The Number One Way to Fight Skin Ageing

What’s the largest and one of the hardest working organs in the body? It’s our skin – our flexible, insulating, waterproofing and protecting skin.

We each have about 1.8 metres of skin performing the most amazing tasks for us - even when we’re asleep - so we need to look after it.

SunSmart Manager Laurianne Reinsborough, says New Zealand’s environment, including our high ultraviolet radiation (UV) levels are tough on our skin, and can cause skin to age more quickly.

“Without protection, exposure to UV can cause noticeable skin changes like age spots, spider veins, rough leathery skin and wrinkles.

“With repeated exposure, the skin loses the ability to repair itself and becomes thinner. Scientific studies have shown that repeated UV exposure breaks down collagen and attacks elastin, the protein that keeps skin firm and flexible. In a nutshell, UV exposure from the sun or from sunbeds speeds up the skin ageing process.”

Laurianne says there are two types of UV that reach the earth’s surface – UVA and UVB. “UVB rays are more likely to cause sunburn, and we know that sunburn can cause melanoma and other types of skin cancers.

“But UVA rays pass deeper into the skin, and scientists now think that UVA rays may add to skin damage that can lead to skin cancer and cause premature ageing.

“You only get one skin in your lifetime and if you want to get a lifetime out of it, the single most important thing you can do to fight skin ageing is protect your skin from UV exposure,” says Laurianne.

She says sunbeds produce much higher concentrations of UV than the sun – up to five times as strong as the midday summer sun. The use of sunbeds increases the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Over 300 New Zealanders die from melanoma every year, even though it’s largely preventable.”

So take steps to protect your skin from the sun this summer. Between 10am and 4pm during the daylight saving months, remember to ‘slip, slop, slap and wrap’ – slip on a shirt or into the shade, slop on plenty of broad-spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on a pair of wrap-around sunglasses.

“The floppy hat was a huge fashion trend during summer in the northern hemisphere and is expected to be just as big in New Zealand. It’s the ultimate accessory for the 70s-inspired fashion that’s making a major comeback – chic and very SunSmart at the same time.”

And Laurianne adds that sensible sun protection should not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

‘Most Kiwis will get enough vitamin D through just being out and about during summer without deliberately exposing their skin, particularly during peak UV periods.”

While the effects are not as obviously felt, UV radiation is just as dangerous to eyesight as it is for the skin. A quality pair of sunglasses with UV protection can protect your precious eyes. Visit your local Visique store to find a suitable pair of sunglasses.

For advice on choosing a sunscreen that will help to protect you from the sun, visit your local community pharmacy.