Date: 12/9/2012

Author: Ingrid Katz (Pure Aesthetics)

Some of us still underestimate the damaging effects the sun has on our skins, ignoring sometimes obvious warning signs to the detriment of our health and beauty. South Africa has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world and whether you have sensitive, easily tanning or tough skin, you are still at risk.

Here are some tips to help you become sun smart this summer:

• UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause the most damage, including wrinkles, sun spots, general ageing and skin cancers. They also make up 95% of the sun's rays. They are present all year round and can penetrate glass and clothing.
• UVB rays vary and are stronger in summer around midday / early afternoon. These rays cause sunburn and can speed up the development of skin cancers. Not all sun protection creams filter both UVA and UVB rays, so make sure that the product you choose does both.
• Total block or products with "all day protection" do not exist – despite the claims. Sun protection should be reapplied every 2 hours and immediately after swimming.
• SPF measures how long sunscreen can protect the skin until redness appears. If it takes you 20 minutes to burn without a sunscreen, then an SPF 30 will protect your skin for 30 times longer.
• A hat should be worn ALL the time on days spent outdoors even if you are wearing sunscreen. Remember to protect your head as well (a peak exposes the scalp).

Don't put off getting suspicious-looking sun spots or moles checked by a doctor. We suggest seeing a dermatologist for mole-mapping or consult with Dr Gabriel Doucas to have moles or lesions removed.

We recommend Heliocare from Spain, with both UVA & UVB filters to protect and preserve the skin. It is suitable for ALL skin types and as well as filtering out the harmful UVA & UVB rays, its advanced Fernblock technology is also an antioxidant. Click here for more information