People often make the mistake of thinking that sunscreen is only meant to be used in summer, but this is a myth carried over from generation to generation. It is the most common misconception among people, as sunscreen should be applied throughout the year.
South Africans remember to apply sunscreen when they spend time at the beach, but they forget that they are exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays on a daily basis. When I was younger, I used to spend time in direct sunlight without using protection, something I regret today. This behaviour causes premature ageing and could ultimately lead to skin cancer.
Skin-care therapists hear all the excuses in the book as to why some people think they are exempt from having to wear sunscreen. Some people say they are in the office all day and don’t need to wear sunscreen, but they do not realise that one is still exposed to radiation from fluorescent lighting and computer screens. I spent many years in my 20s lying on sun beds and judging my holiday by the darkness of my tan. Years later, I am now faced with having to address premature ageing on my chest.
It is important to note that photo ageing, a term which refers to the effect that sun exposure has on skin, is also thought to be responsible for the majority of age-associated changes in the skin’s appearance, mottled pigmentation, surface roughness, lines and wrinkles. The effects of exposure to the sun are not immediate and quite often we only start to see the accumulated effects in our 30s and 40s.
You are exposed to UV rays while you commute to and from work and even while doing your daily chores. In South Africa it is recommended that we use sunscreens with a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 30. Research has shown that, although intense bursts of sun are bad, most of the damage that shows on our skin is accumulated in short bursts – like sitting outside for lunch, sitting in traffic to and from work, or taking your dog for a walk.
If you are office-bound, you could get away with an SPF 15 as long as you keep reapplying it.
A possible additional step to your regime is using an SPF oil-free spritz over your make-up when you leave the office or when you will be sitting in traffic.
If your entire body is exposed to the sun, a teaspoon should be used on your face and six teaspoons for the rest of your body. This is the minimum amount needed.
You should apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go out, as this is how long it takes to absorb into your skin. Reapply after swimming or towelling, even if your sunscreen is water-resistant or waterproof.
People often think that the entire body is prone to skin cancer, but the back of the knees, nose, the tips of your ears, tops of your feet, chest and the back of your neck and shoulders are the areas most prone to skin cancer.
The Cancer Association of South Africa recommends that you see a dermatologist once year for a check- up. Most doctors, however, urge that you regularly check yourself in a mirror and ask your partner to look for any signs of anything that has changed colour or does not heal.
Eighty percent of melanomas are diagnosed by patients themselves, not by their doctors.
Your skin-care therapists are also one of your first lines of defence, as they are able to point out blemishes that have changed colour or become rougher to the touch while you are having a facial or body treatment.
* Yvonne Heathcote is a skin-care therapist. - The Mercury