daily routines. Protection is also adjusted as skin needs change or treatments are introduced.
​
The goal is not perfection. It is consistency. Small, repeatable habits provide far more benefit than occasional intense protection.
