Soaring temperatures may be good news for those seeking out a day at the beach or glorious countryside but what tips should you follow to keep skin healthy, hydrated and protected?
Aqua....
Drink plenty of water (ideally or Green Tea full of antioxidants) to rehydrate skin and cool down. In the heat you sweat more, as this evaporates, it helps cool down the body. Be careful of heatstroke in such high temperatures. This happens when the body is unable to cool itself down effectively and can result in symptoms such as nausea, confusion, delirium, or unconsciousness. It can be life threatening so don't take continued exposure to the sun lightly. Always carry water with you especially if you are travelling.
Sun Protection
Try to avoid sun bathing or long periods of exposure between noon and 3pm when the sun is at its hottest. Chose a sun protection cream, lotion or oil suitable for your skin type and ensure it has not passed its sell by date as this may affect the preservative and active (sun factor) ingredients in the product. There is confusion around the protection SPF can give. As a general guideline, the differential between SPF 15 and SPF 50 is 5%.
Sunscreens help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin, age it prematurely, and increase your risk of skin cancer.
UVB damage results in sunburn, while UVA rays, penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with skin ageing (photoaging). They may also exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays, and increasingly are being seen as a cause of skin cancer which is on the increase. Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB so its essential your understand the star rating (UVA) and the SPF rating.
SPF-15-30-50 Guide:
15- 1/15 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 93%.
30- 1/30 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 97%.
50- 1/50 of the UVB rays get through to your skin - blocking about 98%.
So, if you wear no sun protection, it takes 20 minutes for skin to start turning red. If you use an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer — about five hours.
What are the active ingredients used in SPF lotions & potions?
It varies depending on whether the product uses a natural SPF such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Borealis Natural Skincare uses Red Raspberry Seed Oils in some of its moisturisers as this provides some level of protection.
UVA-protecting sunscreen ingredients:
• titanium dioxide
• zinc oxide
• avobenzone
• mexoryl SX
If you enjoy surfing, sailing or other outside activities it is essential you protect you head with a cotton hat, some fabrics now have sun protection fabric with in built sun protection and a water resistant sun protection lotion/oil. However, the same principle applies with regard to re-application to keep you protected. Remember, even on cloudy days, the sun rays still reach your skin so you still need to protect it.
Which Products are best? Check out your local chemist or on line for samples. Always patch test to ensure you aren't allergic to the ingredients, especially the preservatives.
There are many on the market and more natural and organic ranges also.
Super foods for Skin
Red & Orange fruit & vegetables are packed with carotenoids, that may help to reduce sunburn intensity. So, carrots, beetroot, peppers, oranges etc all have beneficial qualities as well as tasting great and hydrating you.
Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may reduce damage caused by UVA light.
Omega 3 fatty acids contained in Salmon & other types of fish, nuts, such as walnuts and oils guard against sunburn and cell damage.
After Sun Protection
Skin exposed to sun may be red, sore or tender. Aloe Vera is a great antibacterial, cooling plant and you can buy pure (non fragranced/perfumed) aloe Vera and apply directly to sun exposed skin for instant cooling and relief. Chamomile lotion, cool milk and plain yogurt also help to naturally cool down skin and there are many products to buy that rehydrate and nourish skin after sun exposure.
Play it safe
Any changes in moles or skin conditions, check up with your doctor. For more facts about sun protection visit the NHS website
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/05May/Pages/factor-15-and-risk-of-skin-cancer.aspx
Meanwhile, enjoy the summer!
