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Altruist Journal

Welcome to our blog section. Here you’ll find reliable, dermatologist‑led information about sunscreen, UV protection, and skin health. Our goal is simple: to make sun protection understandable and accessible for everyone.

What Is PPD, and Why Does It Matter More Than SPF alone?

What Is PPD, and Why Does It Matter More Than SPF alone?

What Is PPD, and Why Does It Matter More Than SPF alone? Ask ten people what SPF means and seven will get roughly the right answer. Ask them what PPD is and the room goes quiet. Yet the PPD value...

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UPF Clothing Explained: How Much UV Do Normal Clothes Actually Block?

UPF Clothing Explained: How Much UV Do Normal Clothes Actually Block?

UPF clothing helps protect you from harmful UV radiation, but how effective is regular clothing actually? In this article, we explain what UPF means, how much UV radiation a standard T-shirt lets through, and why sun protection involves more than just sunscreen. You will discover how UPF 50+ clothing works, what to look for when choosing protective clothing, and why combining sun protection provides the most effective protection.

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How much sunscreen do you need? A complete guide for face and body

How much sunscreen do you need? A complete guide for face and body

June marks the official start of summer, and you can see it everywhere. People go on longer walks, terraces are full and children are playing outside for hours again. During these months, sun protection becomes more important than ever. However,...

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Kid_Holding_Sunscreen_Roller

New Product: Kids Sunscreen Roller SPF50

Altruist introduces the Kids Sunscreen Roller SPF50, a new child‑friendly sunscreen format designed to make sun protection quicker and easier for families. Launched to mark the start of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the roller supports Altruist’s mission to promote better sun‑safety habits and increase awareness around skin health. The lightweight, broad‑spectrum formula offers SPF 50, PPD 48 and 5‑star UVA protection, ensuring young skin stays protected, hydrated and comfortable.

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Sunscreen Myths Debunked: Insights from Dr Andrew Birnie

Sunscreen Myths Debunked: Insights from Dr Andrew Birnie

During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we’re breaking down the biggest myths about sunscreen together with skin cancer specialist and founder Dr Andrew Birnie. Find out how SPF and UV protection really work and how to effectively protect your skin against sun damage and skin cancer.

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Octocrylene in Sunscreen: A Science-Based Perspective

Octocrylene in Sunscreen: A Science-Based Perspective

Octocrylene is a widely used sunscreen ingredient that protects against UV damage and stabilizes formulas. Scientific evidence and regulators consider it safe at the low concentrations used in products, and claims linking it to cancer are unsupported. Overall, it is a safe and effective component of sunscreen when used as intended.



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Why SPF Is Essential for Your Skin in Early Spring

Why SPF Is Essential for Your Skin in Early Spring

A common question in March is whether SPF is really necessary already. The answer is simple: yes.

Many people don’t realize that official guidance recommends sun protection as soon as the UV index reaches 3. In Northern Europe, this can occur as early as March.

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Altruist Family Sunspray SPF50 Named Best Overall Sunscreen for Kids by The Independent

Altruist Family Sunspray SPF50 Named Best Overall Sunscreen for Kids by The Independent

Altruist Family Sunspray SPF50 Named Best Overall Sunscreen for Kids by The Independent We’re thrilled to announce that Altruist Family Sunspray SPF50 has been crowned “Best overall sunscreen for kids” by The Independent in their 2026 roundup of top children’s...

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Altruist launches in 300 Clicks stores in South Africa

Altruist launches in 300 Clicks stores in South Africa

ALTRUIST SUNSCREEN, CREATED BY SKIN CANCER EXPERT DR ANDREW BIRNIE, CELEBRATES LAUNCH INTO TOP 300 Clicks stores across South Africa 5 SKU’s will be listed in about 300 Clicks stores across South Africa and online 5 Star Ultra UVA protection...

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Why Sunscreen Is Essential During Winter Sports

Why Sunscreen Is Essential During Winter Sports

Winter sports are not just about snow and fun — they’re also a situation where your skin is especially vulnerable to UV damage. High altitude, clean air, and snow reflection all combine to intensify UV exposure. Proper sun protection — sunscreen, goggles, clothing, and reapplication — is essential.

With Altruist Face Fluid SPF 30 or SPF 50, you have a practical and effective solution to keep in your gear bag all season long.

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See Sunscreen in Action: How UV Protection Really Works

See Sunscreen in Action: How UV Protection Really Works

See Sunscreen in Action: How UV Protection Really WorksWe all know sunscreen protects us from the sun—but have you ever wondered how it actually works? From preventing premature aging to lowering the risk of skin cancer, sunscreen is your skin’s invisible...

