The fake bake
Self-tanning products have never been better, so why would you risk skin cancer to get a tan when you can fake it so safely and so convincingly? Modern formulas are easier than ever to apply, plus there's the popular, professional spray-tan option. Just don't allow it to give you a false sense of security; your skin is still as susceptible as ever to UV radiation so be just as diligent with your sunscreen.
And one more thing — don't put your faith in the many self-tanners which now boast in-built SPF protection. By the time you've applied them and waited for the colour to develop, the protection will have worn off.
Knowing your ABC's
UVA rays have deep penetrating powers and are responsible for premature skin ageing and may also contribute to skin cancer risk. They're invisible yet inflame
the skin, activating ageing aggressors which breakdown collagen and elastin.
Remember: A is for Ageing. UVB rays are the rays responsible for burning and thickening the skin, age spots, and may cause skin cancer. Remember: B is for Burning. UVC rays are mostly scattered or absorbed before they reach the earth’s
surface due to their shorter wavelength. The good news? Olay products with UV
protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Shade practise
While it's important to keep out of direct sunlight, especially in the hottest
part of the day, positioning yourself in the shade is not the fail-safe protection
you may think it is. Up to 50 percent of UV radiation comes indirectly from scattered or reflected UV, courtesy of clouds and reflective surfaces which include
grass, snow, water and even humble old concrete. Overcast days when the sun is barely visible can be deceiving; UV rays are still present and able to burn and
damage the skin.
Vitamin therapy
The body's need for Vitamin D (to regulate calcium and maintain strong bones) is another excuse sun-worshippers use to justify their sun-sinning ways. Yet most of us receive adequate Vitamin D through incidental sun exposure during daily life and via certain foods.
