Ageing: Is Sunbathing The New Smoking?

After a sunny weekend, I have returned to the desk pretty much the same colour as when I left it on Friday (without tan).  After reading so much about the the effects of the sun on my skin, how it accelerates ageing and the likelihood of skin cancer (the number of cases has doubled in the last 20 years) the very idea of laying in the sun now seems foolhardy.


A decade ago I never thought twice sunbathing; in fact wearing over SPF15 was unheard of (I thought it blocked tanning).  Nowadays it is very different; I can see the effects of all that unprotected fun and it isn't cheap (or sometimes possible) to remedy.  I now wear SPF30 on my face all year round and prefer bolstering colour with a bronzer.

Despite this, at a BBQ yesterday I was amazed to see people walking around, with bright red angry stripes across their shoulders, arms and legs and even more lying on the grass (without SPF) desperately trying to earn more stripes.  This was only interrupted by some regularly applying a SPF50+ to their children!


Tanning is a bit like smoking, (it's a wee bit common and we wouldn't allow our children to do it) both habits can cause cancer and both accelerate ageing; by as much as 80%.  If you want to look tanned, why not have a spray or DIY with one of many sunless creams on the market? Or alternatively, do like Dita Von Teese - stay pale and beautiful.


I met up with Toni Warran Smith this morning, the Practice Manager at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Skin & Laser Clinic to chat about sun damage.


Toni told me 'There are a many things that play a role in skin ageing; genetics, nutrition, loss of oestregen are up there, however sun damage and smoking are the most profound factors.  The cheapest way to prevent ageing is firstly to purchase a good broad spectrum SPF45 product - and secondly, to use it every day."  


"We offer many treatments that can help give your skin a more youthful appearance, however as we always say here at the Clinic, 'prevention is better than cure!'"


Something you may want to consider when getting ready in the morning.



  
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