Get Sun Smart

There’s been a lot of chat lately about sunscreens. Should we be wearing it? Do they cause cancer? What is the difference between them all? Let’s have a look at some facts and myths.

Myth 1. We don’t need sunscreen in Scotland! - UV rays from the sun can be just as damaging at home as they are abroad. To protect against ageing, skin cancer and sun damage we need sunscreen every day, all year round. Even in Scotland when its cloudy or raining those rays still push through causing wrinkles, pigmentation and ageing the skin. The best thing to do is use a moisturiser with an inbuilt sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and apply daily.

Myth 2. Sunscreens cause cancer - There is no medical evidence that sunscreen causes cancer. There’s a lot of medical evidence that UV rays and tanning beds do. Anyone worried about the skin absorbing sunscreen should opt to use a physical sunscreen. These are mineral based and will reflect light away from the sun, they will sit on the skin surface and won’t be absorbed into the body. Sunblock’s should contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Physical sunscreens are also better for people that suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin as they wont cause the same heat reaction as chemical sunscreen. (Chemical sunscreen ingredients include octinoxate, octocrylene, oxybenzone and avobenzone)

Myth 3. One application of Sunscreen will do me all day - “once a day” sunscreens will lower in protection as the day goes on meaning that you won’t have the same protection. Regularly apply sunscreen every few hours and always after sweating or swimming.

Fact 1. You can still achieve a tan through your sunscreen, just with a lot less damage to the skin. Remember burnt skin is not tanned skin, it’s just severely damaged.

Fact 2. Using sunscreen will not prevent Vitamin D production. Since sunscreens cannot block out 100% of UV (SPF 30 blocks out 96% of UVB) A sufficient amount of Vitamin D can still be produced by the body.

Fact 3. Darker or tanned skin still needs protection. The skin can still be damaged it’s just harder to see the damage!

So that’s it in a nut shell. Basically wear your SPF every day for healthy skin! For any more advice then just get in touch by email or pop into the salon and see us.

Love, Arlene - a pale lassie with a permanently red nose from being badly burnt one too many times!