Wrinkling and thinning of the skin and uneven motley pigmentation is often considered part of the natural ageing process, but as we know, it is sun-damage that causes the majority of ageing to skin.
As summer approaches very few people truly understand how they should be protecting their skin. The common misconceptions are;
• The SPF in their makeup is enough
• They only need to wear sunscreen in summer or when going to the beach
• They think they rarely go outdoors as they work in an office or inside
• The SPF is the most important factor when selecting a sunscreen
All of these points are in fact incorrect.
As Prescription Skin Care is a medical skincare clinic working alongside Plastic Surgeons, we are very aware that the surgeons have to remove far too many skin cancers. We need to have confidence in the sunscreens we recommend to our patients, which is why we have researched a huge number of brands available on the market worldwide and are able to offer the most effective products available.
One of the most popular sunscreen brands we sell is Elta MD® Sun Care. Elta MD is a 25 year old company that originally developed wound healing and skin care products for acute care needs. They offer a complete spectrum of sunscreen products designed for every skin type and lifestyle, including oil free formulas, chemical free sunscreens and all over body sunscreens. At the same time these products can treat skin conditions such as acne or very dry skin.
If you want to prevent skin ageing and skin cancers, applying a zinc based sunscreen (in particular to the face, neck and backs of hands) every day and year round is mandatory.
• Provide true broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Contain micro fine transparent zinc oxide
• Are non-comedogenic
• Sensitivity-free
• Fragrance-free
• Paraben-free
• Do not interfere with make up application
• Contain safe ingredients
• Offer skin –type and lifestyle specific formulas
The range includes:
EltaMD UV Facial
For dry or mature skin
SPF30+ with 7% micronized zinc oxide
Specifically formulated to provide moisturing UV protection for the face, either along or under makeup
Light, fluffy moisturising base with an elegant feel
Ideal for post peel, IPL and laser treatments
EltaMD UV Clear
For skin with acne, rosacea and hyper pigmentation
SPF 46 with 9% micronized zinc oxide and 5% niacin amide
Calms and protects skin types prone to acne, rosacea and hyper pigmentation
Very lightweight, oil-free formula leaves no residue on skin’s surface
EltaMD UV Daily
For normal, combination and post-procedure skin
SPF 40 with 9% micronized zinc oxide
Light, sheer daily facial moisturiser with UV protection for use either along or under makeup
Glides on easily and absorbs quickly into the skin
Contain hyaluronic acid to increase skin smoothness and softness while reducing fine lines
EltaMD UV Physical
For extra sensitive or post procedure skin
Chemical-free, natural mineral UV protection
Lightly tinted, water-resistant, absorbs quickly
May be used on face and body
Antioxidants neutralise free radicals to help prevent sun damage
EltaMD UV Lotion
For all skin types
SPF30 with 7% micronized zinc oxide
Moisturising lotion for the whole body with UV protection
Apply daily after shower or bath
Ideal for the whole family
EltaMD UV Sport
For all skin types
SPF 50 with 9% micronized zinc oxide
Very water-resistant, won’t rinse off in water or drip into eyes when you sweat
Great to wear during all outdoor activities
Safe for use on children
EltaMD UV Spray
For all skin types
Sprays on white to show coverage but quickly dries clear
Very water resistant, oil free face and body protection
EltaMD UV Pure
For all skin types
SPF 47 with natural, chemical-free active ingredients
10% zinc oxide and 5.5% titanium dioxide
Ideal for adults and children
Gentle, lightweight, lotion for face and body
Very Water-resistant formula glides on wet or dry skin
Non comedogenic, oil-free, sensitivity free, fragrance-free, paraben free, hormone-free, dye-free and gluten-free
Sun facts you should be aware of:
• Certain diseases and medicines make you skin more sensitive to sun or prone to skin cancer
• More than 90% of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure
• UV reflection from water doubles the amount of ultraviolet exposure
• Any skin type regardless of colour can burn, suffer sun-damage or sun related cancers
• Two million people in the US are diagnosed with skin cancer every year.
• Approximately 3.3% of Australasian women and 5% of men can expect to develop melanoma within their lifetime. The high incidence rates of melanoma puts Australians and New Zealanders at substantially higher risk of developing this type of skin cancer than people from all other reporting countries worldwide.
• Stay out of the sun between 11am and 4pm. When this is not possible wear a broad spectrum sun block, stay in the shade; wear a hat, sunglasses and tightly woven clothing that will protect you from the sun.
• Sunscreens have been shown to decrease the incidence of some skin cancers (squamous cell carcinoma) and also lesions called actinic keratosies. The lesions appear pink and scaly, and can occasionally become skin cancers.
• The effectiveness of a sunscreen depends on the amount applied and the regularity with which it is replaced.
• Exposure to UV as a child increases the chance of skin cancers later in life.
• The SPF rating on sunscreens can be misleading – The SPF (sun protection factor) only relates to UVB protection and does not address a sunscreen’s protective capabilities from harmful UVA radiation and therefore simply looking at the SPF on a sunscreen product is not enough. What else should people do??
• UVA radiation (ageing rays) account for 95% of our sun exposure.
UVA vs UVB rays
UVA: (Think A for Ageing)
• Penetrate deeply into the skin layers, damaging collagen and cells
• Cause wrinkling, pigmentation and loss of elasticity
• Can penetrate glass and cloud
• Are present all day, every day of the year
• Are up to 50 times more prevalent than UVB rays
• Increase the risk of skin cancer and is linked to Melanoma
• Because UVA rays are constant throughout the year and during the day, we are exposed to them continually whether it is a cloudy winters day or a mid summer day. The SPF (sun protection factor) number of a sunscreen indicates only the level of protection from UVB, not UVA
UVB: (Think B for Burning)
• Mostly affect the outer layer of the skin
• Causes sunburns and tanning that increase the risk of skin cancer
• Vary with time of the day and seasons, and are stronger in summer
• We are protected from these rays by the Ozone, but in New Zealand this protection is greatly reduced due to the Ozone hole.