Protecting yourself from the damaging UV rays of the sun is a fundamental step for maintaining healthy and youthful-appearing skin. Sun protection includes seeking shade, and wearing hats, sunglasses and sun protective clothing. It also requires wearing sunscreen daily and selecting an appropriate sunscreen.

The fact that daily sunscreen can decrease the incidence of skin cancer is now well established by several clinical studies. One recent study of 1,600 Australians showed that the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) decreased by 38 percent among those who used a sunscreen daily (SPF 15+).

UV Protection - no activation                UV Exposure - Melanocyte activated

The number of adults still not using sunscreen on a regular basis is quite disturbing.

And although children are very susceptible to the long-term consequences of sun exposure, parents with kids under 12 years of age never or only sometimes apply sunscreen on their children when they are outside for 2 to 4 hours.

Unfortunately, the damaging effects of the sun can be forgotten over time, particularly at the end of a long winter. Up to 48% of sunscreen users who experienced a sunburn in the last 2 years said it happened during their first time out in the sun after months of little or no sun. 

A study of sunscreen use showed that most adults used only about ½ of the recommended amount of sunscreen on their bodies. The problem is if you apply only half of the sunscreen, you will get only half of the protection. So most of us could be doing better.

Invigor8 Anti-ageing Clinic recommends the daily application of "broad spectrum" sunblock with an SPF of at least 15 to all sun exposed areas, then reapply it every two hours.

It is important to select a sunscreen that offers protection from UVA rays. UVA is one type of ultraviolet radiation produced produced by the sun. UVB, which is the primary cause of sunburn, is another. Although UVA penetrates the skin deeper than UVB, and contributes to photoaging, carcinogenicity, and immunosuppression, there has not been a standardised measure of UVA protection. The "SPF" rating found on sunscreens measures the ability of the sunscreen to protect you from UVB ONLY.

 Sunscreens ingredients that have been found to offer UVA protection include Parsol 1789, Helioplex, and Mexoryl (found in Anthelios). Physical sunblocks, made of micronized zinc oxide or titanium oxide also provide UVA protection and are gentle enough for children and every day use.

Invigor8 recommends using Cosmedix Pure Protection, Protect, Reflect and Danne’s Transdermal Sunblock.