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Day Cream with SPF: Benefits & Pitfalls

Day Cream with SPF: Benefits & Pitfalls

Why daily sun protection is essential  A day cream with SPF is no longer a luxury, it’s a daily essential for anyone who wants to keep their skin healthy and youthful. The sun is responsible for up to 80% of...

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Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin. Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free

Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin. Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free

Altruist creates dermatologist-developed sunscreens specifically for sensitive skin. Their formulas are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, avoiding common irritants like alcohol and harsh filters. Instead, they use gentle, broad-spectrum UV protection with soothing ingredients such as vitamin E and glycerine to strengthen the skin barrier and provide long-lasting hydration. The products absorb quickly, work well under makeup and are suitable for daily, year-round use. Designed for conditions like eczema, rosacea and acne-prone skin, Altruist sunscreens protect, calm and support healthier, more resilient skin.

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Tackling Sunscreen Myths: Katie’s Story - By Dr Olga Pawlik

Tackling Sunscreen Myths: Katie’s Story - By Dr Olga Pawlik

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including Bowen’s disease and squamous cell carcinoma, is the most common human cancer, with sun exposure causing nearly all cases (1). Melanoma, although less common, accounts for ~17,600 new cases annually in the UK, 86% of...

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Why Autumn is the Perfect Time to Switch to Hybrid Moisturiser + SPF Products

Why Autumn is the Perfect Time to Switch to Hybrid Moisturiser + SPF Products

Autumn Skincare Made Simple: Why Hybrid Moisturiser + SPF is Essential
As autumn’s cooler air and lower humidity set in, skin often shifts from dewy to dry and sensitive. While sunburn-causing UVB rays decrease, UVA rays—the main culprits behind aging and long-term damage—remain strong year-round. That’s why sunscreen is still a daily must, even on cloudy days.

Hybrid moisturiser + SPF products offer the perfect seasonal solution: they hydrate and protect in one step, simplify routines, and provide balanced moisture without heaviness. Paired with gentle cleansing, a serum boost, and richer evening care, they form the backbone of an effective autumn skincare ritual.

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Sunscreen for children, safe protection for the youngest skins

Sunscreen for children, safe protection for the youngest skins

Children’s skin is thinner, more sensitive, and still developing—making it highly vulnerable to UV damage, which can lead to long-term issues like premature aging and skin cancer. That’s why proper sun protection from an early age is essential.

The article explains why broad-spectrum sunscreen (protecting against both UVA and UVB) is critical, especially for kids. It highlights what to look for in child-friendly SPF: SPF 30 or higher, fragrance- and alcohol-free, and dermatologically tested for sensitive skin.

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Broad-spectrum sunscreen, the ideal UVA and UVB protection for your skin

Broad-spectrum sunscreen, the ideal UVA and UVB protection for your skin

Broad-spectrum sunscreen. A term often heard, but in many cases less well understood. This article highlights the importance of broad spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA ánd UVB. While many focus only on SPF—which measures UVB protection—it’s crucial to ensure a product also defends against UVA rays, which are present year-round, even through clouds and windows.

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SPF50 Family Spray 'Best Sunspray overall for Kids 2025" by The Sun

SPF50 Family Spray 'Best Sunspray overall for Kids 2025" by The Sun

Altruist Family Sunspray with SPF50 has been announced "Best overall sunscreen for kids"by The Sun for Summer 2025!The well renowned UK-based news publisher The Sun has tested seven Sunscreen brands dedicated to little children ahead of summer 2025. As reviewed...

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The Importance of the UV Index and Sunscreen

The Importance of the UV Index and Sunscreen

UV radiation can cause skin damage all year round, even on cloudy days. The UV index indicates the strength of that radiation and what level of protection is needed. From a UV index of 3 onwards, there is already a risk of damage. Climate change affects UV levels and cloud cover, increasing the importance of daily protection. Use sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing. With the right precautions, you can enjoy the sun safely — all year long.

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Altruist Sunscreen SPF50 highly recommanded by Sali Hudges

Altruist Sunscreen SPF50 highly recommanded by Sali Hudges

Well known The Guardian correspondent Sali Hughes has advised Altruist SPF50 sunscreen as amongst the 'the best value high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreens on the market'. As she has reviewed the Altruist SPF50 Suncreen 1 litre dispenser, her comments were 'The price...

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The Impact of the Sun on Skin Ageing and the Role of Sunscreen in Protection

The Impact of the Sun on Skin Ageing and the Role of Sunscreen in Protection

The sun, while essential for life, can be a double-edged sword when it comes to skin health. We all enjoy basking in the warm sunlight, but prolonged exposure to its rays can lead to premature skin ageing, sunburn, and even...

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