PROTECT THE SKIN YOU’RE IN

You may have already seen this image, which has been doing the rounds on the internet since 2012. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, this photo of a truck driver shows what 28 years of sun damage looks like. The trucker has had his left side exposed to UVA rays transmitted through his window–whereas his right side was covered and relatively unharmed.

Ultraviolet rays are a form of radiation from the sun. UVA penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin and causes ageing, whilst UVB causes burning. Both cause skin cancers. UV is invisible. It is not associated with heat or light, and is present all year round. Even on a cloudy day we are being exposed, and even through glass.

UV from sun exposure is the number one cause of skin cancers, including melanoma and others. Sadly, UK melanoma rates are still increasing but are largely preventable.

If you sunburn just once every two years, you triple your chance of developing melanoma. There are some tips you can use though to lower the risk of burning and stopping UVA and UVB rays landing on your skin.

1

Use sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, states broad spectrum, or has the UVA logo.

SPF shows the degree of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB only. Remember, the higher the factor, the greater the level of protection against UVB. The recommendation is SPF 30 at a minimum, but ideally you should be going for SPF 50.

Protection against UVA is indicated by the UVA logo enclosed within a circle. This means it has the right proportion of UVA protection in relation to the SPF rating.

Use correctly by applying liberally on all exposed areas and reapply throughout the day. Ensure the product is in date and keep it out of extreme heat, so keep it under your sunbed or in your bag. Reapply more often if you are sweating or exposed to water (even if it is waterproof).

2

Use all year round. It will prevent skin cancers and is the best thing to stop premature ageing—pigmentation, age spots, wrinkles and sagging skin. Incorporate it into your daily regime so it becomes routine. Encourage your children to do the same. Sunscreens have vastly improved and many now spread easily, are suitable for sensitive skins and have other skin benefits.

3

Sunscreens work differently to one another. Some are mineral based, some are chemical based, and some are a combination of the two.

Choose one that does not contain harmful chemicals (especially oxybenzone/octinoxate etc.) or nano mineral particles, especially if you are pregnant or are using it on children. Chemicals such as these have been found in our bloodstream and breast milk. Some countries have now even banned the use of these sunscreens as a result of damage to marine life. Look for brands that are certified as safe for the environment.

4

The safest option is to avoid direct sunlight. Sit in the shade, especially at peak times between 11am and 3pm. Wear a wide brimmed or peaked hat and clothing that has a close weave. It’s also possible to buy UV protective clothing.

Prevention is better than cure, so make sure you protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun every day— the sooner you start the better.

Rosie Oretti

I have a background in pharmacology, psychiatry and addictions spanning over 30 years. I love to consider all things to do with health and wellbeing, of both the mind and the body. I believe good lifestyle decisions are made when we have the right information.