Sun

An overview on Sun Protection by Dr Ophelia E. Dadzie

The sun is the centre of our solar system and it is a massive ball of gasses - hydrogen and helium. It emits rays, which reaches our planet earth. The sun’s rays are emitted as electromagnetic waves/radiation of different wavelengths.

What are sunscreens?

A substance that helps to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays (part of the electromagnetic radiation). Most sunscreens protect against UVA and/or UVB, and some also offer protection against visible light.

Sunscreens are used as part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent sunburn (UVB), reduce the risk or prevent skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions (UVB and UVA), prevent premature ageing (UVA) and to manage hyperpigmentation (UVA and visible light). Sunscreen use is also a vital component of management of photodermatoses (skin rashes caused or worsened by sun exposure), where broad-spectrum sunscreens (UVA+UVB) are of utmost importance.

Choosing a sunscreen should be based on an indication of the sunscreen use, as well as a person's skin type. Our range of specially chosen sunscreens are below but please scroll to the bottom of the page for more information to support you when choosing your sunscreen and developing your sun protection strategy.

A comprehensive sun protection strategy is vital.

The appropriate use of sunscreen is only one step in a comprehensive sun protection strategy. Other steps include:

• Shade and protective clothing (broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses, long-sleeved tops and trousers)
• Appropriate amount of sunscreen use before sun exposure (approx. 20 minutes) - especially important when using chemical sunscreens - and reapply at least every 2 hours (if exercising, then reapply more regularly)
• Sunscreen with minimum of SPF 30, with good UVA protection (look for 4 UVA stars or the UVA circle logo)
• Reapply sunscreen regularly, at least every two hours

Choosing a sunscreen should be based on the indication of the sunscreen use, as well as a person’s skin type.