Meet your perfect sunscreen format

Meet your perfect sunscreen format

by Allison Harvey

Summertime is often the favourite season of many, evoking memories of fun at the beach, relaxation poolside, or picnics with loved ones - it is our favourite time of year to get out and be with mother nature as the sun shines for longer as the weather warms up.

While this time of year delivers peak happiness, it is important to consider protection from the sun’s UV (ultraviolet rays). UVA and UVB rays from the sun can damage skin, so it’s important to select the right type of sunscreen to the activity you plan on undertaking to ensure that you are getting the best possible protection from the sun.

There are two types of sunscreens: a physical sunscreen (Mineral Zinc) and a traditional sunscreen (Synthetic sun filters). Both deliver effective sun protection, a mineral - differing from a Traditional Sunscreen - works as a UV reflector rather than UV absorber. Particles of zinc oxide-based sunscreen work to reflect the UV rays. A traditional sunscreen format absorbs UV and coverts into heat, releasing them from the body.

Tip- It’s important to choose a very high protection UVA/UVB Broad-spectrum protect sunscreen. SPF (sun protection factor) 50 – 50+ is best suited to Australian conditions. We recommend that if you plan to spend time in the sun to choose a water-resistant sunscreen. This format can help minimise the impact of water or sweat to your sunscreen layer.

We have new and customer favourite sunscreen formats in the Natio sun range to introduce to your sun protection regime, ensuring that you are protecting your precious skin!

Kids: A pale yellow tinted lotion supports easy visible application and dries to a clear and comfortable finish. The Kids Everyday Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 50+ is available in a handy 100ml roll on and a 100ml tube. The roll-on applicator offers a helping hand for easy application on wriggly kids - easy to tote around with you for application every 2 hours during the day.


Cream: Our award-winning Quick Dry Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 50+ is - as the name suggests - quick drying, as well as non-greasy and water resistant for up to 4 hours. Perfect protection no matter where your day takes you. It's therefore no surprise that it was voted Best New Sunscreen in the beautyheaven Glosscar Awards for 2023!

Lotion: The Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50+ is offered in a convenient spray format, that is dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. It’s infused with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to improve hydration and perfect for when you are out and about.


Fluid: A facial fluid that is invisible, light weight and delivers on superior absorption? Try our Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ - Perfect as a transparent base under makeup or when you are flying out the door, simply apply 3 lines onto your fingers and liberally apply onto your face 20 minutes before you step outside.


Mineral: A zinc oxide-based formulation that physically filters and reflects rays to protect your skin against sun damage? Try our Clear Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, with nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E to deliver natural care and protection against moisture loss.


To complement sun protection products: slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. SunSmart recommends that you Slip on clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Slop on an SPF 50 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears, and neck. Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard for UV protection. 


Always read the label and follow the directions for use.  Sunscreens are only one component of sun protection.  Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided.  Frequent use and re-application in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.