See the light: sun protection

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With skin cancer so common today, Nikki Goldstein says there’s no excuse for being
in the dark when it comes to sun protection.

We’re a nation of sun lovers and, although we’re slowly changing our unhealthy ways, many of us are still in denial about the dangers of too much of a good thing. Alarmingly,
skin cancers account for about 80 per cent of all new cancers diagnosed in this country each year (according to The Cancer Council of Australia; www.cancer.org.au).

Generally, skin cancer is caused by an overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Each cell in our bodies carries DNA – or genetic material – that ‘tells’ the cell what it is, when to grow and develop, and when to die. Too much UV radiation disrupts the DNA in the cells, causing them to mutate and grow abnormally. If these abnormal cells are not destroyed by the body’s defence systems, they will continue to develop and can turn into skin cancers.

Regardless of whether you are a sun worshipper or someone who prefers the shade, everyone in Australia is at risk of developing skin cancer. The good news is that The Cancer Council says most cancers can be prevented by adopting sun smart behaviour. And you guessed it – that means putting on a hat and sunglasses, wearing long-sleeved clothing when you’re out during the sun’s most damaging period (10am to 3pm), and diligently wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.

BODY WORK: For maximum protection, slather on a sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you expose your skin to UV light rays (this gives the product time to dry and adhere properly to the skin). Select a sunscreen that’s appropriate to your needs – if you’re swimming, try The Cancer Council of Australia’s Everyday Sunscreen SPF 30+, $17.95, which is water resistant for up to two hours. If you’re exercising, try a product such as Avon Sun Sport Sunblock Gel, $14.99, which is broad-spectrum, PABA-free (which means it’s less irritating to your skin), and offers two hours’ water resistance. For quick and easy application, go for a spray-on sunscreen such as Nivea Sun’s Sun Spray SPF30+, $16.75; a light and easily-absorbed formula.

EVERYDAY PROTECTION: Incidental sun exposure, which occurs when you’re driving in your car or walking around, can be just as damaging to the skin as sunbaking in your bikini on the beach. The Cancer Council recommends using a sunscreen every day and reapplying it every couple of hours. Gentle options include Clinique’s Sun-Care Body Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, $31, which is oil-free (so it won’t stain your clothes), easy to use and quickly absorbed. Or try Garnier’s Ambre Solaire Very High SPF 30+, $12.99, a non-greasy milk that’s perfect for everyday use. Clarins’ Sun Care Cream High Protection SPF 20, $40, is a lightweight cream that contains aloe to soften the skin, as well as sesame and shea extracts to protect against dermis-damaging free radicals.

Tip: Look for body and hand moisturisers that also contain a sunscreen, so that staying sun safe becomes extra-easy.

FACE FACTOR: A very high percentage of all skin cancers appear on the face, and moisturiser and make-up are simply not enough protection – you need a hat, sunglasses and a sunscreen to ensure maximum safety. SkinCeuticals’ Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30, $61.80, is a sun-care product and moisturiser in one. It’s strong enough to use at the beach but gentle enough to wear every day under make-up. Aveda’s Dual Nature Face Protection SPF 15, $39.95, is designed to protect the skin from UVA/UVB radiation and contains natural antioxidants such as rosemary essential oil and grapefruit extract to combat free-radical damage. If you fancy a three-in-one sunscreen, moisturiser and face tint, reach for Ella Baché’s Sunbase 30+ Foundation, $36, which offers dark, medium or light coverage in a non-greasy, easy-to-use daily sunscreen – perfect if you’re rushed for time in the mornings.

What is an SPF rating?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and classifies the amount of protection from UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays that a sunscreen can provide. Everyone’s skin is different but, as a general rule, most people will burn after 15 minutes without protection.
To find out how long you can stay in the sun after applying a sunscreen, multiply your safe period (say, 15 minutes) by the number on the bottle. An SPF of 10, for instance, will give you 150 minutes (10 x 15 minutes) of safe sun time. Swimming and perspiring will diminish a sunscreen’s effectiveness and it’s important to keep reapplying your product every two hours if you are going to be outdoors for extended periods.

Words: Nikki Goldstein. Photography: Steven Chee. Hair & Make-up: Laura Dominique