Fast Facts about Sun Protection this Summer
by Lisa Young – Salon Director
The importance of UV sun protection is not just about this summer, but every day from childhood to old age.
Even Skincare Therapists have a dark (tan) secret and here’s something to think about.
At Studio 8 we have a skin scanner, which I was shocked to see that even though I thought I was religiously protecting my skin since my mid 20’s, I could see effects of UV damage through sun exposure and use of sunbeds.
Although my skin looks clear with make up, my bare skin shows an uneven skin tone, pigmentation and already a few darker age spots. These tell the real story of what is going on with my skin health and looking under the skin scanner there’s even more going on that will eventually surface and become visible in later years.
I grew up at a time when people knew very little about sun exposure. I can vividly remember family days out to the beach and pictures of me looking as brown as a berry. But, whilst tanning lotion was applied at some point during the visits it was always applied at the beach and I recall some hit and miss days when I was pink and burnt after a day out, through lack of proper Sun Protection.
Even in my adult years, I admit I’ve had my dabble with the sun. In my teenage years and early twenties I spent hours slavered in pure coconut oil (yes you know the one that came solid in the jar and you melted on the beach before you applied it) or even a well-known tropical lotion. I would spend hours on holiday and in the back garden passing the time basted in oil and rotating myself to perfection to achieve the maximum tanning and minimal strap marks!
And when the sun was gone I used sunbeds even after I got back from holiday! I even had my own sunbed at home. Scary when I think back now!
Fortunately, for me there doesn’t appear to be anything more sinister going on such as irregular moles and melanomas (skin cancer). However, I do know people who have had skin cancer, it’s not pleasant and can sometimes take repeated attempts to heal if you are one of the lucky ones. In fact, when a friend got skin cancer during my mid 20’s, it changed my attitude to sun and I have covered up ever since.
So have a hard think and be honest about how much sun exposure and lack of sun protection you’ve really had over the years? We know so much more about the damage the sun can cause to our skin now. So whether you are young or old, are concerned about skin cancer or premature ageing, please please make sure that a good quality broad spectrum sun protection becomes a daily part of your skin care regimen.
Here are a few interesting facts, hints and tips for safe sun protection.
Did you know … ?
Sun damage & skin cancer can occur without burning.
Wearing a high protection broad spectrum sunscreen is essential year round. Even on cloudy days UV rays are causing long term damage. Look for the UVA symbol alongside the SPF value on your sun protection product.
Research confirms that SPF does not prevent Vitamin D production
Stay safe whilst outdoors and keep up with the sunscreen. Cancer charities recommend applying 30 minutes prior to exposure to maximise protection.
There are two main types of sunscreen:
Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and turn the UV light energy into heat energy. Suitable for most skins.
Physical sunscreens are mineral based and bounce the light off the skin surface due to their reflective quality. Great for sensitive skins.
You can boost your SPF sun protection with vitamins.
Did you know that Vitamin C and Vitamin E can optimise your sun protection ? Look for sunscreens with these added powerful antioxidants to give your skin the ultimate in UV defence. For maximum potency and shielding, super Smart Boosters release the vital vitamins only during direct exposure.
UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface
They are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year. They can penetrate clouds and glass. They are also largely responsible for premature ageing and research shows may initiate skin cancer.
Most people do not apply enough sun protection !
In order to achieve the stated SPF protection level on packaging you must use approximately two tablespoons for the whole body. A dab of your foundation with built in SPF just won’t provide enough cover.
The truth about sunbeds
When using sunbeds you can’t always see the damage that UV does straight away as it builds up gradually. However, every time you use a sunbed you are in fact damaging your skin, making it look worse in the long run. Sunsmart.org.uk informs us that using sunbeds for the first time before the age of 35 can increase the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by nearly 60%. Surgical treatment for skin cancer can result in serious scarring, and melanoma can be fatal.
How to achieve a healthy tan look and protect your skin
Self-Tanning
There are other alternatives to sun or UV exposure such as spray tanning & manual tans. These use DHAs in safe levels that trigger the same response in the skin that creates a tan. You get the added bonus of pampering and moisturising formulas and with good preparation and a few after care hints and tips your tan will look natural but above all be safe. At Studio 8 we use the award winning Sienna X, which has a formula for all skin types as well as a retail range available for home tanning.
Use SPF all year round
Use a SPF every day even in winter – your skin is still at risk of UV exposure even on a cloudy day so protect your skin every day. Dermalogica has a range of skincare products that protect your skin from the sun.
Due to the impacts to the environment the damage to the ozone layer means the sun’s rays are stronger than ever. Protect your skin with a minimal of SPF 30 all year round and especially if you are out in the sun longer than usual on days out and holidays.
Why not book a FREE consultation with a Dermalogica Skincare Therapist at Studio 8 to see what your skin looks like under the skin scanner and what you can do to keep your skin healthy. We offer a FREE Skinbar experience where you’ll learn to understand your skin and try the products for yourself.
Recommended products
There is a full range of Daylight Defence products for all skin types available from Dermalogica Stockists including Studio 8 Beauty. The following are some of the everyday moisturisers as well as sun protection care products you should use.
- Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport – defends against prolonged skin damage from UV light and environmental assault. Oleosome microspheres help enhance SPF performance and counteract moisture loss triggered by extended daylight exposure. Lightweight formula helps neutralize damage and bind moisture to skin without a greasy after-feel.
- Dermalogica After Sun repair – An incredibly soothing treatment balm that helps to repair damage from exposure to UV sunlight as it helps to cool sunburn and reduce discomfort. Contains no artificial fragrance or colour.
- Dermalogica Solar Defence Booster – Add critical UVA and UVB defence to your moisturizer or foundation with this Broad Spectrum sunscreen for all skin conditions. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colours. A great way to boost your lower SPF make up and moisturisers up to a SPF 50 during the summer months for added sun protection every day.
Further useful information can be found at Cancer Research UK
If you would like to know more about your specific skin concerns or to book a Skinbar experience or skincare consultation, please email the salon on salon@studio8beauty.co.uk or telephone us on 023 9238 0692. A booking button is available on the left hand side of this website if you prefer to book yourself online or for out of hours booking.
Lisa Young is the Owner and Salon director of Studio 8 Beauty
She is fanatical about skincare especially problem skin and anti-ageing and specialises in advanced treatments including CACI non-surgical treatments. She lives in Portsmouth with her husband Terry and has a grown up son and 3 cats.