Sun safety is something that we should all understand and live by. Stepping off the plane into a paradise that is not touched by the British weather, it can be tempting to bare all and skimp on the sun cream and high SPF since most of us only see this sort of sunshine in our two week spring/summer holiday. We can all agree that the sun is wonderful, but it is also incredibly dangerous. The evidence of the association between harmful UV rays and skin cancer is well-documented and must be respected.
Sun damage is also the greatest catalyst to premature ageing. At my aesthetics clinic in Hale, Altrincham, I have a number of treatments that effectively restore and rejuvenate sun-damaged skin and reverse the visible signs of ageing. Here, the phrase prevention over cure applies. I want to share how you can care for your skin during and after you holiday.
Regularly Apply Sun Cream
Most of us don’t enjoy the process of putting on sun cream, but its importance cannot be stressed enough. There are things we can do to make it less messy; if you’re going to the beach, consider applying sun cream before heading outdoors. That way there’s time for the lotion to soak in before the sand sticks to it. You should aim to apply sun cream every two hours – not just in the morning and after lunch. If you’re hitting the pool or the sea, guess what? You’ll need to apply more sun cream afterwards.
We all know the saying ‘mad dogs and English men’, do your best not to live up to it and avoid the midday sun.
After Sun Care
Prevent the leathery look with exfoliation and regular moisturising throughout and after you holiday. If in spite of your best efforts you manage to burn, an after sun containing Aloe Vera is particularly good for soothing, cooling, and replenishing our skin.
Food For the Face
Combat the ageing effect of the sun by making the most of fresh local produce filled with vital vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C and vitamin A are particularly powerful for supporting our skin and promoting a youthful complexion. Remember, this is something that you can do from home too alongside other everyday ways to slow the signs of ageing.
Sun Cream Even On Over-Cast Days
Even in the Med, we can be cursed by a couple of cloudy days. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can get away with not wearing sun cream. The harmful rays still penetrates through even thick cloud, in fact up to 80 per cent of the sun’s UV rays can make their way to your unprotected bodies. It can be on these days that holidaymakers notice the worst sunburn.
Cashing in on a cheap and cheerful spring getaway is a great money saver; if that is your plan, be even more vigilant with skincare since your skin won’t have had an adjustment period to bright British weather and is therefore more susceptible to sun damage . I wish all of my lovely clients the happiest holiday period, but if on return you feel that you need some extra help to rejuvenate your post-holiday skin, please get in touch for a free consultation!
