SUNSCREEN – AN IMPORTANT ALLY IN YOUR SKIN CARE REGIME
As we leave summer behind and head into cooler climes, it’s important to keep up one of the most important skin care routines you can have – and that is making sure you apply sunscreen every day.
Sunscreen is known as one of the most effective anti-ageing products. Not only does it help prevent your skin from prematurely ageing, it is also one of the most important ways of reducing your risk of skin cancer.
According to the Cancer Council of Australia, Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
Regularly applying sunscreen is one of the most important ways to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. In fact, the most comprehensive study of cancer prevention undertaken in Australia in 2010 found that long-term sunscreen use can help prevent developing melanoma and squamous cell carcinomas
In another study published in 2009, which surveyed a voluntary cohort of twins in America, the authors examined the environmental factors correlated with skin photoaging. Photoaging is the result of long-term exposure to the sun that causes physical and structural changes to the skin. It is believed that up to 40 percent of aging related changes to the skin are due to non-genetic factors, such as smoking, being a heavier weight, and sun exposure. This twin study found that not using sunscreen was one of the environmental factors that appeared to be associated with sun damage and aging of skin on the face.
How does sunscreen actually work?
Sunscreen works by scattering and/or absorbing the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun’s rays, helping to stop it reaching your skin.
To enable sunscreen to do its job properly, you need to apply it at least 20 minutes before going out into the sun and use approximately one teaspoon on sunscreen for each body part. You should also reapply your sunscreen every two hours or sooner if you’ve been swimming or sweating.
This video from the Cancer Council provides a great overview of how to apply your sunscreen>>
Sunscreen should always be used anytime the UV Index is at 3 or above. In Australia, sunscreens are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and thoroughly tested to ensure they are safe and effective.
Here at DermCosmesis, we stock a number of dermatologically tested sunscreens to help protect your skin against the sun’s rays. For details or orders, please contact us on (08) 9208 6451.
What else can I do to look after my skin in the sun?
Apart from regular sunscreen use, you can look after your skin by limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun (especially during the hottest parts of the day) and wearing protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, whenever possible.
It’s also important to get your skin checked regularly by your dermatologist or GP, particularly if you notice any new spots or changes to existing freckles or moles.
If you are concerned about any skin concerns caused by UV damage, including wrinkles, age spots, spider veins and hyperpigmentation, contact us for a free consultation. Our skin specialists will assess your skin, your personal needs, and your desired results to develop a skin care plan to best suit your requirements.
