At Appearance Based Medicine, Cosmetic Treatments are just one aspect of the journey to help patients feel happier in their own skin. Education is also a key part of what we do – particularly regarding Sun Awareness.
Few people realise the impact that sun damage has on the natural ageing process of their skin. One report cited by the Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2467385/Suns-UV-rays-account-80-cent-skin-wrinkles-ageing.html) claimed that skin damage from harmful UV rays accounted for 80% of skin ageing, including wrinkles, in a survey of 300 women. It also stated that ‘Long-term UV exposure can lead to pigmentation, reduced skin elasticity, and a degradation of skin texture’.
As part of each post-treatment review carried out at Appearance Based Medicine, I encourage patients to be aware of the damaging effects of the sun’s rays (both UVA and UVB, or ‘long wave’ and ‘short wave’ rays) and wear a good quality, high factor sunscreen that protects patients from both. Other ways patients can protect themselves include seeking shade when the sun is at its strongest between 11 am and 3 pm, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and wearing long sleeved, loose clothing if you have to be out and about in the heat of the sun.
Sun damage doesn’t just prematurely age skin, it also has a much more sinister consequence – Skin Cancer. The NHS website states that Skin Cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, with over 115,000 people diagnosed in 2011, and 2000 people a year dying from its most aggressive form, Malignant Melanoma. It is well documented that too much exposure to the sun can increase the risk of a person developing Skin Cancer: Australia, which has one of the highest rates of Skin Cancer in the world (2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with Skin Cancer by the time they are 70 – source: sunsmart.com.au) has been promoting responsible exposure to the sun since the 1980’s, when it launched its ‘Slip! Slop! Slap!’ Campaign. This series of television and radio adverts worked to encourage people to ‘slip’ on long-sleeved clothing, ‘slop’ on some factor 30+ Sunscreen, ‘slap’ on a hat, ‘slide’ on some Sunglasses, and ‘seek’ shade. The combination of all of these techniques prove extremely beneficial in reducing the level of skin damage caused by sun exposure, and can help your skin to remain looking more youthful for longer, as well as reducing your chances of developing skin cancer.
Please be sensible in the sun this summer, and ensure that not only you, but your entire family, stay safe in the sun. Enjoy your summer, and don’t forget – ‘Slip, Slop, Slap!’.
