Family having a picnic Sun Protection

Let’s face it, the sun makes most people happy. It means more time outside, adventures and holidays with family and friends and of course, BBQ’s. But during the fun times we can sometimes forget how dangerous the sun can be. Sun protection is something that’s become more popular in recent years with the abundance of Fake Tans on the market.

There are a few types of people when it comes to the sun.

  • “Factor 50”
  • “Fake Tan All the Way”
  • “An hour or two won’t hurt me”
  • “I’ll break out the Baby Oil”

family-vacation-on-beachWhy should we care so much about Sun protection?

It’s not just summertime that can be damaging to our skin. Realistically, we should be wearing sunscreen all year round. Most of us have a skincare regime, and sun protection should be up there close to the top if not the number one thing you do in your routine.

When you spend extended periods of time in the sun without sunscreen, the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause damage. This damage can lead to visible signs of aging like dark spots and wrinkles down the line. And of course, sunburn. Nobody likes a sunburn.

How do you get enough Vitamin D without increasing your risk of skin cancer?

The ideal range of Vitamin D in a healthy person is between 1000 and 2000 IU daily. When put into normal terms, this works out at around 20-30 minutes of sun exposure  – without sunscreen – 3 times a week for fair-skinned individuals.

Remember, wearing sunscreen does NOT put you at risk for Vitamin D deficiency.

Protecting Children’s Skinkid-sun-cream

Babies and children have very sensitive skin. Getting sunburned as a child increases the risk of skin cancer in later life. There are simple things you can do to reduce this risk and keep children safe in the sun or heat.

Always protect your child’s skin from the sun. Especially from April to September in Ireland.

You can protect your child’s skin from UV rays by covering it with clothes. You should dress babies in loose-fitting outfits that cover their arms and legs.

Make sure the clothes are made from close-woven material that does not allow sunlight through.

You can also protect your children’s eyes from UV rays with sunglasses. It’s important that they wear sunglasses that give as close to 100% UV protection as possible. Wraparound ones are best.

If your baby is under 6 months old, you should keep them in the shade. Older children should also be in the shade if possible, but especially between 11 am and 3 pm. This is when UV rays are at their strongest.

Use an umbrella on your buggy or pram.

Applying Sunscreen

It’s not just about applying sunscreen – it’s also about how much you use. A thin layer isn’t going to do it.

UVA rays are typically responsible for the damage that can lead to aging, while UVB rays are the ones that burn. Therefore, it’s important to use a sunscreen that’s broad-spectrum, since broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays. When you’re looking for sunscreen, it shouldn’t only be broad-spectrum – it should also have an SPF of 30 or higher.

Tips:

  • Apply sunscreen before going outside. At least 15 minutes beforehand.
  • Recommended 2 tablespoons for your entire body.
  • Re-apply more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. Every 2 hours or so.
  • Avoid peak hours for sun exposure. 12pm-3pm
  • Have an Aloe Vera-based After Sun Lotion ready.
  • Invest in a facial moisturizer with an SPF.
  • UV Protection Sunglasses are a must.

How can Refine Clinic help with Sun Damage?

The lower neckline and cleavage areas are known as Décolletage. Excessive sun exposure, lack of daily moisturizing, and aging cause the skin in this area to change. Unless you wear high-neck collars every day, this area is frequently exposed to harmful UV rays.

There are a variety of dermal filler treatments made to rejuvenate the skin of the neck and chest.

Call for more information: 01-5645926

More Information on Décolletage Fillers: Click Here

Useful Links

HSE Website: Skin Cancer

Irish Cancer Society: Your Skin & The Sun