Suncare Sunday- Sun Damage and Protection

Ultraviolet research shows that phaeomelanin may cause skin cancer.  It is the red pigment in skin, that is mostly found in the fairer or Fitzpatrick types of skin, red heads, blondes, blue eyes, freckles etc. These types of skin produce very little melanin pigment and more phaeomelanin, which makes these skins more prone to skin cancer.

People with fairer skins can burn in 15-30 minutes of exposure and sometimes it only takes 5-10 minutes.  The face, neck and decollate are up to four times more sensitive to sunburning than the limbs. Extra precautions should be taken for children and elderly as they are more vulnerable to heatstroke and sunburn with too much exposure.  Sunburn reaches its maximum up to twelve hours after exposure. 

Sunburn leads to DNA damage to the melanoma and increases metastasis, which increases the risk of cancer in the body.  Sunburn can be avoided with the proper protection and products. Sunscreens offer 100% protection from three types of cancer caused by UVA, UVB and UVC rays. It also protects the p53 gene, which is that anti-cancer gene that lowers abnormal cell activity. 

The immediate effects of sun damage are dehydration, suppressed immune system, apoptosis (skin cell suicide), skin thickening and weakening, and an inflammatory response. The UVB rays start to tan the skin and that is actually starting the skin's defence mechanism to protect the body.  UVA rays can cause skin damage at the dermal layer, which can take more in-depth treatments to repair and sometimes damage is irreversible. UVA rays are present in daylight, so it is essential to wear an spf all day everyday throughout the year. 

Long term effects of sun damage start to morph the cell shape and cause skin ageing.  The skin's collagen production starts to decrease and the renewal process is impeded.  Age spots and wrinkles start to appear and the skin's barrier function can be impaired causing more skin sensitivity when using products. 

A teaspoon of sunscreen is required for the face, neck and decollate to protect it from the ultraviolet rays for two hours.  There are many more products on the market with sun protection built into face and body moisturisers and makeup to try to help the public protect their skin. Dermalogica has 14 products with and spf 15 or above. To achieve the required amount to protect the skin, layering spf ingredients can help.  Apply a daily moisturiser with spf, a primer with spf and a tinted moisturiser or foundation with spf to ensure your skin is properly protected.  If you're going on holiday make sure you reapply your sunscreen every two hours to protect your skin against signs of ageing and sunburn.