Your guide to sun protection this summer and all year round
Living in Australia, we are all familiar with the ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ slogan designed to remind us of the importance of sun protection but, other than it hurts to get burnt – do we really know why it’s so necessary?
Why is sunscreen so important?
There are several reasons why you should reconsider your sunscreen application habits:
Avoid skin cancer
Australia has one of the harshest climates on the planet and as a result, the highest rate of skin cancer too. You may think that if you don’t burn or tan easily that you’re not at risk – but this is not the case.
Any exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UVA/B) puts you at risk of developing Melanoma. This is because the sun’s rays penetrate the skin deep enough to damage and even kill cells and the reason why getting sun burnt even once in your lifetime can potentially double the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Scary stuff, right?
Reduce the risk of premature ageing
You know those criss-cross lines on your grandparent’s cheeks? That’s not just normal ageing, that’s sun damage. How do I know this? Because the sun’s rays weaken the skin’s elasticity contributing to the development of premature wrinkles and sagging. In fact, studies suggest that up to 80% of signs of ageing are caused by over exposure to the sun.
Maintain skin tone
Along with the health risks, there are cosmetic reasons to look after your face in the sun too. Ultraviolet rays are also the cause of blotchy skin, red veins, brown spots, freckles, age spots and patchy skin.
When should you wear sunscreen?
The simple answer – ALWAYS! Even if it’s not summer!
You may think you don’t go out in the sun – but do you hang washing on the line? Walk the dog? Drive your car? And do you know that the sun’s rays even penetrate through the clouds?
So, applying sunscreen as part of your daily morning routine is as essential to your health and skin care as is drinking water and eating a healthy balanced diet!
Sunscreen basics
Always buy broad spectrum sunscreens as these protect against both UVA and UVB
Buy Australian - Our Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration for sunscreen
regulations are among the strictest in the world
The higher the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) the stronger the coverage and the less often you will need to re-apply
Apply sunscreen to the back of your hands and your ears too
Sunscreens have use by dates – check them and do not use if expired
Sunscreens left for long periods in the sun or in the car will lose their effectiveness
Do not wait until you are out in the sun - Apply 20 minutes beforehand
Always use a sunscreen designed for the face and a different one for the body – facial sunscreens are designed to be more quickly absorbed and are lighter in texture – reducing the likelihood of any ‘break-outs’
Re-apply regularly and particularly after swimming (even if water resistant) or excessive sweating
Most people also don’t use enough sunscreen. Use at least 1 teaspoon each per limb, front of the body, the back and face. So, one application will approximately 35ml or 7 teaspoons.
My sunscreen recommendations
/skin regimen/ urban shield SPF 30
With UVA/UVB filters, dandelion extract and Longevity Complex it protects the skin from environmental stressors and pollution. It gives the complexion a healthier, radiant look and helps even out skin tone
Sublime Skin Color Perfect SPF 50
Even tone tinted cream. High broad spectrum protection cream for a daily even tone. Enriched with an anti-age ingredient to help prevent the visible consequences of photo-aging such as age spots and wrinkles. The light color adapts to the skins complexion, reducing the visibility of imperfections and immediately illuminating the face.
You can purchase it for yourself in the salon.
It’s never too late to implement regular application of sunscreen into your life. So, start slipping, slopping and slapping today!
Want to find out more about sun care and how I can help? Get in touch with me today.
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