Don’t put your sunscreen away just because the warm weather has finished!
Did you know that the harmful UV rays responsible for ageing and skin cancer are just as prevalent in the cooler months as they are in the hotter months? In the hotter months there is a much higher concentration of UVB rays in the atmosphere and these are the superficial rays that penetrate the epidermis (upper skin layer) causing a tan and burning. UVA rays, the “ageing rays”, are present 365 days a year in equal concentrations and penetrate cloud, glass and even some sunscreens! UVA rays reach deep down into the dermis (lower skin layers) and break down collagen and elastin, the protein fibres responsible for giving our skin its youthful firmness and elasticity. UVA also damages DNA and can cause skin cancer. It is necessary to wear a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide (the best ingredient for reflecting UVA rays) every day of the year, even if you only go outside for short periods or are in your car. 5 minutes of casual sun each day adds up to 2 weeks of full sunbathing at the end of one year!
