In traditional Northern Irish form we open this months blog discussing the weather.  There is something about a bit of sunshine that just lightens the mood of the nation.  What never fails to impress, is those that take the short term weather to the extreme, here’s just a few examples of the famous ‘British and Irish Sun Tan.

On a more serious note too much exposure to damaging UV rays can seriously damage your skin.  In short, Sunburn is an outward sign of UV damage to the skin and can lead to skin cancers.  Getting painful sunburn – once – every two years can triple the risk of most skin cancer.

Why too much Sun is Dangerous

There are two main types of damaging ultraviolet (UV) sunlight: UVA and UVB.

UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, damaging the middle layer (the dermis). The dermis contains the elastic tissues that keep the skin stretchy. UVA rays therefore have the effect of ageing the skin and causing wrinkles.

UVB rays are absorbed by the top layer of skin (the epidermis). This causes sun tanning but also burning.

Both UVA and UVB rays increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Getting sunburnt is therefore a warning sign that you are putting yourself at risk.

Melanin is the coloured pigment in our skins. When skin is exposed to sunlight, more melanin is produced to help protect the skin against the UV rays. This makes the skin darker - what people refer to as a suntan. Although melanin stops your skin burning so easily, it does not prevent the harmful effects of UV rays.

Repeated exposure to too much sun over a number of years can cause damage to skin. The effects of sun damage include: premature skin ageing and wrinkling, brown spots, actinic keratoses (benign warty growths on the skin), and skin cancer.

What About Sunbeds

Sunbeds can be even more damaging:  Research has shown that using a sunbed before the age of 35 can increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer by up to 75%

Sun Protection

Most Sun creams work by absorbing some of the UV rays mentioned above, some also work to relect the suns rays (eg those containing Zinc Oxide).

There are many brands of sun protection on the market available from most of the leading skincare brands – we would recommend that you don’t skimp on your sun cream purchases. 

Choosing the appropriate SPF really depends on your skin type but we will be happy to advise if you need help. Here’s a rough guide

Very high protection (SPF 50+) for very sun-sensitive skin or skin exposed to very strong sun.

High protection (SPF 30) For sun-sensitive fair skin, or in
intense sunlight.

Moderate protection (SPF 15-20) For skin that tans easily, or in 
moderate sunlight.

Low protection (SPF 6-10) For darker skin tones and already tanned skin,
or in weak sunlight.

We can recommend the following

Clarins Sun Care - Clarins are the pioneers of smart sun with over 30 years expertise in protective suncare.  Clarins Multi-Cellular Protection Sun Care products are designed as genuine sun beauty products which let you develop an even, long-lasting tan while preserving the skin’s health and youthful beauty.

La Roche Posay Anthelios Range - Fragrance and paraben free for sensitive skin.  Specially formulated textures to suit all skin types and exposures.  Optimal SPF 50+ protection reinforced against UVA rays (stricter than the European recommendation)

Both the Clarins and La Roche Posay ranges are available in our Templepatrick and Newtownards Stores - all shops carry a range of suncream and our pharmacists will be happy to offer your further advice