Its Sun Awareness week 2017. Make sure you apply SPF 30+ this summer to protect your skin. Eight out of ten people are failing to adequately apply sunscreen before going out in the sun. If you aren’t a regular SPF user, you may want to think twice and lather up when you go outside this summer; a new study found that applying a high SPF factor cream (SPF30/50) drastically reduces the risk of skin cancer. There is ultraviolet radiation from the rays of the sun which can damage one’s skin including sunburn, premature aging such as wrinkling and age spots; permanent, sometimes blinding, damage to the eyes; and melanoma and skin cancer.
How can you protect yourself from harmful UV Rays?
- Apply sunscreen, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater, 20 minutes before sun exposure and then every couple of hours thereafter.
- Select cosmetic products and contact lenses that offer UV protection.
- Wear sunglasses with total UV protection.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeved shirts and trousers.
- Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours, between 11am and 3pm.
- Perform skin self-checks regularly to become familiar with existing growths and to notice any changes or new growths. (for example moles darkening etc.)
- Around 23% of a person’s lifetime sun exposure is acquired before the age of 18. As a parent, be a good role model and encourage skin cancer prevention habits in your children.
- Avoid sunbeds.
Here at the clinic we offer a variety of products that offer SPF 30+. We offer Heliocare, Obagi & ZO products which have all been formulated for the face.
