SUN PROTECTION three steps to protect your skin

Keep your skin healthy by taking conscious steps to protect it.

JENNIFER CAMPBELL

steps to sun protection

Protecting your skin from damage on a daily basis should be a habit, because it can, quite literally, save your life. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in South Africa, with around 20 000 reported cases every year.

Fortunately, there are a few ways in which you can take care of your skin and minimise the e ects of the sun.

CONSIDER YOUR DIET

It’s no secret that nutrition plays a key role in our overall health, but it may come as a surprise that certain foods can actually help to protect against sun damage. Blueberries, for example, are packed with powerful antioxidants that fi ght o free radicals that can damage the skin; while watermelons and tomatoes contain an antioxidant known as lycopene, which absorbs UVA and UVB radiation. Other good snacks that can benefi t the skin and minimise the e ects of the sun include nuts and seeds, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, a natural anti-infl ammatory; carrots and leafy greens, which are packed with beta carotene, which provides natural sun protection; and caulifl ower, which contains antioxidants and alpha-amino acids that keep oxidative stress from free radicals at bay and absorb UV radiation.

SLATHER ON THE SUNSCREEN

When it comes to sun protection, there is simply no substitute for sunscreen. In fact, sunscreen is the most important skincare product there is. Fortunately, the days of sticky lotions are far gone, and there are now a range of top-quality, easy-to-wear products available. Heliocare has a range of products formulated to protect the whole family from sun damage — their o ering includes a paediatrics range, as well as an invisible spray and a water-based gel. Interestingly, the brand also o ers oral capsules, which contain antioxidants to help defend against free radicals.

Local brand SKOON. also has some lovely sun protection products available. Their Sun Guardians Duo Pack includes their SUNNYBONANI day defence day cream which is a natural, mineral-only sunscreen for the face, while the NITELOVE antipollution serum provides overnight support to the skin and repairs daily damage from sun and smog.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE ANTIOXIDANTS

It’s important to wear sunscreen every day in order to block both UVA and UVB rays, which are the cause of free radicals. Free radicals can cause serious damage to the skin over time, and lead to the visible signs of ageing. But while SPF goes a long way in protecting the skin, it does not, unfortunately, safeguard against infrared radiation. For this reason, it is highly benefi cial to use topical antioxidants — they have the ability to complement your sunscreen and o er a second line of defence against harmful free radicals.

The Endocare Edafence C Ferulic Serum is a great addition to your sun protection regime. It’s a triple-antioxidant shield that protects against oxidative damage, boosts cellular regeneration, and stimulates collagen production for visibly fi rmer, and more radiant-looking skin. An added bonus? It’s suitable for all skin types, and very easy to apply.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

TOPICAL ANTIOXIDANTS HAVE THE ABILITY TO COMPLEMENT YOUR SUNSCREEN AND OFFER A SECOND LINE OF DEFENCE AGAINST HARMFUL FREE RADICALS