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Suncream isn’t just for summer holidays. Experts now say that people, yes even those of us living in chilly northern hemisphere climes, should slap on sunscreen throughout the year.
Does this seem a bit OTT? Well, not if you hear the very persuasive arguments for sunscreen…
Personally, we don’t mind dabbing on something like Guinot Ultra UV Defense – Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ throughout the year. Not only will it protect us, it will also slow down the signs of ageing, which we’re just a little obsessed with!
Here’s some Q&As from Huffington Post…
What are the top five reasons you believe everyone should wear sunscreen?
1. The ozone layer is depleting and your body needs shielding from harmful rays.
2. Skin cancer rates are on the rise and sunscreen has been proven to decrease the development of skin cancer.
3. It helps to prevent facial brown spots and skin discolourations.
4. It also helps to reduce the appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness.
5. It slows down the development of wrinkled, premature ageing skin.
What about the need for obtaining vitamin D via the sun?
Most people can fulfil their vitamin D requirements of 600 IU or 15mcg per day with normal daily outdoor activities amounting to five to 30 minutes twice per week. Equally, a healthy vitamin D rich diet of fish, milk, dairy, liver, eggs and vitamin D supplementation provides daily requirements. Prolonged sun exposure gives no extra production of necessary vitamin D, and it exposes the skin to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation which includes the development of skin cancers and photodamage.
There are medications that increase risks of sunburns and damage. How is this?
There are many medications which may make the skin extra susceptible to sun. These include anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and acne medications. Oral medications Doxycycline and Minocycline used in the treatment of acne may cause skin problems when exposed to direct and prolonged UV. Isotretinoin, popularly called Accutane, is a vitamin A-derived medication which may make your skin burn easily. Topical acne products, such as vitamin A derived tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide, may make certain skin types burn easier through photosensitization and irritation, respectively.
What is your expert take on spray-on sunscreens?
Love them! Spray-on sunscreen has an important role in the sun defence arsenal. I specifically like it for the outdoor enthusiast, who needs to reapply every two hours daytime sunlight, and also for people who don’t like the feel of lotion on their hands. I counsel these two groups of patients to use a lotion to exposed sites, then in two hours, reapply with sunscreen spray.
Is there harm in using expired sunscreen?
Expired sunscreen has literally fallen apart, so the formulation no longer works as a sun protectant. You get zero sun protection. In addition, you may experience changes in the colour and consistency of the product. Skin irritation may occur from an expired product.