Sun exposure puts you at risk of sunburn, as well as the long-term dangers of premature ageing and skin cancer. To stay safe in the sun, seek shade between 11 am and 3 pm, wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses. In addition to these measures, generously apply broad-spectrum UVA-UVB sunscreen every 2 hours to any area of exposed skin.
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy mean that you are at high risk of a condition known as melasma or “pregnancy mask”. To help prevent dark marks and brown patches from appearing on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip during pregnancy, we recommend daily SPF 50 sun protection throughout all 3 trimesters.
In the dedicated article below, you will learn which products to use during pregnancy as well as lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent pregnancy mask.
You will also find an article on pigmentation problems associated with ageing (irregular melanin distribution, age spots…), why sunscreen really is the best anti-ageing product, and how the toxic duo of Pollution + UV can trigger all sorts of pigment issues for your skin.
I would tend to say yes! There is always a good reason to use a sunscreen regardless of the weather, time of year or where you happen to be. This is because you are not only exposed to harms of UV rays at the beach Firstly, the UV rays aggravate a number of skin diseases such as rosacea or acne. UV rays are also a major factor in aggravating ageing of the skin. The development of a less uniform complexion, a wrinkled face and the appearance of brown spots, also called lentigos. In the long term, and as they build up UV rays are also responsible for skin cancer. Let’s take as an example a specific condition such as melasma also called pregnancy mask. This condition is not only linked to sun exposure but is also aggravated by the sun. The initial treatment for this disease is to apply a sunscreen with a high protection factor of 50+. Contrary to popular belief laser or de-pigmenting creams are not the only treatments for this condition. The first thing to do is to apply sunscreen with a high protection factor. Sunscreen is found both in sun creams that are applied over or under your moisturiser and in day creams that have a protection factor of about 15 or 20 under normal not particularly sunny conditions; not skiing or water sports. You should plan on using a higher protection when in sunny conditions even if you are not actually on the beach. This sunscreen should also be applied to the hands.
90% of skin cancers are curable, if detected early*. Become a Skin Checker and monitor your and your loved ones’ moles.
* https://www.euromelanoma.org/intl/node/25 epidemiological fact sheet
Safety standards beyond international cosmetics regulations.
