With summer on the way, most of us are going to be spending more time exposed to the comforting rays of the sun, though not always necessarily at the beach. One often forgets that we are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation whenever we are outdoors, and this time cumulatively can add up to a considerable period of exposure. While we need UV radiation to produce Vitamin D, it is also a major source of skin cancer and premature ageing. It is therefore imperative to protect yourself while going about your day to day activities, even if you are not going to be engaging in any ‘obvious’ outdoor activity. For those who actually work outdoors, the risks are compounded, with employers bound to provide a safe working environment in this regard.
Top Skin Care Tips
If you are outdoors even for the briefest period take the time to follow these basic skin care tips, and protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation:
- Wear protective clothing, including broad rimmed hats and long sleeves
- Apply sunscreen, preferably a SPF 30+ rated product that is broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) and water-resistant
- Wear sunglasses, with all Australian standard rated products able to block at least 95% of all UV rays; and
- Stick to the shade where possible, and minimize your exposure to the sun at all times
Sunscreen Options
There are basically two types of sunscreen: natural and chemical. Natural sunscreens are typically comprised of a barrier such as zinc or titanium, which act as a physical barrier to UV ray penetration. Chemical sunscreens are typically creams that actually absorb UV rays and neutralise them within the skin tissue. There is a lot of controversy around the chemicals in modern sunscreens, with users of natural versions reporting fewer incidences of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Skin Check Up
It is a good idea to check your skin quarterly, and record any changes you may observe. Warning signs to look out for include skin spots that you have not noticed before, or spots and moles that have changed in appearance. Sores that refuse to heal may also indicate a more serious underlying problem. Your local GP, skin specialist or skin cancer clinic should be your first port of call if you have any concerns about your skin.
