NHS Grampian: Seven tips for protecting your skin this summer
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NHS Grampian has provided seven key tips that will help people in the region protect their skin this summer.
Whether your summer holiday plans involve jetting off to an exotic destination or a staycation in Scotland, protecting your skin is a must, according to the health board's dermatology team.
Dr Sanjay Rajpara, Consultant Dermatologist, said: “A high factor sun cream is in most people’s suitcases when they head abroad, but it’s just as important if you’re pottering in the garden or picnicking in a park at home.
"Human skin is fragile, and it needs to be protected. The sun’s UVA rays cause wrinkling and premature ageing, while burning can lead to skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the UK.”
Jackie Howe, a dermatology nurse specialist, added: “There’s no such thing as a healthy tan; tanning is the skin reacting to damage and going darker to prevent further harm.
"The only safe tan comes out of bottle, so if the weather is ‘taps aff’ then it’s also ‘suncream on’.
"If you are out and about in sunny weather, whether for work or for pleasure, you need to apply plenty of sunscreen and top it up regularly.”
The seven tips the team have provided for locals are...
- When it comes to SPF, thirty is fine, but fifty is fabulous. The number gives an indication of how long it will take UVB rays to redden the skin with product, compared to no product.
- Be generous. NHS advice is to use six to eight teaspoons worth, per person, per application to ensure all over coverage
- Find a friend to help with any tricky to reach areas. Always remember the back of your neck, your ears, your hands, and your lips.
- Give your sunscreen time to absorb and do its job properly
- Reapply regularly – at least every two hours and more frequently if you have been swimming.
- Stay in the shade between 11am – 3pm wherever possible; this is when the sun is at its highest and strongest.
- A wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection are essential
Katie Adair, staff nurse in the dermatology team, added: “All the advice we have given goes double for young children.
"Their skin is even more delicate and must be protected, so we wouldn’t recommend using anything lower than SPF 50 for them.”
