Suncare 101

Lots of people only think about sun protection when they spend a day outdoors, at the beach, or at the pool. But UV exposure adds up day after day throughout your lifetime. It can speed up aging, cause dark spots and blemishes, and increase your risk of skin cancer. The best way to protect your skin from the dangerous effects of UV radiation is to make sun protection part of your daily routine.

Five or more sunburns doubles your risk of developing skin cancer. Skin damage from overexposure to the sun is cumulative over the years and cannot be reversed.

a. Using sunscreen daily, even when it is cloudy or raining, dramatically decreases your risk of developing skin cancer. b. It keeps you looking young, as ultraviolet exposure is one of the causes for premature aging of the face. c. It keeps your skin tone even by preventing dark spots and discoloration, and slowing the aging process of our skin. d. Prevention is better than cure - even if you don’t burn easily, wearing sunscreen is still important. Sunburn is an immediate reaction, but sun damage occurs over a lifetime.

Everyday lotions with SPF are great for your skin and provide protection against incidental sun exposure. For long outdoor, water and sports activities, we recommend a separate sunscreen with broad spectrum protection.

UV rays are known to dehydrate skin. Long hours spent in air-conditioned rooms also lead to evaporation of moisture from skin, causing dryness. To effectively prevent dehydration UV exposure, choose a sunscreen with sufficient moisturising benefits.

- Use it daily, even if you're indoors or if it's raining and cloudy. UV rays still exists even in those situations. - Apply it at least 30 minutes before going out and reapply every 4 hours if possible. - Use broad spectrum SPF15 or higher for everyday use, and SPF30 or higher if you're doing outdoor activities. - Apply it to all exposed skin - including your face, back and neck. You can use the same sunscreen for your face & body.

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, where possible.

Try to avoid sunlight between 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM when the intensity of the ultra-violet rays are at their greatest The midday sun causes a person to age 600 times faster. Seek shade when appropriate.

Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun. The skin is exposed to the rays not once by twice through reflected sun rays.

A ten-minute daily dose of early-morning sun provides adequate Vitamin D to keep skin healthy and beautiful.