Sun Protection |
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"What do I need to know about sun protection creams?" Numerous scientific studies confirm that 80% of visible skin ageing is caused by UV light and as a dermatologist I've treated many patients with sun-damaged skin. Applying a good sun protection is essential to healthy skin, so if you haven't already - start now. A sun protection cream should be applied over your antioxidant serum each morning. Choose a broad-spectrum screen which protects from UVA and UVB rays with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 20 (ideally 30-50) and apply generously. Scientific studies have confirmed that some people using high SPF products weren't getting the protection they needed - because they simply weren't using enough! I personally use an SPF50 sunscreen all year round, even in cloudy weather, since UVA (the main skin ageing rays) can penetrate clouds and windows. Always apply sun protection last - after your antioxidant serum and moisturiser. . "What do I need to know about sun protection and vitamin D?" There has been much debate recently about the possibility that sun protection creams may prevent your skin from synthesising sufficient amounts of vitamin D. Research tells us that vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of certain cancers including breast cancer, multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases. And yes, your skin does need sunlight to make vitamin D, but perhaps not as much as you think. Exposing your arms, say for 10 minutes per day may be enough. But if you're worried about your Vitamin D levels, I recommend a visit to your dermatologist for a reassuring blood test. Should it reveal a deficiency, your doctor may recommend a vitamin D supplement. And the sun creams? At the end of the day, UV light not only causes skin ageing but can also cause skin cancer. Your skin is always worth protecting. You wouldn't start smoking to lose weight, would you? . Self-tanning creams or fake tans usually contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), an ingredient that reacts with proteins in the skin's horny outer layer and stains it brown. Because DHA can't cause real pigment to be formed inside the skin, self tans have traditionally been seen as a safe alternative to sun bathing. They're certainly less harmful than exposure to UV light, but I'm reluctant to recommend them. The so-called 'Maillard' reaction they cause generates free radicals. It's also important to remember that unlike a natural tan, the 'tan' created by a self tanner can't provide significant sun protection.
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