insideKENT Magazine Issue 100 - August 2020 | Page 78

HEALTH+WELLNESS
SUMMERTIME SKINCARE
THE SUN IS SHINING, SCHOOL’S (OFFICIALLY!) OUT, AND THE HARSH REALITY OF SEASONAL
SUNSHINE IS SET TO PLAY HAVOC ON OUR SKIN. WITH SUNCARE, RIGHTLY SO, NO LONGER
JUST A CASE OF SLIP, SLOP, SLAPPING YOUR WAY TO SUN PROTECTION; WE NOW FACE A
NAVIGATIONAL NIGHTMARE OF UVS, SKIN-STRESS, SUN-DAMAGE, PLANET-FRIENDLY-
PRODUCTS, AND APPLICATION ADVICE. insideKENT HAS THE LOWDOWN ON SHOWING YOUR
SKIN SOME LOVE THIS SUMMER.
Whilst the county may now be venturing out of
lockdown, the staple activities that have guided us
through our sun-drenched spring; gardening, BBQs,
outdoor exercise, and entertaining - both the children
and those long-lost friends - will continue to be our
most common activities, and this brings with it
potential risks, with prolonged periods in the sunshine
causing skin damage.
From itchy, prickly heat, dehydrated dryness and
the dreaded pink tinge, to the utter devastation of
skin cancer, our skin deserves the best attention.
According to Melanoma UK, up to 90% of
melanomas are preventable. Mainly from avoiding
the sun, particularly during 10am - 4pm the hottest
part of the day, planning an effective summer
wardrobe to offer coveted cover up potential, and
having a thorough and effective SPF plan.
SP What Now? UV Who?
SPF is the Sun Protection Factor, put simply it’s the
amount of time a product protects you from burning
versus unprotected skin. So, SPF 15 can protect your
skin from burning for up to 15 times longer than
your natural burn time. According to Clare
O’Connor, Boots Suncare Scientific Advisor, “SPF
choice is dependent on personal skin type, time of
year and location. All skin types may be slightly
different, but, if you are very fair skinned or burn
easily or for a child, always use SPF 50+ with Five
Star UVA protection. More Mediterranean type
skins can use SPF 30 and darker skin tones should
always use a minimum SPF 15.”
Dr Mark Hudson-Peacock, consultant dermatologist
at the Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic adds:
“Sunscreen becomes weaker throughout the day as
it rubs off via clothes or sweat so remember to
reapply. If you go high in the first place by opting
for a SPF50, then your sunscreen is still giving a
good level of protection as it fades...”
Of course the higher the factor the better the
protection, but remember SPF is only half the story
when it comes to choosing which suncream will see
you through the summer, you should also choose a
product with high levels of UVA protection for the
deeper down, invisible damage.
Clare adds; “UV light that hits our skin consists of
UVA and UVB rays, and UVA rays are able to
penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause
permanent damage. UVB rays are the most energetic
rays and mainly penetrate into the top layers of the
skin (the epidermis) and are usually responsible for
the most immediate damage that we see and feel
such as sunburn. This protection is measured by a
star rating system, with five star UVA rated products
the highest level of protection available.”
The best advice? Opt for a broad-spectrum
(UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
every day, and opt for water-resistant products for
extended outdoor activities.
How Much & How Often?
After choosing too low a factor or not high enough
UV protection the most common mistake is not
applying enough sun cream well in advance. The
key is to apply liberally and evenly 15-30 minutes
before going out in the sun. This allows the product
to be absorbed and dry properly.
So how much do you need? Claire advises: “As
a guide, the body needs a shot-glassful of product to
totally cover the body. This equates to; a teaspoon
for your head and neck and each arm, two teaspoons
for front torso, two teaspoons for the back and
two teaspoons for each leg. It’s a good idea to top
it up immediately upon reaching your destination
to avoid any missed spots and rub off from clothing
or shoulder bags!”
Sunscreen should then be applied every two hours
or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
Face First Suncare
It is also highly advisable to introduce a facial specific
SPF into your usual daily routine, not just for when
the sun is shining! Products that are designed
specifically for the more delicate skin of the face tend
to be lighter, less likely to block pores and are more
likely to be make up compatible.
After Sun Love
Nothing is more dehydrating to skin that a day spent
in the sun. As the sun sets, don’t forget to show your
skin some after-sun love; replacing lost moisture with
cooling natural ingredients like aloe vera.
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