Choosing the correct Sun Protection for you can be somewhat confusing with the variety of brands and claims on the market. Many of us are under the misconception that SPF value indicates the percentage of sun protection you are getting however, this is not the case as SPF is indicative of the time you are protected for. As a result this has led to regulations being changed with regards to descriptive terms used for Sun Protection in advertising, as many of these current claims can be misleading.
As from the 1st January 2014, the CTFA requested changes to terms such as “Broad Spectrum”, which may no longer be claimed when associated to Sun Protection, however, magazines are still publishing the use of all these misleading terms. Failure to comply with the current regulations confuse the consumers giving them a false sense of security about the Sun Protections ability to protect the skin from UVA/UVB exposure. Acceptable terms like “High Protection” should be used and are slowly being implemented in relation to the labelling of product, this is compliant with the new regulations, SANS 1557:2013, which is the gazetted law. DermaFix DermaShield SPF50 offers High UVA/UVB protection and is SANS 1557:2013 and ISO 24444, ISO 24443 approved.
Dermatologists have confirmed that skin cancers in various forms, including non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Studies have found that individuals prone to freckles and moles have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, while darker skin tones must still be aware as cancer is often not detected until later stages when the damage is at its most dangerous.
There are many different consistencies of Sun Protection including lotions, sprays, wipes, creams, balms, mists etc. The use of sun protections mists should be limited as often they are not applied correctly. The mist flies everywhere except the area that it is intended for, this then offers very little coverage in the protection of the exposed skin.
All sunscreen ingredients are “actives” and include Physical and Chemical ingredients.
Chemical ingredients found in many Sun Protection products absorb UVA/UVB radiation however these ingredients can cause skin and other health related reactions which should be considered carefully before using on young children. Special care should be taken with certain illnesses, medications, antihistamines and herbal remedies can cause additional sensitivity.
Physical Ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide offer sun protection by reflecting and scattering UVA/UVB rays and do not typically cause allergic reactions.
It is always recommended that patch testing should be performed, especially for the allergy prone.
Vitamin D, essential for bone development and immune system functioning, is produced in the skin when exposed to UV radiation. There are however guidelines that can be taken to ensure the adequate amount of Vitamin D is produced in a safe manner; Good hats, umbrellas and full clothing should be worn between
10a.m.to 4p.m, when the sun is at its most damaging. Exposed areas can be covered with a High Protection UVA/UVB sunscreen, such as DermaFix DermaShield SPF40/50. Applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and re-apply liberally after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Children participating in outdoor sports and activities should be taught how to correctly apply sunscreen and minimise the risks of possible skin cancer.
Things to remember when applying SPF sun protection during the holiday season;
- Ensure not to miss out large portions of the skin when applying sun protection to yourself and others especially as children try to escape the application
- Apply liberally to face, ears and the back of the neck as these areas are mostly missed out entirely and are typically susceptible to UVA/UVB damage
- Be careful to watch out for reflective surfaces such as beach sand, water and ice
- An adequate layer should be applied to the skin to have the most effective amount of sun protection coverage
- Sun protection needs to be reapplied every 2-3 hours during times of prolonged sun exposure
- Incorporate DermaFix C-Spritz and/or DermaFix Vitamin C Serum, offering anti-oxidant boosting benefits assisting to protect the skin against sun damage.
For further information on the DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care Sun Protection Range contact us directly on 0861 28 23 23 or visit our website www.dermafix.co.za