Sun-Safe Tips

With summer in full swing, Anita Simmonds, Académie's National Director of Training, shares some interesting facts about sun damage and some sun safe tips for getting through summer.

As a rule of thumb, everyday sunscreens should be at least SPF 15, if it's the weekend and you're going to hit the tennis court, make sure it's SPF 30.

SPF 30 sunscreens block out about 96 per cent of UV light. SPF 15 blocks out about 93 per cent. Using SPF 30 instead of SPF 15 does not mean you can safely double the amount of time spent in the sun.

No matter what sun protection factor you select make sure the sunscreen delivers broad spectrum protection. "To completely protect your skin from sun damage, a sunscreen must shield against UVB rays, which cause sunburn; UVA rays which cause long-term sun damage such as wrinkles and UVC rays which penetrate into the deepest cellular levels," says Anita Simmonds.

Note on UVC rays: "Most people are not concerned about UVC rays because the rays should be completely absorbed by the ozone layer, however as the earth's protective shield is increasingly compromised, we are now at risk of exposure to these more damaging rays. UVC rays are carcinogenic; they are sterilizing rays that can kill small organisms. Sunscreen provides no protection against UVC rays."

It takes 30mls (about the size of a shot glass) of sunscreen to fully protect the average body from head to toe. One teaspoon of that should be on your face.

Anita recommends applying sunscreen to the entire body right after showering. That way the product has time to soak in and take effect before going outside. It's a good idea to slather on a second application when you hit the beach.

A white cotton shirt has a sun protection factor of about 8, but if the shirt is tight and the weave stretched, it's much less. If the shirt gets wet, fades or is several years old its ability to protect against the sun is even more reduced. The best garments cover the arms, legs and neck. Dark colours are preferable as they absorb more UV rays than light colours.

Teaming a hat and a high SPF sunscreen will give nearly 100 per cent UV protection on the face. Always wear UV protective sunglasses in strong light, make sure they meet Australian Standard 1067, to avoid eye damage caused by UV light.

Interesting Facts about Sun Damage

One per cent of wrinkles are caused by ageing, 99 per cent are caused by the sun.

It only takes one severe burn during childhood to double the risk of skin cancer in adult life.

Using SPF 15 during the first 18 years of life lowers skin cancer odds by 80 per cent.

An easy way to remember the difference between UVA + UVB rays: UVA = ageing, UVB= burning.

For additional information about Académie visit www.academiebeaute.com

CLICK HERE to read about Sun Protection Myths.