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Your guide to sunscreen and sun care for your patients

As an Aesthetic Practitioner you will be well aware of the importance of protecting your skin from the sun. However, this awareness does not always carry over into the general public. To help advise your patients on the importance of sun protection and the different products available Shailesh Patel, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacyspace offers his five minute guide to sunscreen and sun care.

Most of us enjoy being in the sunshine, it makes us feel good, but too much sun exposure can lead to adverse effects on our skin such as; sunburn, skin ageing, sun induced skin allergies, cold sores and immunosuppression of the skin. So using a good sunscreen product with an SPF30 or above and a high UVA protection rating should be an essential part of a daily skin care routine, as well as seeking shaded areas to avoid sun exposure during 11.00am and 3.00pm, and protecting the skin with clothing.

Sun protection needs of individuals will vary according to;

  • skin type,
  • age,
  • gender and
  • daily activities.

It is important to provide product recommendation and advice which provides protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. UVB has a wavelength of 290 – 320 nm and is mostly responsible for sunburn and contributes to skin ageing. In the UK the sun is at its strongest in the middle of the day between 11.00am and 3.00pm. In hotter regions nearer the equator, UVB is more constantly present and intense.

UVA radiation has a longer wavelength of 320 – 400nm. Although it does not burn the skin, UVA does increase the burning effect of UVB and can cause skin cancers just as much as UVB. It is little affected by the seasons – it can be almost as strong in the winter as in the summer. This is why it is important to use a sunscreen which has high UVA protection. UVA penetrates deep into the dermis, where the supporting collagen and elastic fibres are contained. Much of the signs of skin ageing, such as loss of skin tone, sagging, enlarged blood vessels, uneven skin tone and wrinkles, are the result of UVA exposure. It is also responsible for photosensitivity reactions.

Skin type affects how the skin will react to the sun

One of the most commonly used skin type classifications is provided below.

TypeFeatures
Type INorthern European. Pale skin, often burn and rarely tan. They generally have light coloured hair or red hair and freckles. Blue or green eyes.
Type IIEuropean/Scandinavian. Usually burn but may gradually tan. They are likely to have light hair, and blue or brown eyes. Some may have dark hair but still have fair skin.
Type IIISouthern European. Central European. Burn with long exposure to the sun but generally tan quite easily. They usually have a light olive skin with dark hair and brown or green eyes.
Type IVMediterranean, Asian, Latin America. Burn with very lengthy exposures but always tan easily as well. They usually have brown eyes and dark hair.
Type VEast Indian, African, Native American, Have a naturally brown skin, with brown eyes and dark hair. They burn only with excessive exposure to the sun and their skin further darkens easily.
Type VIAfrican, Aboriginal. Have dark brown/black skin with dark brown eyes and black hair. They burn only with extreme exposure to the sun and their skin further darkens very easily.

Adapted from D’Orazio JA, Jarrett S,  Marsch A, Lagrew J, Cleary L (2013). Melanoma – Epidemiology, Genetics and Risk factor. Recent advances in the biology, therapy and management of melanoma. Dr Lester Davids (ed). 

Skin types I and II are at the greatest risk of sunburn and skin ageing whilst in the sun. Whereas darker skin types have increased levels of melanin and provide more protection.

What’s in the sunscreen products?Suncream

Sunscreen products contain organic UV filters (chemicals which are designed to absorb UV light) such as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and inorganic (mineral) filters such as titanium dioxide which reflect and scatter the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) at the skin surface. Once opened, the packaging will give an indication of the expiry of the product. After this expiry period sunscreens will lose their effectiveness; this is normally an icon of a small jar upon which will be a number, generally 3, 6 or 12, with a ‘M’ next to it.

What is Sun Protection Factor (SPF)?

The SPF is mainly a measure of UVB protection and indicates how long a person can stay in the sun without burning with sunscreen on compared to a person without sunscreen on. For example, if it takes 20 minutes for unprotected skin to start to burn (turn red), then a SPF 15 sunscreen will protect them for 15 times longer (i.e. approx. 5 hours). However, it is important to remember that sunscreen products should not be used to increase the amount of time spent in the sun. SPFs are now categorized as providing low to very high protection. These are also printed on the product labels.

Low protectionSPF 6 and 10
Medium protectionSPF 15, 20 and 25
High protectionSPF 30 and 50
Very high protectionSPF50+

What are the UVA stars and circle?

The star system is widely used in Europe to indicate a products UVA protection. A product with five stars indicates excellent protection against UVA equal to the SPF. The EU recommendations in 2006 also introduced a UVA logo (letters UVA printing in a circle) to show that the product achieves the requirement.

How to apply sunscreens correctlyFace with magnifying glass

It is widely recognised that people who use sunscreen protection do not apply the required amount of sunscreen. Hence the importance to apply sunscreens evenly and liberally to achieve the indicated SPF. Particular attention should be given to those areas that burn easily such as ears, nose, neck and lips (via a lip screen).

Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before going out and to apply a second application just as you go out i.e. 30 minutes after the first application to correct missed areas and ensure adequate application.  If a sunscreen has a high SPF factor it will provide greater protection to the areas where they are thinly applied. As a general guide an average sized adult should apply approximately 35ml (6 full teaspoons) for full body application – a teaspoon for the face, each arm, each leg, the front of the body and the back.

An overview of our advice on protecting your skin from sun damage

  • Choose a sunscreen labelled broad spectrum or high protection against UVA and UVB so it offers balanced UVA and UVB protection e.g. SPF30 and 5 star UVA
  • Do not stay in the sun too long, even whilst using sunscreen, as no sunscreen can provide 100% protection
  • Use a high protection sunscreen and re-apply frequently and generously, especially after perspiring, swimming or towelling
  • In sunny weather, seek shade between 11am and 3pm
  • Cover up with clothing and don’t forget to wear a hat that protects your face, neck and ears, and sunglasses
  • Never let your skin burn
  • A tan is a sign of sun damage to the skin

Shailesh Patel


Pharmacyspace is based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire and is dedicated to providing a trusted and cost-effective service for your clinic supplies. The handpicked team of dedicated staff will ensure that you get the products you need for your clinic, together with a professional service.

 

 

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Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage

Everyone enjoys basking in the warm sun during summertime, and although the sun may fell wonderful and make you look tanned, the sun can be very damaging to your skin.

Even after you have experienced sun damage, there are steps you can take to reverse your damaged skin and prevent further extensive sun damage.

There is no true way to prevent sun damage other than by completely staying away from the sun, but the next best thing is to liberally apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to your skin every two hours and wear a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves.

If your skin does begin to show signs of sun damage, make sure to apply ointments such as aloe that will moisturize and heal your skin.

Although too much exposure to the sun can become a bad thing, getting no sun is likewise bad for your skin. Your body needs a fair amount of vitamin D that the sun provides. Vitamin D from the sun is what gives your skin its healthy glow.

The tan that your body gets from the sun is actually your skin’s response to the heat. Your skin protects itself from the sun by becoming pigmented. Most damage to the skin of older adults originates from sunburns received as a child.

There are a few things that you can do to ensure healthy skin. One thing you can do is increase antioxidants by drinking green tea and taking vitamins C and E. Smoking is also very bad, because it causes your skin to become leathery and discolored. Those that smoke add a minimum of 10 years of age to the look of their skin.
For someone who wishes to undergo treatment for skin damage, topical applications would be the first approach. Items such as moisturizers and exfoliates usually deliver fast results to light skin damage. For those who are looking to get rid of brown sunspots, Erbium laser resurfacing works by using the water inside of damaged cells to reduce lines. Intense pulsating light therapy works to clear faces of red and brown spots. Those with severe damage and deep lines would do best with dermabrasion and chemical peels.

Make sure to protect your skin by always applying a generous amount of sunscreen to your body, and do your best to stay out of direct sunlight. By doing this you will ensure better all around health for your skin.

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Take Precautions To Prevent Those Pesky Dark Spots

Nearly everyone will suffer from those pesky dark spots, also known in the medical world as hyperpigmentation, sometime in their older years. Many people today suffer from dark spots due to multiple health problems such as vitamin D deficiency, cosmetic allergies, drug allergies, hormonal disorders, and sun damage. Hyperpigmentation can also arise from birth marks, freckles, melasma, injuries, burns, acne, rashes, and procedures like waxing and facials. Also, take precaution when tanning, because the temporary skin darkening that results from repeated sun exposure can easily become permanent.

If you realize that you are suffering from hyperpigmentation, consult a doctor as soon as possible. If your dark spots are treated early enough, you will be better able to protect your skin. Instead of seeking help from a professional, many resort to their own home remedies of drinking healthy juices or going to beauty clinics, which do not always sufficiently help their situation. Dermatologists are able to best treat hyperpigmentation because they are able to identify the source of your dark spots and suggest ways to prevent them. Hyperpigmentation is usually treated topically. The application includes ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinoids, glycolic acid, mild steriods, and other skin lightening agents. Sunscreens with an SPF higher than 20 should also be used to prevent hyperpigmentation. Use a higher SPF if you will be outside for an extended period of time, and if you have sensitive skin, buy cosmetics that have sunblocking agents added into them. If you respond poorly to topical medicines or have allergies, you should consider procedures such as chemical peels, lasers, or microdermabrasions. If you notice irritation of the the skin or experience irritation or burning after applying this topical medicine, consult your doctor immediately.

Hyperpigmentation can become a major concern since it is very difficult to get rid of, but by taking some of these precautions you may be better able to handle your dark spots. Attempt to eat at least two vegetables and fruits every day. Don’t drink more than a couple of cups of coffee or tea each day, and do your best to stay away from both spicy foods and junk food. Drink excess amounts of water each day, and attempt to keep regular eating habits and a healthy diet. By doing all of these things you will be able to prevent excess dark spots, and you will have an overall healthier well being.

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