On The Winter Solstice - Think Summer Sun Protection: Melbourne Dermatology Skin Care

Clinical Procedures and Topics

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On The Winter Solstice - Think Summer Sun Protection

During the winter solstice, the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky at noon, producing the shortest lit day of the year.

While the light may appear to wane, its potential (in the form of UVA/UVB rays) to cause permanent damage is constant.

UVA rays are of particular concern because they penetrate the dermis with unwavering tenacity year round, irrespective of cloud cover and many assumed barriers (UVA rays readily make it through glass and most fabrics).

By providing UV rays daily access to your dermis, you'll permanently re-train the functioning of your skin by damaging its DNA.

Symptoms of chronic incidental sun exposure include:

skin cancer;
textural changes;
reduced barrier function;
discoloration, including hyperpigmentation;
fine and deep wrinkles;
impairment of the skin's immune function'
increased incidence or severity of skin disorders like rosacea.

The outward expression of this damage is optional and first becomes noticeable in your mid to late twenties.

By adopting suitable and daily sun protection (see critical caveats below), you can guard against skin cancer and protect against the loss of those biological factors which encourage:

an absence of fine lines and wrinkles;
well defined contours and elasticity;
refined texture and small follicle size;
translucency and radiant light reflective qualities;
softness;
even skin coloration.

Points to Consider when Choosing/Applying Sun Protection

Although they're regulated as over the counter drugs, the legal parameters which allow a sunscreen to be labeled "broad spectrum" do not match the reasonable and widespread interpretation of the phrase. The vast majority of sunscreens labeled "broad spectrum" and even "true broad spectrum" don't protect against the most damaging end of the UV scale.
A generous and even application is required to achieve the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for which the sunscreen has been registered. An SPF 15 applied lightly, once a day, is only going to provide an SPF of 2 to 4, which is near useless.

The sunscreen must be non-oily and non-whitening to facilitate this type of application.
Some makeup is formulated with sunscreen, but the blanket layer you'd need for it to be useful would be cosmetically unacceptable. The idea that make-up containing sunscreen could be an effective substitute for a dedicated effective sunscreen is a widespread and dangerous farce.

Texture and scent must facilitate daily usage. Anything less does not constitute effective protection.
Don't use sunscreen around the eyes - its an irritant to mucous membranes. Wear sunglasses instead, but make sure they certified to block 100% of rays.

Sun Protection Recommendations

Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant - The sunscreen we recommend most highly for daily face and neck use.

Lacks a chemical smell, non-whitening, provides an SPF of 30 and retains its tenacity even after 80 minutes of perspiring or water activity. Absorbs excess oil (if any) while also hydrating without shine. Many people comment that this sunscreen is actually a pleasure to use. Additional skin treatment ingredients enhance skin tone and quality.

A regular and tinted version are available.

Formula includes:

a moisturizing/oil-control base;
hyaluronic acid;
a healing and skin immunity-enhancing anti-inflammatory to enhance photo-protective properties.

Patients allergic to chemical sunscreens may use Jan Marini Bioglycolic Lotion with Sunscreen. This contains no chemical sunscreens. Patients should be aware that it is slightly whitening (this effect can be counteracted by finishing up with one or more of the Jan Marini C-ESTA Foundations), and that it isn't waterproof.

Alternatively, Skinceuticals produce a range of more economical sunscreens which provide high levels of UVA/UVB protection, although they don't provide any significant supplementary skin treatment effects if used without a serum such as C E Ferulic.

For sun protection product and daily treatment information, see the links above or contact Melbourne Dermatology.

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