A few facts first. In the UK, the number of reported cases of skin cancer has more than quadrupled since the 1970s and over 2,600 people die from skin cancer each year. Research states that 80-99% of the ageing seen in adult skin is the result of exposure to daylight. Genetics only account for around 10%. Men are particularly vunerable as they are less likely to use sunscreen or products that contain an SPF. Sun care is often seen as a femininising activity which it shouldn’t.
We are getting better. Well, we probably couldn’t have been any worse but as we become more conscious of the negative effects the sun’s rays are having on our skin. We’re finally realising the long-term damage prolonged sun exposure can have on the appearance of our skin and inside our bodies too. Sun protection can be quite complicated but once you get the hang of it, it should keep you in good stead year after year. We’ve had a pretty bad track record when it comes to being safe in the sun. The hardest thing to get your head around is doing this 365 days a year - this is what will keep you looking younger and healthier for longer. With the help of The International Dermal Institute, I’ve compiled this list of bullet points to guide and advise, particularly at this time of year, and make us all ‘Sun Smart’.
- ‘Daylight’ is the term scientists use not sunlight, meaning the sun doesn’t necessarily need to be shining to cause skin damage, this is particular relevant to the colder months of the year so look for a day moisturiser which contains an SPF and use everyday all year round.
- Daylight contains UVB rays - which is the burning ray - B for burning, a shorter ray. UVB rays can also destroy the skin’s immune system and UVA - the ageing ray - A for ageing, a longer ray which penetrates deeper causing most long term damage. Look for protection from both on the side of the sunscreen.
- The mantra of applying sunscreen is LOTS & OFTEN. Repeat after me.
- It takes around 20-30 mins for the sun protection to start working, the best advice is to put sunscreen on as soon as you come out of the shower in the morning, before you leave the house. Re-apply ever 2 hours throughout the day for average skin and don’t be stingy with it as they recommend you throw it away after 6 months. Don’t use last year’s as it wont give you the same protection.
- The best creams are usually the ones with the most stars or ratings. The more expensive creams have usually had the ingredients micro-nised which means it goes on better and they usually contain more of the positive ingredients. But check the packaging for this.
- Don’t take comfort in clothing either, a Cotton T-shirt will give you a SPF protection of 4 so you need to apply sunscreen underneath your clothes.
- Exfoliate regularly. Before going in the sun have a facial or a body rub this will help protect your skin more.
- Perfume reacts with the light, so spray onto you clothes not your skin, particularly avoid perfumes that contain Bergamot & Lime.
- Never ever use sunbeds. Promise me.
www.dermalinstitute.com
Picture - James Franco gets Sun Smart in the ad for the latest Gucci fragrance - click here, but remember James, a cotton T-shirt only has an SPF of 4.
