Tag Archives: sunscreen

Sun Protection – Should We or Shouldn’t We? By Dr Patricia Thompson

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Each summer, work-weary, sun-starved Brits look forward to baking under a hot foreign sun, wearing nothing but a piece of lycra or two, and a thin layer of suncream.

But what are the facts about sunburn and sunscreens?

Sunburn has two components: The initial ‘burn’ is unpleasant enough, but the long term damage is more serious, including skin cancer and (quelle horreur) wrinkles and saggy skin.

Sunburn is caused by UVB ultraviolet light-waves. They also release free-radicles, which damage skin-cell DNA, and hence can cause skin cancer. On the plus side, they trigger late tanning.

UVA waves penetrate deeper. They tan (nice), but age the skin (bad), and also contribute to skin cancer (very bad).

A sun-tan is our skin’s natural sunscreen, but doesn’t prevent damage from prolonged sunbathing, hence the need for commercial sunscreens. These either form a barrier to, or absorb UV.

But which to choose?
Check the ‘Sun Protection Factor’ (SPF). SPF 15 delays burning by 15-fold (eg from 20 minutes to 5 hours) and filters 93% of UVB. SPF 30 delays burning  by 30-fold and filters 97% of UVB.

UVA protection uses a star system (1 to 5). This indicates protection relative to UVB, so 5 stars for SPF 15 is less than 5 stars for SPF 50. European labelling will change soon, to a simpler ‘Low’ to ‘Very high’.

You should apply at least 2mg/cm2 exposed skin. For those who don’t pack mini-scales and a planimeter with their beach-towels, this means the average adult needs around two table-spoons. Apply at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply 2 hourly, or after swimming/sweating/towelling yourself, even for water-resistant products. Some swimwear (Spinali Design) contain UV sensors to remind you, via your smartphone, when to reapply.

Some sunscreen ingredients have safety question-marks. Oxybenzone have oestrogen-like effects and retinyl palmitate causes cancer in rats (both, at high doses). Some sunscreens actually increase free-radicle release in the skin.

These safety concerns may not be material in practise, but, regardless, using sunscreens isn’t carte blanche for excessive sun-worship. They don’t give 100% protection, and limiting intense sun exposure, by wearing hats and sun-protective clothing is also necessary. Consider UV-filter sunglasses too, as UV can cause cataracts.

Our skin uses sunlight to make vitamin D, and excessive sunscreen use can interfere. Vitamin D may help prevent cancer. Although it is present in some foods, skin production is still important.

How about sun-tan alternatives? Tanning beds frequently expose users to even more UV than natural sunlight and should be avoided.

Many ‘self-tans’ use chemicals which react with skin protein, turning them dark. They’re probably safe, but can also enhance free-radicle production in skin, so you must use sunscreen after them.

The verdict? Do use sunscreen, and do enjoy the sun, but be sensible and stay safe.

Next time I’ll advise on treating sunburn, and discuss long-term effects of too much sun.

Further Information:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sunburn/Pages/Introduction.aspx

https://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice

 

 

How to Avoid Sun Damage.

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We all know that sun damage is the biggest cause of premature ageing…

… So why is it that even celebrities like Simon Cowell and Kim Kardashian are being caught short..?

And it’s not just celebrities who are affected. In a recent survey by sensitive skin experts Eau Thermale Avène, 55% of us in the UK admit to suffering with sun damaged skin, with 54% agreeing that this has an impact on their psychological well-being and 30% recognising that pigmentation makes us look older or less attractive.

To prevent premature ageing and pigmentation Cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Sam Bunting, says “Sun avoidance is crucial; a diet rich in antioxidants may also be beneficial, as is applying topical antioxidants.”

Very High Protection SPF 50+ Emulsion (£15.00, 50ml Boots)

Ideal for those looking for high protection, this non-greasy formula is suitable for face and body application. This light and readily absorbed formula contains oil regulating Cucurbita pepo extract to give normal to combination skin a matte finish.

Hydrance UV Light

Paraben-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, the Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Optimale UV SPF20 moisturisers (£14.50, 40ml Boots) are perfect for dealing with the aggressions of everyday life. They offer SPF 20 protection against damaging UV rays (without leaving chalky white marks on the skin) and Pre-tocopheryl which lends an anti-radical action and shields skin from the environment’s harmful effects, e.g. pollution, cold and stress.

Trilogy’s Daily Defence Moisturiser with SPF15 (£28.50 Boots)

Easy to apply and with 100% pure plant oils for long lasting hydration, this lightweight botanical moisturiser includes a new generation SPF15 for effective UVA/UVB protection. By absorbing, reflecting and scattering UV rays, this new generation SPF coats the entire surface of the skin, not just the higher ridges, for maximum protection. It has clinically proven natural actives to help you achieve your best complexion from the first signs of ageing and as your skin matures.

To help reduce future sun damage and erase age spots try Avène’s new D-Pigment (£35, 30ml Boots). Using a trio of skin lightening actives D-Pigment slows down melanin production, lightens the skin, helps to renew cells and provides a protective antioxidant to help prevent new spots and patches appearing. In clinical trials, D-Pigment was found to reduce lentigo hyperpigmentation, by an average of 81%, significantly higher than the placebo after three months.[2] Use D-Pigment as part of your night time regime to leave you with a glowing and even complexion.

To further avoid getting caught out, Bao-Tam Phan, pharmacist and skincare expert at Eau Thermale Avène offers these top tips to keep skin sun-safe:

· Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially after swimming, sports or during prolonged periods of exposure

· Never remain in the sun for long periods – even if using a high SPF product

· Avoid sun exposure between noon and 4pm

· Beware of reflected sun – you can burn even wearing a hat or staying under an umbrella

· Avoid exposing young children (under 3 years) to the sun – protect them with a hat and T-shirt as well as Eau Thermale Avène SPF50+ Very High Protection Mineral Cream even on cloudy days.

· Use the correct amount of sunscreen to get the maximum protection (as a general rule, apply ‘one finger’ of product to the face, and ‘two fingers’ for each other part of the body)