Sun Skin Care

Protecting the skin from the effects of the sun is important no matter where you live. From a health point of view, exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, and from a cosmetic point of view it causes premature aging. In the UK alone, more than 70,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.

Skin damage is caused because the skin lacks natural protection from the dangerous ultraviolet (UV) portion of the sun's rays. These UV waves penetrate deep into the skin and damage the cells. A common misconception is that the sun needs to be hot to be dangerous, but this is not so. The sun can be damaging to the skin even when hidden by cloud cover. Clouds may make it seem like its safe to expose your skin but they do not stop the harmful UV rays which is why its as important to take precautions even when its cloudy, especially if you are in the tropics or sub-tropics.

Here are some general guidelines to protecting the skin:

• Do not allow your skin to burn by always wearing a sunscreen with at least an SPF factor of 15+ if you plan to be in the sun. Try and actually avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm when the sun is typically at its strongest 
• Where sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat to protect your head
• Take extra precautions with children. Keep them covered and out of the sun as much as possible.  Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF factor of 40+, and even better use sun block. Research shows that sunburn in your formative years greatly increases the risk of skin cancer later in life.

Darker skin has better protection against the dangerous UV rays of the sun, but skin cancer is still a risk, so you should still take precautions.

The most at risk groups are:

• people who have already suffered sunburn, especially when young
• any family history of skin cancer, or who have suffered with it already
• fair skinned people, especially if they have freckles and moles and are prone to sun burn
• people with red or fair hair

What is Sunscreen and SPF?

Sunscreens are available in a range of forms: creme, lotion, gel, or spray. Salve sticks can be applied to the lips, nose, and eyelids.

SPF is an abbreviation for Sun Protection Factor. It is an indicator of how long a topical sunscreen may remain effective on the skin. It is a misconception that SPF relates to how much protection a product gives you but actually it refers to how long it will provide protection before requiring re-application.

SPF 15 - Use for everyday exposure for short periods of time. Many good moisturisers now include sun protection so look for the SPF rating on the product. Note that this is essentially the lowest  factor of protection you should consider.

SPF 30 - A good choice for fair-skinned people who still wish to suntan.

SPF 45 - An SPF of 45+ is advisable for children, both on their face and body. 

Sun Protecton for Children 

• A good sunscreen for kids is by Aveeno Baby (SPF 45). This is oil-free and waterproof
• Be sure to use waterproof sunblock for kids if they are old enough to be running around since sweating reduces the effectiveness of the sunscreen

NOTE: Despite manufacturer's claims about sunscreens being waterproof, they generally need to be reapplied every time the has been swimming or sweats alot

Adult Sun Protection

• For adults requiring a lower SPF try Edelweiss Sun Lotion with Tan Accelerator (SPF 15)
• A couple of good moisturizing products are M.A.C. Day Light Moisture (SPF 15) and Clinique's Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector (SPF 25) 
• Anyone requiring extra protection can try Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion (SPF 55) or Lancome Soleil Ultra Face and Body (SPF 50)

NOTE: Always consult your GP if you notice any unusual blemishes, new moles, or changes in existing moles. These are not always signs of something serious but its sensible to get them checked out.

Treating Fine Lines and Wrinkles Resulting From Sun Damage

For treating the effects of ageing and sun damage, look into skin care creams and serums that actively target fine lines and wrinkles. Read my other article on RoC retinol and anti-ageing skin care. This article talks about the development of Retinol as a Vitamin-A component of anti-ageing skin care formulas. RoC was one of the first comapnies to develop a stable for of Retinol for use in topical skin creams and serums. Today, its CORREXION and ACTIF PUR day and night cream formulas are some of the most popular selling products in the anti-ageing market.

The following video's subject matter concerns recognizing skin cancer. If you are worried about your skin then you may find it useful to run through this movie a couple of times.