Being sun smart
Sun protection doesn’t have to be a drag. Once you find an SPF you adore, slathering it on religiously will be an act of self-love.
The same can be said about a pair of shades to safeguard your peepers. Finding protective products that you actually want to use is only one part of staving off sun damage. The other secret to success? Knowing the truth about the sun’s rays and their effects.
Here are five facts about sun damage to skin that will make you rethink your sun protection routine.
- Safe tans do not exist: You can’t get a tan (even a shade darker) without it adversely affecting your skin in the long run. Darkening of the skin is a sign that UV exposure has triggered DNA damage, which cumulatively can lead to photo-ageing and skin cancer.
- The type of SPF matters: If you’re not using a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen, you’re not protecting your skin against the full range of UVA and UVB rays, both of which contribute to sun damage on skin. UVB rays are commonly associated with burning, while UVA rays contribute more to skin ageing. Look for a sunscreen that offers SPF 30 or above.
- Sun damage and skin cancer don’t discriminate: Skin cancer can occur regardless of skin colour, often showing up later in life after years of sun exposure.
- Small doses of sun exposure can be healthy: Research shows that regular sun exposure is the ticket to getting enough essential vitamin D. That doesn’t mean you should forgo protection altogether. Slather on sunscreen and don a hat and sunnies before seeking the recommended 10-30 minutes of midday sun exposure a few times a week.
- Reapplication is key: If you don’t reapply sunscreen every two hours, you’re simply not getting the adequate protection that your skin needs. The same applies if you don’t use enough of the product in the first place.
