Suncare protection


Skin cancer is a real threat to South Africans who spend lots of time in the harsh African sun!  South Africa has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world after Australia, so suncare needs to be part of our daily routine.

Skin damage from the sun cannot be reversed, so protect your skin now by applying a good sunscreen whenever you venture outdoors.

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Basically there are 2 different types of rays that affect our skin:

UVB rays are harsher than UVA. UVB rays damage the outermost layers of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn. UVB rays cause DNA damage in skin cells . UVB radiation has been linked to skin cancers including melanoma. Constant exposure to the sun without suitable protection may lead to skin cancer. At least 80% of sun-induced skin damage occurs before the age of 18 and only manifests later in life. This type of skin cancer can be deadly.

UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin than UVB rays. Constant exposure to UVA rays causes premature ageing, which none of us want!

So what is ''suitable protection''?

Firstly, you need to choose the right product. Choose something with a high SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. This means the product will help to filter out harmful rays - so it's obviously important to choose one that protects against both the UVA and UVB rays.

Secondly, you need to apply this sunscreen at least 20 minutes BEFORE you go outside, so that it has time to be absorbed into your skin.

What does the SPF number mean?

Here's an example: If you usually start to burn within 5 minutes of being in the sun, and you have a product with an SPF of 15, then multiply the two (5 x 15 = 75). This means that the product will prevent reddening 15 times longer or 75 minutes before reddening occurs. The higher the SPF, the longer the product will protect you for. Remember to re-apply frequently!

Thirdly, if you will be swimming or are very active, a water-resistant product is important. Remember to re-apply after swimming or sweating a lot!

Other important points to remember for sun protection:

  • You are MOST at risk if you are very fair skinned with light hair and eyes,and burn easily.
  • Avoid direct sunlight between 10am and 3pm. Sit under an umbrella with your sunscreen applied!
  • Wear a hat!
  • Encourage children to play in the shade, even though you've applied sunscreen.  Clouds only provide a light filter for harmful rays, so it's important to always use a sunscreen on hot and cloudy days.
  • Swimming in a T-shirt does not provide enough protection against the sun,so you should still use a sunscreen.
  • Keep your sunscreen product cool.
  • Dark skin is less affected by sun exposure, but the use of a good sunscreen is stil advised to prevent sun damage and premature ageing



Look out for the entire range of SPAR Sola products in stores.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is provided by the SPAR Group Ltd for general information purposes only. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.