The Truth behind SPF

To begin it is important to recognise that we all need the sun, we need sun light. We dream about bright sunny days, we all love to sit in the sun. The sun helps to generate our Vitamin D levels  to see us through the dark months of winter. So how can we do this without risking skin cancer and unnecessary skin ageing.
Sun exposure increases free radical damage & oxidative stress in your skin, which is a  major contributing factor to premature skin ageing .Sun damage happens when the sun’s rays – UVA and UVB penetrate into the skin and damage the skin cells. If you get a bad burn these skin cells, even though they will heal, are permanently damaged. They continue to reproduce in the damaged form, which can eventually lead to skin cancers forming.
Wearing a high factor sun cream helps but, even with factor 50 you can get burnt. Why ?  A couple of reasons
1.The current approach used to assess the protective efficiency of a sunscreen product is a worldwide method for the determination of its "SPF" which is based solely on ability to prevent erythema, i.e. UV-induced sunburn with visible redness.The disadvantages of the existing method of assigning SPF to skin care products is being increasingly recognized because it does not take into account the damaging effects of UVA and due to misinformation has inclined users of sunscreens to stay longer under the sun in the belief that they are fully protected.

2.SPF is the ratio of UV irradiation doses producing minimal erythema (MED) in sunscreen-protected skin vs. unprotected skin.
SPF does not refer to a sunscreen's potential to help prevent 90% of the visible signs of ageing — the sun protection needs to be broad spectrum to protect against UVA & UVB.
 Most of us use a small amount of protection, we do not apply it well in advance of exposure and crucially, we do not reapply it, expecting our morning application to last throughout the day.
Also SPF ingredients do not protect against Infra red rays so we recommend that you use a daily application of a high grade antioxidant serum ( containing pure vitamin C and vitamin E in high concentrations)  like Skinceutical C E Ferulic Serum every morning under your SPF to enhance your protection.

Sheer Mineral UV Defence

The SkinCeuticle range of SPF offers exceptionally high protection, yet  they are light; they do not give your skin the white zinc effect. This medical grade skincare range is recognised by Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons throughout the world. They are backed by science; the research is carried out in Duke University in the States.

SkinCeuticles Mineral Eye UV Defence

 This SPF for the eyes gives you  extra protection to the thin skin around your eyes. The tint enhances all skin tones whilst ceramides nourish creating a smooth base for makeup application.

Here is a video by Thomas Leveritt,. How the sun sees you.

https://youtu.be/o9BqrSAHbTc

#Skin health tips

Basal cell

Use a good  broad spectrum sun-block

Using and reapplying a good sun block is essential. It protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays by absorbing and/or reflecting them, meaning you are less likely to get cancer and your skin will age better.Depending on the individual, some sun blocks work better than others. It is advised that you should apply a SPF of 30 and higher.

There are two different types of sun-block: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens absorb the harmful rays before they reach your skin, whereas physical sun-screens reflect the rays.

Get your moles checked regularly
This is particularly important for those who are especially covered. If you notice any significant changes in your mole(s), you should schedule an appointment with a specialised Dermatologist, who will confirm whether the moles are cancerous or benign. It is essential that cancerous moles are removed within their early stages. The further along they are developed, the more likely it will spread to the lymph nodes and the rest of the body.

Take regular photos of moles to monitor any changes-If you are not sure whether your moles are changing, take photos on a regular basis- use your phone camera.

Cover up in the sun -If you want to be extra careful while on the beach, cover up your moles with a top that covers the affected area.

Picture of a melanoma - Dr Jeffrey L Melton.

Look out for tell-tale signs- changes in your moles;The main things to look out for when checking your moles are as follows:
• Change in size
• Change in colour
• Change in shape
• Itchiness
• Bleeding

Know you family medical history-Ask your parents or grandparents whether there is precedence of cancer or serious illness. If there is, make sure you get checked out frequently and take all the precautions you can.

See a Dermatologist if you suspect anything irregular-This is  vital  if you suspect anything irregular. They will be able to ascertain whether your moles are cancerous or benign, and can help you remove the risk before it develops.
Help each other as sometimes it is impossible to see – in particular check scalp, back, back of legs, feet toes/toe nails. If you are a parent, partner, sibling or friend: help others check their moles. They can help you check yourself  at the same time.

You will need a referral letter from your GP to get to see a Dermatologist.

Here a couple of recommendations;

#Dr Patrick Ormond – St James Hospital & The Hermitage.
#Dr Cal Condon- Blackrock Clinic
#Dr Rosemary Coleman – Blackrock Clinic