Sunscreen lotions: when, why and how
to use them
It’s not only summer when we should be protecting
skin against the sun’s damaging and ageing rays. Here’s what you need to
know:
You can burn even on a cloudy day. Cloud only blocks some of
the sun's UV rays - depending on type and thickness of cloud, it could block only a third
of the UV.
Using a moisturiser or foundation with SPF (sun protection
factor) all year round will help provide protection.
Sunscreens do not offer full protection from the sun, and
hours spent sunbathing still incur risk.
How to use sunscreens
Apply sunscreen with an SPF
of 15 or more. Some experts recommend a factor of 20 for the face in later life,
especially for paler skins.
Use a broad-spectrum
sunscreen (which blocks both UVB and UVA light).
Choose a PUBA free and
non-perfumed variety if possible.
Put it on 15-45 minutes
before you go out and allow to dry. It doesn't start working immediately.
Use wherever your skin's
exposed, not forgetting vulnerable areas such as ears, neck, back of the hands, feet.
Apply generously and repeat at least every couple of hours.
Most sun worshippers use too little
sunscreen. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation you need to smooth on 30 grams for
full body coverage.
If you're swimming or
sweating, you need more sunscreen.
Many water resistant
sunscreens which will protect for just two 20 minute swims. Even if makers claim that
they last for several hours, remember that they may rub off when towelling dry.
Sweating also makes a
sunscreen rub off.
No sunscreen blocks out all
UV rays. You're still damaging your skin, though more slowly.
Don't stay out all day
just because you're wearing sunscreen.
A good rule of thumb is:
don't stay out wearing sunscreen any longer than you would without it.
Wear hats and clothes and
sunglasses as well as sunscreen.
If you've got a tan, you've
already damaged your skin and are not protected against further damage. So use a
sunscreen.
Skin sense
Don't wait till your skin feels uncomfortable before you
cover up. You may be getting burned.
Never burn! Sunburn causes permanent damage. The visible
burns heal but the effects can re-emerge as skin cancer years later. If you look
closely at sunburnt skin you'll see it's tight, creased, red and hot. These are signs of
serious damage. .
When the sun is strong
 Wear a
hat. A wide brim will protect face, neck and much of shoulders.
Fabrics that cover your arms and your legs are the coolest way
to be outdoors in the summer.
The more tightly woven the fabric, the more of the sun's
rays it will block. Safest is to get hold of clothes that are specially designed to be
sun-protective.
Wet fabrics let more sun through. So do pale colours. At the
seaside, wear sun-protective swimsuits.
The higher the sun is in the sky, the more concentrated its
rays. The sun shines most fiercely between 10am and 2pm.
The value of sunglasses
Your eyes can be harmed by excessive exposure to the sun. The
retina can be permanently damaged and cataracts may result.
Buy sunglasses that are 100% UVA and B blocking, and make
sure they have wrap-around protection.
NB next month: Helen Franks visits a Mole Clinic, and
learns about state of the art diagnosis.
SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS
Buy direct from Nutrimetics
The Nutrimetics Sun
Days range of products has been developed in accordance
with Australian standards (and in co-operation with the Skin Cancer Prevention
Organisations) which are the most stringent in the world. Nutrimetics products are
constantly under review as scientific understanding of the sun and it’s power and
effect on our health grows. Presently the following are available :
Sun Days range
These sunscreens are for all skin types and contain Apricot
Kernel Oil and beeswax to help soften, smooth and protect the skin against critical
moisture loss.
They provide protection against UVA and UVB rays and are
water resistant which means that skin will be protected against the sun's damaging rays
even in the water for up to 2 hours (though take note that towelling dry and sweating will
remove some of the sunscreen).
SPF15+ Face
Block Stick - sunscreen for all skin types, offering SPF 15+ protection for the
sensitive skin of the face, particularly nose, ears and lips, with moisturising protection
of Apricot Kernel Oil and vegetable castor oil. Price £9.45
SPF15+ Sunscreen Crème -- light,
non-greasy, water resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen for all skin types. Price £9.95
SPF30+ Sunscreen Creme - light non-greasy, water
resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen for all skin types.
The water-resistant formula protects in the water for up
to two hours. Price £11.95
NB Sunscreens such as the above should always be
applied before a foundation.
Other sun products
Aftersun Moisturiser – an ultra light, all-over
moisturiser which cools, calms and revitalises dry, sun-exposed skin, with Apricot Kernel
Oil, sorbitol and herbal extracts to help soothe. Price £9.75
Self Tanning Lotion - provides a natural looking tan in
a few hours, without the sun. Key ingredients are Dihydrocyacetone (DHA tans the protein
with the outer layer of the skin) Apricot Kernel Oil, herbal extracts of chamomile, sage,
balm mint and lime tree blossom. Price £12.45
Sheer Tint Make-Up with Botanical Moisturisation (SPF15)
purse-size product for women who dislike heavier foundations but want something to
even out skin tones and provide a healthy glow. Can be applied as often as desired
throughout the day for natural coverage, protection and continuous moisturisation. Price
£11.50
See further details of these
and other sun-protection products in the Nutrimetics catalogue:
You can request a full catalogue or obtain information
about arranging a workshop by completing
the enquiry form.
You can also read about Nutrimetics age defying and other workshops in
a previous article on the subject.
or find out about becoming an Independent
Nutrimetics Consultant yourself.
Protection from the inside
 Arkopharma
Phytobronz capsules are designed to help protect skin from the harmful effects of the
sun from the inside out. In addition, they are said to speed and increase
sun-tanning, help to prevent sunburn and to decrease "sun-tan fading", thus
making a tan last longer.
Phytobronz capsules contain a range of ingredients to provide
anti-ageing properties, antioxidants, dehydration action. A special ingredient, OPC, is
said to be 20 times stronger than vitamin C and 50 times stronger than vitamin E as an
antioxidant.
Arkopharma Phytobronz is suitable for vegetarians and costs
£9.40 for a three-week course, taken 4 days before and during sun-exposure.
 Available from the Nutricentre or Arkopharma UK on 020 8763 1414.
Phytobronz is not intended to replace or to be used in place of a topically applied
sunscreen. Sun exposure requires regular and continuous use of a sunscreen.
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A vast industry is out there to help with all and
every beauty concern. In this column every month laterlife.com will report on ideas
and products, old and new. All with the focus on maturity of course.
