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More than 1 million people worldwide are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Therefore the importance of adequate skin protection needs to be shared. Excessive UV exposure can lead to melanoma. It is largely a preventable cancer and can be easily avoided by using sunscreen and being safe. If something looks strange or unusual just get it checked. a second opinion is always helpful. Not only does the sun cause cancer but it is the largest ageing factor for our skin, people who use SPF 15 everyday show 24% less ageing than people who don't!  Keeping safe in the sun is top priority for me as I have a young family and know how easy it is for their skin to burn. Recently I was able to take part in a Dermalogica skincare masterclass with skin charity Skcin, I learnt a lot about sun safety and I wanted to share this with you. First let's dispel some myths.

'SPF only needs to be worn in the summer' -There are two types of rays the sun radiates. Firstly UVB rays, they cause damage to the outmost layers of the skin. They effect the epidermis and can be quite intense but superficial which leads to them burning the skin. They tend to be stronger when the weather is hotter. On the other hand we have UVA rays which are the same strength and are present all year round. The UVA rays actually penetrate the skin deeper and reach the dermis. This is what makes them responsible for ageing as they target the collagen in our skin which also resides in the dermis. Another type of damaging light is blue light, this goes even deeper than UVA rays however the conversation around this is relatively new. What this highlights to me is how sunscreen is clearly an everyday product. It is not something that should just be used in summer months. 

'I don't need SPF as my skin doesn't burn.' - Did you know the more pigment you naturally make and have in your skin the more UV light is screened out? It actually naturally blocks some of the UV out, but even the darkest skin would only protect up to SPF 13, so any lighter you can imagine how easily it would burn. Therefore every skin colour needs sunscreen! 

'It's so cold out, I don't need SPF.' - The strength of the sun isn't dependent on the temperature outside. A great resource is the UV index, it tells us the levels of UVB. Things that can make UVB worse are the season, so when it is warmer, but also reflection from water or snow, clear skies and altitude. So if you've ever been on a skiing holiday or climbed a mountain the levels of UVB are high because you are exposed to so many more factors. So it really doesn't depend on the temperature.

With that being said I hope you understand how important screening your skin from the sun is. Now let's look at sunscreen. The SPF factor protects from UVB rays only. You need a broad spectrum SPF to protect from UVA rays, which causes ageing and skin cancers. They have a star rating which indicates the level of UVA ray absorbed by the sunscreen. So you need to take the SPF factor and star rating both into account when looking at the best sunscreen for you. 

There are two types of sunscreen physical or chemical. Physical sunscreens reflects the suns rays away and block the UVA/UVB from even reaching the skin. Because of this, physical sunscreens tend to be a little more chalky in texture and some leave a white caste as they are acting as a barrier. A great physical sunscreen, is Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defence because it has all the benefits of a physical sunscreen but doesn't leave the white caste, it also sets matte which is great for us oily skin gals. 

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work by absorbing and converting the rays into heat. They are great for most skin types and are quite light in texture. They are pretty much invisible on the skin especially the Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport. A great product that is actually water resistant for 80 minutes, making it perfect for beach or pool days. 

The amount of sunscreen we wear is also important. It is recommended your wear 5 ml of product on your face and 30ml of product on your body, at least 30 minutes before leaving the house, as it has time to dry down onto the skin. It should be reapplied every 2 hours if you are spending time outside. However, for everyday use where you may be indoors, one application or layering products is adequate enough. Using the UV index can also help to make the decision on whether you will need to reapply. Suncreen has an expiry date too, so stick to them as they they will not provide adequate protection if out of date. A great way of planning your sunscreen usage is by going to invisiblephysical.com. This gives you information on your usage based on your location and daily routine and will also tell you how long you can be outside for without sunscreen before your skin burns.

A really helpful way to remember how to be safe is by using the 5 S's of skin safety (source- Skcin charity):

Slip on a T-shirt or extra protective clothing.

Slap on the sunscreen

Slap on a broad brimmed hat

Slide on good quality sunglasses

Shade from the sun wherever possible

I hope you have found this post helpful and if anything the one thing I want you to take away is to wear your sunscreen!

Amina xx

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Hey guys!

I am so happy summer has finally arrived. Summer is such a lovely time of the year. Who doesn’t like basking in the glorious sun and relaxing in the great outdoors? Additionally, the hot season is perfect for spending days in the water and having a lot of fun with the kids. This is why I think I love it so much as the kids are constantly kept busy, meaning more time for me to enjoy the sun!

However, the sun-filled summer can also spell danger for children, especially tiny tots. Exposing their fragile skin to the scorching sun can be harmful to their health. So I thought I would share some really simple but useful tips on things you can do to help keep them safe.

Dress Them Well

Before you step out of the door with your baby, ensure that you dress them adequately for the sunny weather. This means dressing them in light but long-sleeved clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Additionally, stick to bright colours to prevent your baby from overheating as black absorbs heat.

Secondly, make sure that your baby has protective gear when they are in the sun. This is where wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses come in handy. It's useful to get a hat with a strap underneath so it stays put as babies love to pull them off.But one of the best ways to ensure that your baby does not dislike wearing hats is to introduce them early on. That way, wearing hats becomes a habit that they will not fight later in their lives.

When choosing sunglasses for your adorable baby, select those that offer complete protection from UV rays. These will keep your child’s eyes safe from sun damage.

Stick to The Shade

Typically, the sun is hottest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Avoid having your baby out during these hours.

However, if the baby must leave the house when the sun is brutally hot, stick to shady areas and avoid prolonged exposure. You can use umbrellas and pram shades to keep your baby safe. You can purchase Venicci products to help provide shade for your baby. I have a shade and foot muff (for colder months) from them which I have found really beneficial!

Apply Sunscreen

If your baby is old enough to use sunscreen (6 months plus), be sure to use it religiously. This means applying it 15-30 minutes before leaving the house and once every two hours while you are out.

Additionally, always reapply sunscreen after being in the water. Although some products may be labelled waterproof, there is a good chance they won’t be as effective once you leave the water. Stay on the safe side and apply the skincare products after a swim. I find Altruist sunscreen that comes in a spray bottle really good as they are quick and easy when reapplying and also cheap.

Set a Good Example

Kids emulate everything their parents do. As such, you need to set the correct example when you are out in the sun.For one, dress appropriately before heading out of the house. If your toddler sees you wearing a hat and sunglasses, they will have no problem wearing protective gear themselves. Additionally, wear your sunscreen as often as you should. This will stress to your child that skin protection is vital, which is an essential lesson that they will carry all their lives. When the kids are older, explain to them why staying safe in the sun is essential. Understanding the rationale behind skincare makes it easier for them to follow the rules.

Babies need protection from the sun. Fortunately, keeping your young one safe is not difficult. By dressing them well, applying sunscreen, sticking to shady areas and setting a good example, you will have kept them safe from the harmful effects of the sun. Follow the tips in this post, and your baby’s skin will thank you for it!

Amina xx