UV protection
Bank holiday weekend is just around the corner, and we’re hoping for lots of sunshine! Sun protection is becoming even more important, and awareness over the damage that exposure to UV rays can cause is becoming greater. As we become more aware of the effects of sun damage such as the intrinsic link with cancer, manufacturers are now starting to incorporate UV mineral filters into their skin care and beauty products so that it is not forgotten.
Sun protection should be even more essential during your twenties particularly if you have a blindingly pale skin tone that burns easily. Exposure to the sun in childhood and adolescence can give you a greater chance of developing skin cancer. Still despite this knowledge, many of us go without sun protection, particularly in the UK with people underestimating the power of the harmful rays. A survey conducted by Cancer Research UK and Nivea Sun showed that 37% of people admitted the last time they were sun burnt was in the UK. Sunburn, no matter your age will double the risk of skin cancer later in life. The video below demonstrates how your skin looks in later life and will shock you into wearing protection, not only for protection from the harmful rays, but also to avoid ageing effects.
However, remember that whilst SPF does protect the skin, the exact impact of sunscreen use on skin cancer risk is unclear and so you should never intentionally spend longer in the sun with sunscreen on even though you believe you are protected. For example, take a look at the image below. This 69 year old man spent 28 years as a truck driver and the photo demonstrates the process of photoageing. Although he claimed that his window was up most of the time, the image demonstrates that harmful UVA rays are still able to penetrate through glass.
Whilst some avoid sun screen for the belief that they will attain a darker colour, others skimp on sunscreen because of the greasy formulas and the irritancy it causes the skin. The new generation of ‘UV mineral filters’ add a plethora of benefits in contrast to SPF. The Aqua Physics Defence Cream’s UV mineral filter sits on top of the skin’s surface the deflect UV rays which is ideal for oily or sensitive skin. With added anti-oxidants, the cream adds further protection by neutralising skin-damaging free radicals.