PROBLEM 1: ENVIRONMENTAL SKIN-AGEING
Discover ‘preventative maintenance’ – helping protect the future of your skin

From premature ageing to more serious issues like skin cancer, if not treated sensibly, the sun’s effects can be very harmful to skin.  That’s why it is so important to ensure that you are protected all year round, that’s why we’re pleased to welcome the British Skin Foundation’s spokesperson, Indy Rihal, who shares simple advice on investing in your skin’s protection and future health. Together, we show you how to enjoy the goodness the outdoors can bring, whilst helping protect from the risks.

“The dangers of the sun are often publicised, particularly in the summer months.  But what about the rest of the year?  While it’s true UV radiation is most intense during the summer months, more than 50% of UV radiation reaches us during the remaining months of the year when we may not consider sun protection, which is why year round protection is so important¹.   [Medical Journal of Australia, 2007] 

The sun can harm skin in many ways if you don’t protect yourself.  Apart from severely accelerating the ageing process (the appearance of wrinkles, brown spots and sallow, loose skin), there’s a more serious risk of sun exposure; skin cancer, which is on the increase.  The risk of developing this disease is present all year round, especially if you partake in outdoor activities like gardening, walking or playing an outdoor sport.

Whilst total sun avoidance would be in theory the best all round advice this isn’t usually practical and it’s never too late to start protecting yourself from the sun, but it is important to know your skin type and understand it properly.  If you have dark hair, eyes and skin (skin type 5 or 6) you should use a sunscreen with a high SPF to ensure that you are protected, if you have fair skin, light hair and freckles (skin type 1 or 2), you still use a sunscreen with a high SPF, but you should be extra careful to ensure you cover up too, because the risk of developing skin cancer is higher for someone with skin type 1 or 2.

However, regardless of which skin type you are and the time of year, you should ALWAYS ensure that you protect yourself, particularly as you age. Be sensible and follow the normal sun safe guidelines: Ensure you always wear sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection (and a minimum SPF15), wear protective clothing and a hat and stay in shaded areas between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are most intense.

The British Skin Foundation, is campaigning to particularly raise awareness on looking after mature skin as part of their ‘Respect Your Skin’ campaign. Here are a few of their top tips especially for mature skin:

1. Cover up and wear sunscreen when outside throughout the year, not only in the summer
2. Wear moisturiser and lip salve daily, especially in the winter to prevent dry skin
3. Lines and brown spots will appear more prominent in mature skin.  If you are worried about them, sometimes retinoid (a derivative of vitamin A) creams can help reduce the appearance
4. Look out for any changes in your skin, including your moles, marks and colour, and if you notice anything, see your GP immediately. Many skin cancers can be avoided and many don’t progress if caught early.

For more information visit the campaign website www.respectyourskin.co.uk

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