Enjoy the bank holiday sun this weekend but make sure you stay safe

Enjoy the bank holiday sun this weekend but make sure you stay safe

Having the sun show it's face this bank holiday weekend is definitely a treat for us all, but it's important that we stay safe and protect our skin. 

With the help of Dr Jonathan Bowling – a leading skin cancer specialist and member of the BAD and P20, the once a day sun protection range, we have a helpful Q&A on sun safety to help everybody stay protected and raise greater awareness of the dangers the sun can have. 

  1. Are you seeing a decrease in malignant melanoma and other skin cancers as a result of recent campaigns – or is it too soon for that? 

Unfortunately we are predicting that the numbers of skin cancers will continue to increase year on year for the next 20 years despite an increase in public awareness. If a proportion of our population continues to experience sun burning episodes in childhood, teenage years and adulthood, then it is likely that the skin cancer rates will continue to rise. If we can stop sunburn then there is a chance to reduce this rise. In practice if our children burn less than we did and their children burn less than them, then we will be making progress.

  1. Do you have any concerns that people are avoiding the sun altogether and developing health problems as a result of vitamin D definiciency?
  2. We should enjoy the sun, whenever possible. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes enjoying outdoor activities as the benefits to our cardiovascular, respiratory and mental health are enormous and should not be compromised. What is important is  whilst enjoying outdoor activities is trying not to get burnt. Any campaign to encourage more outdoor activities for our population should be encouraged as there is a real risk of developing  low vitamin D levels  if we encourage an indoor lifestyle.  
  3. Which type of sun protection product (cream, oil, gel, spray, powder, wipe) is the best?
  4. The best type of sun protection product is one that is easy to apply, long acting and broad spectrum giving high protection that is cosmetically attractive and fit for purpose. For instance men may prefer gels, lotions or oils as they are easier to apply to hairy skin. Sprays may help reach those difficult sites. For water sports or alpine activity then a higher protection product, which may be cosmetically less attractive, should provide higher protection and  may be a better choice than the sun protection you would use for relaxing in your garden.
  5. Does using sun protection products actually reduce the risk of skin cancer?
  6. Evidence published in 2011 from the Queensland Institute of Medical research showed that daily sun protection use, rather than discretionary use,  over a 10 year study period, was associated with fewer melanomas.
  7. Can you still use sun protection products after its expiration date?
  8. All sun protection products degrade in time and thus it would not be advisable to use a sun protection product after its expiration date, as the protection delivered may not be reliable and hence increase the potential for burning or adverse skin reactions.
  9. How do I determine which SPF is right for me? (taking skin colour/type into account)
  10. If you have fair skin that never tans and always burns in the sun then you are likely to benefit from a high SPF used regularly to reduce the effects of UV radiation. If you have a more Mediterranean complexion or have pigmented skin then you would generally not require a sun protection product of such a high SPF protection.
  11. Can I layer on different sunscreens for extra protection?
  12. It may be sensible to apply two coats of the same sun protection product to make sure areas of skin aren't being missed, much akin to applying two coats of paint for a wall. However I would not recommend mixing sun protection product as there is a potential for an unpredictable reaction when the differing ingredients are mixed. Please note adding a SPF 30 sunscreen to a SPF 50+ sunscreen does not deliver SPF 80 protection.
  13. How much sunscreen should I apply to my body?
  1. -          Face
    -          Décolletage
    -          Limbs
    -          Places to not forget? Ears, shoulders, bottom!
  2. Although difficult to quantify due to the varying formulations and strengths, the most reliable description of the optimal amount of sun protection product to use daily is liberal and lots, and  to all exposed areas including the bottom if relevant! Using a long acting sun protection product that is cosmetically attractive is more likely to result in higher protection than using less of a product that is cosmetically challenging. Around the eyes, nose and ears consider using the lip balm sunscreen that you are applying to your lips.
  3. Which sun protection product do you recommend/use for your family and patients?
  4. The new P20 range is fantastic; I not only use it on myself but also use it on the whole family, including my 3yr old twins.

Applying sun protection on children regularly throughout the day can be a challenge but with P20 you don’t need to worry. The range provides you with up to 10 hours sun protection which means the kids are free to run around and enjoy their time in the sun and I am safe in the knowledge that they are fully protected.

by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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