SUN SCREAM!

On November 22, 2011 by constance

At this time of the year, I’m starting to see patients flocking in after the excesses of fun. They are now counting the wrinkles and sun-damage on their faces and décolletage.

The most important thing to remember is that safe sun means being protected from the harmful effects of the sun whilst utilizing the sun to good effect will optimize your health. Vitamin D offers some really wonderful benefits to the mind and body.

Our safe sun policy has been designed by us so as to give your skin protection but we do not want to create the impression that the sun is our enemy. We can protect our skin and enjoy proper healthy amounts of sun. We encourage our patients to think about good ageing, rather than anti-ageing. Importantly, the sun provides our bodies with vital amounts of Vitamin D – a “crucial” vitamin for us all.

Do not get taken in by new sunscreens with super-high SPFs of 50 to 100. You might assume that an SPF (sun protection factor) of 80 is twice as effective as 40, so you can apply less or stay in the sun longer. But the difference is tiny: SPF 80 blocks about 99% of ultraviolet-B radiation, while SPF 30 blocks about 97%. To find out more, take a look at a recent article I wrote.

At Plastic Surgery Associates UK, and The London Wellness Anti-Ageing Centre, I advise my patients to use a non-chemical, Antioxidant, natural physical sunblock such as Results Rx Reflect or Results Rx Serious Protection.The ones we make available at the practice have a total SPF of 17-30. This means that you can safely enjoy your sunshine without the fear of burn.

I recommend that all patients have a demonstration with one of our professionals, so that they can see how it looks, absorbs and gets to work beyond what is visible to the naked eye.

Take my advice and always apply sunscreens first thing, during your morning skin health regime. Always apply them half an hour before you go outside, so that the cream has time to fully absorb.

During the day, we always advise a quick spritz, with CosMedix or Results Rx Reflect Spray, in order to boost your initial morning sun-protection so that the block is active throughout the day if you are out and about in the sun. Mineral Make Up, with it’s natural sunscreen protection, is also a must.

We never ever advocate sun-bathing but we do advocate a minimum of 15 minutes each day morning and late afternoon for a healthy glow and vital Vitamin D. In winter in the UK, a sunblock of SPF 17 is adequate, whilst in summer, we recommend an SFP of 27 or 30 if you are outdoors and exposed to the sun on a regular basis.

For Further Particulars About Skin Health Restoration and Anti-Ageing Assessments or Treatments please email; reception@psauk.org

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