Don’t get burnt in search for perfect tan

With the warm weather upon us take time to ensure you stay safe while enjoying the sun Sun.

SUNSCREENWhether it’s on a beach, next to the pool or in Princes Street Gardens, when the sun comes out we can’t resist the lure of a tan. And with summer holidays nigh, enjoying the sunshine is top of most people’s priority list. And so, too, should be a sunscreen.

With skin cancer cases reaching 75,000 in the UK, according to CancerHelp UK, and 7000 people a year contracting a potentially deadly malignant melanoma – which results in 1600 deaths every year – there’s no excuse.

“It’s vital that people wear sunscreen, and a good sunscreen at that,” says cosmetic doctor Simon Connolly, of Edinburgh’s Mulberry House.

“It helps protect people against sun damage, which can cause premature ageing, but it also helps protect against the harmful effects of the sun which can cause melanoma.”

Although sun creams don’t block all of the sun’s rays, they do reduce the skin’s exposure to ultraviolet A and B rays, and a minimum sun protection factor of 15 is crucial. The higher the number, the better the protection.

Sun protection is a “measure of its ability to filter out dangerous UVB rays,” according to the SunSmart skin specialists at Cancer Research UK. So it’s simple: the higher the factor, the more protection you get.

Simon recommends a minimum of factor 15. “And in the summer I recommend factor 30 irrespective of skin type,” he adds.

DON’T FORGET THE UVA PROTECTION
“UVA protection is just as important as SPF,” warns Simon . “It is the primary cause of photo-ageing.

“The sun emits ultraviolet A and B rays which can cause damage to the skin in the form of sunburn and premature ageing, as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.”

While up to 85 per cent of the burn you get comes from UVB rays, the rest coming from UVA rays which penetrate deeper into the skin causing long-term damage and premature ageing.

The key is to only buy sunscreens with a “broad spectrum” to protect against both UVA and UVB rays – this is shown by a star proportional system. So, if a product has one star, it has less than 20 per cent UVA protection, while five stars equals around 90 per cent protection. Always aim for five stars ... unless you fancy looking old and haggard before your time.

IT’S ALL IN THE RUB
It’s not enough to just apply sun cream liberally – and never use it sparingly – it has to be applied frequently too – at least every two to three hours. And apply your sun screen 15-30 minutes before going into the sun for full absorption.

“A moisturiser takes at least 15 minutes to penetrate into the skin – any less than this and it simply sits on the skin and can be removed easily through contact with clothing or sweat,” explains Edinburgh beauty therapist, Louise Henderson. “The same is the case for sunscreen. So don’t slap on the cream and then rush out into the sun – give it time to protect you.”

TIME IT
The sun is at its hottest and most dangerous between 11am and 3pm, and, in an ideal world, you should avoid the direct sunlight during this time. Try to avoid the sun’s harshest glare as much as possible, and remember this sun doesn’t give you a better tan, it’s simply more deadly.

Sheena Dryden adds: “I always advise patients to enjoy long, lazy lunches and siestas. By blocking the harmful effects of the sun, it doesn’t mean to say you won’t get colour. You’ll just tan more gently.”

COVER UP
Clothing is the a great protection. Wear a kaftan over your bikini or a floaty sun dress. Slip on a T-shirt and hat – it all helps to reduce the risks of skin cancer. Stay in the shade as often as possible and protect your eyes with sunglasses with a UV 400 label.

“A good pair of sunglasses is key to maintaining healthy eyes throughout the summer months,” says Andrew Lindsay, stylist at Oscar and Fitch eyewear boutique on Multrees Walk.

“Squinting in the sun damages the soft tissue around the eyes and prolonged exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays can lead to sight problems in later life.”

WATER
It’s easy to assume that, once submerged in the cooling pool or sea, then you’re out of harm’s way. Wrong. In fact, skin is more at risk of damage if it is near water, as rays bounce off the surface.

A whopping 80 per cent of the sun’s rays can penetrate at least one foot below the surface, so always wear a waterproof sunscreen and re-apply as soon as you get out of the water.

And drink up too. Not only does it hydrate the skin, but it nourishes the rest of your body. Beauty therapist Louise agrees.

“The skin needs water to stay hydrated, otherwise it can quickly get dry and itchy. Coupled with the stress that the skin is already under because of the sun, you can quickly get dull, dry and flaky skin, which no colour will hold to.”

MOISTURISE
Your skin needs moisture every day, but even more so when you are in the sunshine. There are a variety of different lotions on the market which give your skin essential moisture. After any exposure to the sun, use after-sun to soothe your skin and help it recover.

KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE
No two persons’ skin is the same so it’s time to get honest with your skin type.

“Most Scots are skin types one and two,” explains Sheena. “We’re fair, pale skinned, burn easily, don’t tan well, have lots of freckles. We’re not designed to be in the sun.

“Too many expose their skin in short bursts of intense sun two or three times a year. You’re overdosing, and you will cause damage.”

According to the Cancer Research UK website, the UK population has six different types of skin, and within each type the colour and tone vary. Type one burns often and rarely tans, and these people tend to have freckles. Type two are often light-haired and blue-eyed. They sometimes tan but often burn. Type three usually tan – after a while. Type four often tan and rarely burn, while type five and six are naturally black-brown skin.

The sooner you understand your skin, the quicker you’ll realise just what colour is achievable – and what you’re potentially killing yourself in the hope of getting.

CHECKS
Regular skin checks are a must. Look out for changes in the size, colour and shape of moles, blemishes and birthmarks. Scaly, brown patches on the skin that don’t disappear may also be a warning sign.

Cancer Research UK advises: “See your doctor immediately if you have a mole that is new or growing, has a ragged edge, contains different colours, is inflamed or has a red edge, is bleeding, oozing or crusting, feels funny or itches or is bigger than all your other moles.”

The guidelines from the British Association of Dermatologists are similarly strict, and advise people to look out for asymmetry, an irregular border and an increase in diameter to at least 6mm.

They add: “Remember – if in doubt, check it out. If your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a consultant dermatologist, the most expert person to diagnose a skin cancer. Your GP can refer you via the NHS.”

If there is anything unfamiliar or you are suspicious about something, always get it checked out.

BE AWARE
Throughout Sun Awareness Week, which runs until May 11, the British Association of Dermatologists is promoting safety messages.

For more information on ways to minimise the risks or to learn about the types of skin cancer visit www.bad.org.uk.