Choosing The Right SPF For Your Skin

With Summer approaching we are hoping to see more of the sun! It is important to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Sunlight is made up of both UVA and UVB rays – UVB rays penetrate the top layers of the skin and cause sunburn. UVA rays penetrate further into the layers of the skin causing deeper damage including wrinkles and skin cancer.

When choosing a sun cream, ensure it has broad spectrum protection meaning both UVA and UVB coverage. SPF is a measure of UVB protection only so ensure the sun cream chosen says either broad spectrum or mentions specifically that it provides protection from UVA rays. The average adult needs 35ml of sun cream to cover the whole body. Most of us only think to apply SPF on clear sunny days but UVA rays can pass through clouds easily and cause damage in the deeper skin layers. Sun cream should be worn every day from April to September regardless of the weather. 

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Met Éireann shows a forecasted UV rating for each day showing the expected levels of UV to be experienced that day.

Taking this into account can help you to plan your day and what precautions you need to take.

Sun cream should be applied 20 mins before going out into the sun and reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. If you are planning to swim or are expecting to be sweating heavily, a water-resistant sun cream should be selected.

As much as we want to enjoy the sun, it is a good idea to stay in shade when possible – especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest. Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect face and neck and wear sunglasses with UV protection.  Lip balms with SPF should be used to prevent lips getting sunburnt

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If you experience sun burn it is important to keep hydrated as the skin barrier is no longer intact. You can use burn gels or cooling gels to take some of the heat out of the burn. You can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if it is painful. Keep skin moisturised using after suns such as Ambre Solaire or Bioderma. If you experience severe sunburn with nausea, dizziness or vomiting you should go to your GP as you might need medical attention.

Heat rash occurs when sweat ducts are blocked trapping sweat under the skin. This can cause an itchy sometimes painful rash. Antihistamines can be used to treat the itch such as Cetrine or Lorat. Aloe vera gels and cool or lukewarm showers can also help alleviate the itch or pain.

Thermal waters can help keep down the temperature of the skin and prevent losing moisture. These can be useful both when out in hot, humid weather and also if skin is sun burned.

If you are unsure about what SPF product is suitable for you, call into us in McGorisks Pharmacy and we can talk you through what is available and help you make a selection

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