The Skin's Worst Enemy
Described by dermatologists as the skin’s worst enemy, above
all else, the harsh Australian sun demands serious respect.
When this is not forthcoming, a severe penalty is exacted: sunburn.
Red and Deadly
 Red, tender and swollen areas, often with a marked tingling sensation,
followed by blistering and maybe fever, all these are indications of
skin that has suffered sunburn. Eventually the skin will shed or peel,
that is, once the tissue underneath has renewed itself. But be assured
that continual excessive exposure to sunlight can cause irreversible
skin damage.
So while many Australian men ignore the warnings in their quest
to acquire a fashionable all-over tan, they are greatly increasing
the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. For as most now accept,
but too often dismiss, melanoma is extremely dangerous. It spreads
swiftly, affecting the internal organs. And it can prove lethal.
No Going Back
Whilst after-sun moisturisers may help minimise the pain associated
with sunburn, it needs to be understood that sun damage is usually
permanent and irreversible. Worse, continual exposure to the sun and
sunbathing can result in a slow, gradual damage to the skin regardless
of whether sunburn itself is avoided. Typically, it may take anything
from 10-40 years before the skin reveals he signs of sun damage – by
which time can be too late.
With a rapid depletion in the ozone layer, Australians would do
well to ensure that all sunscreens, right through from SP 15 to SP
30+, share a common formulation that combines stable broad-spectrum
protection with proper moisturisation.
Keep away UVA
In addition, it is important that all solar protection products
have superior UVA filtration properties and comply with the stringent
UVA performance dictates of the Australian Standard for sunscreens.
In other words, that they filter out over 90 per cent of UVA rays.
The
aim is to ensure that skin retains vital moisture, which, in turn,
protects it against loss of elasticity and suppleness. The latest
generation of sunscreens have an exceptionally high moisturising
complex designed
to significantly boost the skin’s natural hydration levels,
enabling the skin to withstand the drying effects of not only the
sun itself,
but also of wind, salt, water, and chlorine.
Still, as they say, prevention is better than cure.
Dr Bakaric’s Simple Strategy to Stop Sunburn
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• Only mad dogs and Englishmen
go out in the noonday sun.
•
Filtered, not fried. Steer clear of coconut oil and olive oil tanning
lotions.
•
Apply sun block everyday before leaving home. Do it after you shave.
•
Thinning hair equals even less protection for the scalp. Wear a hat.
•
May The Face Be With You. Pay particular attention to the nose and ears.
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Find out more about Dr Bakaric’s recommended medicated hair
care solutions (click here).
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