UV Radiation & Your Skin

How can I keep my skin safe this summer?

Understanding UV radiation and how it damages your skin is an important step in protecting yourself against skin cancer. These days we know far more about the negative impact the Sun’s UV rays have on our skin. This includes Skin Cancers and also premature skin ageing. The sun’s UV rays can also cause other sun damage related skin changes such as Hyperpigmentation (sun spots/ dark pigmentation), Solar Keratosis (Actinic Keratosis) and also Seborrhoeic Keratosis (age spots/warts) are thought to also be caused by an element of UV damage. What are UVA and UVB rays? UV radiation is part of the natural energy produced by the sun. UV has shorter wavelengths than visible light, so you can't see it but your skin can feel it. Tanning beds also emit UV radiation. Two types of UV light are proven to contribute to the risk for skin cancer: Ultraviolet A (UVA) - Longer wavelength & is associated with skin ageing. UVA penetrate deeper into the skin layers.# Ultraviolet B (UVB) - Shorter wavelength & associated with skin burning. Although they differ in how they affect the skin, they both do harm, leading to skin cancer and premature ageing. When you tan, this highlights exposure to UVA &UVB rays. What does SPF mean? Sun protection Factor (SPF) tells you how long the sun’s radiation (including some UVA) would take to redden your skin when using that product compared to the time without sunscreen. The higher the number, the better the level of protection. In the UK you may see UVA with a circle - this is a European marking indicating that the UVA rating meets European standards. You want to choose a 4 star UVA suncream. Unfortunately not all sun creams provide this information on the bottle. What is a PA rating? This is an increasingly common rating to see on UK suncreams & is the international rating for UVA protection offered by a suncream. It is rated out of 4. The sunscreen with PA++++ offers the most UVA protection. How do I protect myself when in the sunshine?

Daily use of SPF will considerably reduce your risk of skin cancers and premature ageing. To give yourself the highest level of protection in the sun, I recommend buying a suncream with SPF 50 and either UVA 4 stars or PA ++++ It is also important to reapply during the day, and particularly after swimming. Tip: Do your research to ensure you have the best protection moving into this spring & summer period. However, don't forget the importance of wearing it daily and by adding it as the last step of your morning skin care routine, it will become a habit you won't forget. ​ ​ ​ Reference: Skincancer.org