Suncare rules
Sun rules to remember
Choose a good sunscreen: one that protects evenly against both UVA and UVB (called “broad spectrum”), and that says High or Very High Protection, with a minimum SPF of 15.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out, reapply regularly and make sure you cover your face, nose, neck, ears and hands, which are all particularly vulnerable.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat that will protect the back of your neck and ears, as well as a loose fitting, long-sleeved top.
- Stay out of the sun from 11 to 3pm, when UV radiation is at its highest.
Post-sun soothers
Think of the after sun you apply today as pre-sun treatment for
tomorrow: “After sun reinforces your skin’s natural defences,” says Dr Lionel de Benetti, Clarins’ Head of Research and Development. “Think of it as a course of treatment, antibiotics even. Start using it a few days ahead of your holiday, use it each night after sun exposure and continue until the tube is empty.”
- Take a cool shower and, while your skin is still damp, apply a cooling lotion, such as aloe gel, to refresh and soothe skin.
- Apply a healing mask or balm straight after sun exposure. This will quench the skin and lessen the trauma to tiny blood vessels. Osmotic shock can cause severe dehydration or swelling (excess fluid), which explains that taut feeling skin gets after too much sun or heat.
Clarins SOS Sunburn Soother has repairing shea butter, mango butter and avocado. Decléor Aromessence Repairing After-Sun Balm has avocado to help repair the loss of lipids in the skin after sun exposure by up to 24 per cent.
- Drink as much water as you can to ensure you don’t get dehydrated.
- Use a cold compress with lavender oil over reddened skin to ease the pain and reduce inflammation. If the burn is severe, seek advice from a doctor. Avoid exposure to the sun until the skin has healed.
How to care for sun-damaged skin
Stay safe and self-tan
Don't miss the signs of skin cancer
Learn how to avoid skin cancer
Find out skin cancer facts
To find out more about skin cancer, go to goodtoknow.co.uk
