People often make the mistake of thinking that sunscreen is only meant for summer, but 
this is a myth carried over from generation to generation.
Expert skin care therapist and co-owner of Elements Spa at Dock House, Yvonne Heathcote,
says this is the most common misconception amongst people as sunscreen should be applied
throughout the year.
“South Africans only remember to apply a sunscreen when they spend time at the beach, but
they forget that they are exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays on a daily basis. When I
was younger, I used to spend time in the direct sunlight without protection, something I
regret today. This behaviour causes premature ageing and could ultimately lead to skin
cancer.”
“As a skin care therapist I have heard all the excuses in the book as to why some people
think they are exempt from having to wear sunscreen. Some people say they are in the
office all day and don’t need to wear sunscreen, but they do not realise that you are
still exposed to radiation from fluorescent lighting and computer screens.
I spent many years in my twenties, lying on sun beds and judging my holiday by the
darkness of my tan. Years later I am now faced with having to address premature ageing on
my chest.”
So what should we know about sunscreen and how should we be using it?
Heathcote offers some advice in response to the most frequently asked questions from
clients at Elements Spa at Dock House.
What is photo ageing?
This is a term which refers to the effect that sun exposure has on our skin. It is also
thought to be responsible for the majority of age-associated changes in the skins
appearance, mottled pigmentation, surface roughness, lines and wrinkles. The effects of
exposure to the sun are not immediate and it is quite often that we only start to see the
accumulated effects in our 30s and 40s.
What is the minimum recommended SPF that I should use daily?
You are exposed to UV rays while you commute to and from work and even while doing your
daily chores. In South Africa it is recommended that we should be using a minimum of SPF
(Sun protection factor) of 30.
Research has shown that although intense bursts of sun are bad, most of the damage that
shows on our skin is accumulated in short bursts like sitting outside for lunch, sitting
in traffic to and from work or taking your dog for a walk.
Should I be wearing sunscreen if my moisturiser has a built in sunscreen?
If you are office bound, you could get away with a built in SPF of 15 as long as you
apply another application. “A possible additional step to your regime is using an SPF oil
free spritz over your make-up when you leave the office or when you will be sitting I
traffic.”
How much sunscreen should I be using?
If your entire body is exposed to the sun, a teaspoon should be used on your face and six
teaspoons for the rest of your body. Please bear in mind that this is the minimum amount.
How often do I need to apply sunscreen?
You should be applying sunscreen 30 minutes before you go out, as this is how long it
takes to absorb into your skin. Re-apply after swimming or towelling even if your
sunscreen says it is water resistant or waterproof.
Which areas of the body are most prone to skin cancer?
People would often think that it would be the entire body, but the back of the knees,
nose, the tips of your ears, tops of you feet, chest and the back of your neck and
shoulders are the most prone to skin cancer.
How often should I get checked for skin cancer?
The Cancer Association of South Africa recommends that you see a dermatologist once a
year for a check-up. Most doctors however, urge that you regularly check yourself in a
mirror and ask your partner to look for any signs of anything that has changed colour or
does not heal.
Heathcote says, “Eighty per cent of melanomas are diagnosed by patients themselves and
not by their doctors. Your skin care therapist is also one of your first lines of
defence, as they are able to point out blemishes that have changed colour or become
rougher to the touch while doing a facial or body treatment.”
