Things are already heating up in KZN and as we gear up for another scorching summer, ask yourself: how sun safe savvy are you?
There are a few myths and misconceptions that cause confusion. For starters, the sun isn’t your enemy. In fact, it can even protect your skin!
However, skin cancer is on the rise and in light of the fact that it is completely preventable, you need to know how to be safe in the sun:
Start slow
Get a little exposure daily – about 8-10min (between 10am & 2pm). This can get the melanocytes working slow and steady.
Lather up
If you’re going to be outside for long periods, make sure you apply sunscreen early, before you leave home so it can prep your skin for sun exposure.
30 min max
Try to only be in the sun every 20-30min at a time with breaks in the shade for just as long. That way the vitamin D your body has just produced is not destroyed by the sun. Vit D is a fickle vitamin which starts to break down after 20min exposure to the sun. That’s why we have Vit D Deficiency on the rise.
Choose wisely
Use sunscreen of lower (15-30) SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and apply more often. The higher the SPF, the higher the chemicals. (We don’t know yet what the long-term effects are of such high SPF).
Be sure to apply all over as the sun’s reflection off the water or even tiles can cause you to burn in places that don’t usually get exposed, such as under your chin. Be aware and protect everywhere.
Replace often
Sunscreen creams should be replaced every few months so don’t keep the large tub for three years in a row. It loses its effectiveness and starts to separate, making it more toxic.
Know your skin
Find out what kind of skin type you are – l, ll, lll, lV or V. Then you’d be able to gauge how often you need to apply. For example, those with Skin Type l burn after 10 min and their skin goes very red very quickly (without sunscreen) therefore they need to apply SPF more often. Type V will burn but only after long exposure but still has to use protection.
Vitamin power
Vit A & D are tablets work extremely well if taken the day before you spend time in the sun. They do help with burn factor but SPF is still needed.
Dress smart
Clothing or rash vests, broad-brimmed hats etc. are the best to protect the skin when outside for long periods of time especially for children.
Don’t be fooled
If there’s a nice cool breeze, you don’t feel the hot sun. So, you carry on and before the end of the day you are burnt. That’s wind burn for you!
Prevent, prevent, prevent!
Once a year, see a skin specialist to check for any potential skin issues. Often, it’s nothing but something as tiny as a pin head can be dangerous and only a trained eye can see it. Prevention is so much better than cure.
Trish Roberts is owner of Beauty Within at Kings Park Medical Centre. She can be contacted at
[email protected]
