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Sun-damage accumulates over time and it is a lifetime of sun exposure, rather than recent sunbathing that adds to your risk.  Most of us enjoy sitting in the sunshine – and there is evidence that limited sunlight can be good for us, helping the body to make Vitamin D that keeps our bones healthy.  But, like many things in life, too much of a good thing can sometimes be harmful. Too much sun can damage the skin, and this may only start to become apparent later in life.

Nobody is going to gad about every single day in the height of summer wearing a long-sleeved shirt and a wide-brimmed hat. Our winters are far too long and depressing for that. But a reasonable degree of precaution against sunburn and excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation makes absolute sense. This is especially true for fair-skinned people and children, whose natural level of protection is reduced.

Over the years, sunlight exposure ages the skin leading to dryness, brown blotches and wrinkles. More importantly, UV radiation also promotes the development of skin cancer.
More of us are taking more frequent holidays in hotter climates and that is fine. But we cannot avoid the fact that any suntan at all is evidence of permanent skin damage, and UV radiation that penetrates the skin can damage cellular DNA, which, when it fails to self-repair, can become cancerous.

DNA damage initially brings about the sunburn reaction, slowly leading to tanning, due to the release of a brown pigment known as melanin, and some skin thickening. Together, this thickening and tanning offers some protection against UV damage, but only at the expense of the UV damage that begins and maintains that process. People with fair skins, freckles and red hair, who always burn and rarely tan, are therefore the ones who are most at risk.

So what can you do to reduce the hazards of sunshine if 90 per cent of cancers are preventable?

One way is to keep out of the sun in the middle of the day, as this is when the sun’s rays are strongest.  You can also wear a hat that has a flap to protect the back of your neck and loose fitting long-sleeved clothing. Everyone here at Face the Future uses Heliocare products to protect their skin.

The damaging effects on our skin can be minimised by using adequate sun protection against both UVA and UVB radiation and these come in the form of topical and oral products.

FACE THE FUTURE FAVOURITES:

Heliocare Oral Supplement Capsules
These capsules contain Fernblock, which triples the skin’s resistance from the sun and protects areas on which it is impossible to apply a cream or gel like the hair and eyes for example.  Taking just one capsule a day before sun exposure can help prevent sun damage and prickly heat.

Heliocare Gel SPF 50
This sun block is easily absorbed into the skin and is great even under make up.  It protects against both UVA and UVB radiation so apply to the face and hands to protect from both the burning and ageing effect on the skin.

Heliocare Compact SPF 50
This factor 50 sun protection comes in the form of a compact in both Light and Brown, Oil Free and Normal.  A firm favourite with women as its both sun protection and foundation in one.  Its great to use on holiday when re-application is ideal, as it comes with a sponge and mirror for ease of applying throughout the day when out and about. Also available as an oil free compact – Heliocare Oil Free Compact SPF 50.

Visit the shop or call the clinic today on 0113 282 3300 for more information on Heliocare. Plus, don’t forget you can save money with our Heliocare Bundles!

This article was written by: Sue, Face the Future