Trying to keep routine in your life across any areas can be difficult at the best of times. As women we feel pressured to have everything under wraps and keep on top of a busy schedule. Unfortunately for some, when a busy lifestyle hits it can be self-care and things we do for ourselves which can be the first activities we cut out.
Skincare is just one thing on everyone’s list that we all try our best with but do struggle to have a solid routine. There is an abundance of conflicting advice out there which makes it impossible to know if we are doing the rights things.
There is a line between skincare habits which are ‘nice to have’ and skincare habits which are essential for our skin’s health. Renowned Dermatologist Dr. Fayne Frey has shared 8 expert tips to prevent skin damage and promote cancer prevention. Take a look below:
Skincare Tips to Prevent Damage
- Adults should use a minimum of 30 SPF. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended for all adults.
- Children and those with sensitive skin should use mineral sunscreens. Those that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide filters.
- Direct sun exposure should be avoided at all times. Ultraviolet light from the sun does penetrate clouds and therefore sunscreen should be applied even on overcast days. Remember that no sunscreen is 100% protective of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- After 5 sunburns your risk of melanoma doubles. Frequent tanning and sunburn increase the incidence of skin damage and skin cancer.
- Spray tans and self-tanner lotions are not harmful to the skin, but you STILL NEED to apply SPF. Spray tans and self-tanners are not detrimental to the skin; however, they do not offer any protection from the sun’s rays.
- If you’re Vitamin D deficient, take a supplement; do not sit in the sun. The AAD does not recommend getting Vitamin D from direct, unprotected sun exposure. If you’re diagnosed with this deficiency, take supplements and use SPF protection.
- Skin cancer occurs in ALL skin types. The incidence of skin cancer is higher among lighter complected individuals; however, skin cancer does occur in all skin types.
- Get an annual skin exam. As part of a complete early detection strategy, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a check-up annually for adults, or more often if you are at a higher risk of skin cancer, for a full body professional skin exam.
Where possible it is recommended to consult a skin specialist or a dermatologist to understand your skin type and find products which work for your skin specifically.
