Stay Sun-Safe This Summer
It’s so tempting to spend time in the sun when we get the chance, says Elizabeth, but getting sunburnt is definitely something to avoid. Those rays will prematurely age your skin and can increase the risk of skin cancer tenfold.
Warning signs of damage
When our skin is exposed to sunlight it tries to protect itself by producing melanin which shows as pigmentation on the skin – freckles are an example – and are a warning sign that the skin has been overexposed to harmful rays.
Sun damage is not the same as a burn from something hot such as a cooking tray but is more like a toxic reaction. Sunburn will heal, but not before causing lasting damage.
But get your vitamin D boost…
Exposing your skin to the sun for a few minutes two to three times a week, early in the day (not at midday) should be enough to create all the vitamin D you need to keep your bones, teeth and muscles healthy explains
Darker skins may need a bit longer. The government advises everyone to take a vitamin D supplement during the winter months, as a very high percentage of Britan’s are vitamin D deficient.
Avoiding sunburn
Prevention is always better than cure says Georgia. Enjoy the sunshine and stay safe by following a few simple guidelines:
Wear sunglasses. As well as doing the important job of protecting your eyes, sunglasses will also protect your eyelids which (many people don’t realise) can be prone to skin cancer.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with a minimum SPF of 30 (although us Skin Samurai’s only wear SPF 50). I like Helio Care Gel as it’s non-greasy, invisible and is even great for those prone to skin sensitivities caused by the chemicals the found in SPF’s.
Be careful not to miss any exposed areas such as your ears, scalp, feet and the back of your neck.
OVER apply! You cannot use too much sunscreen, particularly on the face. The correct amount is two full fingers lengths of product JUST on the face and neck.
Reapply sunscreen often (about every 90 minutes), and especially after a dip in the sea or pool. The lighter your skin, the higher factor sunscreen you will need.
Cover up with loose clothing and a hat.
Avoid being out in the sun when it’s at its strongest between the hours of 11am and 3pm.
We also love Mavex’s Perfect Bronze, which is luxury Elixir. Perfect Bronze is enriched with high and low molecular wight hyaluronic acid, which floods the skin with hydration. It also contains an exclusive plant-derived complex which accelerates and intensifies the natural pigmentation process of the skin, reducing the times of exposure and fostering a fast and lasting natural tan. It naturally stimulates tyrosinase, i.e. the biological mechanism that fosters the synthesis of melanin and helps it rise to the surface during exposure to the sun. We recommend this product alongside your SPF to give that added protection, but to also assist a safer tan if you do catch some rays whilst on holiday.
Understanding sunscreen
Confused by all the numbers and ratings on sunscreen products? Here’s a quick rundown:
Sunscreen needs to protect our skin from both UVB and UVA rays.
The sun protection factor (SPF) refers to how much extra time you can be in the sun before UVB rays start to burn.
The star rating relates to UVA protection. You should go for at least four to five stars.
If you do get burnt…
You’ll probably know because your skin may feel hot, sore or painful. White skin will be red or pink but darker skins may not show a difference in colour.
Georgia advises “Always try to avoid getting burnt by following my advice above, but if you do:
Get out of the sun straightaway.
Use cool water on your skin to ease the sunburn – have a shower or bath or use damp towels.
Apply aftersun (ask us about which products will be best for your skin type).
Drink plenty of water – this will help you cool off and also prevent dehydration.
Don’t expose sunburnt skin to direct sunlight until it’s completely healed.”
Never:
Put petroleum jelly (Vaseline etc) or ice on sunburnt skin.
Pop blisters or scratch/remove peeling skin.
Wear tight clothes over sunburnt skin.
When to seek medical advice
Always get medical advice if:
You have blisters on your face or all over your body.
The sunburn seems to be spreading.
You feel disorientated.
You have a fever or chills.
Stay sun-safe
Not sure which skin protection and aftersun products will be best for you? Call 01732 353233 to book a consultation and we’ll recommend the best products for you.