DONT GO FOR THE BURN!

DESPITE THE WARNINGS ON SUN PROTECTION, SKIN CANCER IS STILL ON THE INCREASE.  Here's how you should tan safely......

Statistics on the soaring rates of skin cancer make even more sobering reading when you consider that this is a preventable cancer. Caused by over exposure to UV radiation, its incidence would be much less if we protected ourselves properly, but we obviously don't. Cases of skin cancer in Britain have doubled to 40,000 a year since the early eighties, killing 2,000 people a year. For women aged 20-34 malignant melanoma is the second most common cancer after cervical cancer.

A survey by the Health Education Authority reveals that while 90 per cent of teenagers are aware of the dangers, two-thirds still tried to get a tan last year. A quarter of all Britons never use high-factor sun cream and nearly 10 per cent of sunburnt holidaymakers need to see a doctor.

What should we be doing? And must all of us heed these warnings? It's true that sun damage does vary according to natural skin colour. A person with fair skin that burns easily, for instance, faces a far greater risk of skin damage than a person with darker skin. However, the HEA's advice applies to everyone: Seek shade from 11am to 3pm, cover up with loose fitting clothes and a hat, take care not to burn, take special care of babies and children and use a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, always remembering to re-apply regularly.

More and more cosmetic companies are also including sun protection factors in their skin care ranges. Clarins have just included SPF15 in their hand cream, Jeunesse des Mains. Its moisturiser, Fluide Super Hydratant Multi-Comfort, now comes with SPF15 and even its foundation Ultra-Smooth Compact Foundation contains SPF15. Meanwhile, Revlons foundation, Colorstay Lite Make-up, contains SPF15, and Almays Stay Smooth Anti-Chap Lipcolour has SPF25. 

It is a dangerous myth that sun in Britain is not strong enough to cause severe damage. More than half the cases of recorded sunburn in Britain each year occur at home. A second myth is that clouds stop UV radiation getting through. High clouds have a negligible effect in reducing radiation; white, fluffy clouds can actually INCREASE radiation levels by reflecting sunlight. Even thick cloud covering the entire sky still allows 30 per cent of UV radiation through.

The vital piece of advice is to use sun cream with a protection factor of at least 15 and to always fight the temptation to reduce the SPF as hot weather continues. Sun creams have a shelf life of two to three years; if you are using a bottle from last year, remember to shake it thoroughly. Sunscreen should not be applied to babies under six months, so keep babies and toddlers out of the sun altogether. Try to ensure older children are never even slightly burnt. Young skin is especially vulnerable to sun damage. One survey reveals that children who suffer serious sunburn several times before the age of 15 have a high risk of developing skin cancer later on. The Imperial Cancer Research Fund advises parents and child minders to keep children out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, always remembering to schedule outdoor activities to avoid this time. It also emphasises the importance of dressing children in loose, baggy close-weave cotton clothes; avoiding skimpy garments which might leave vulnerable parts like the shoulders exposed; choosing a hat with a wide brim which will shade the face and preferably the back and sides of the head; and covering exposed parts of your childs' skin with suncream with a minimum of SPF15.

For anyone still intent on a tan, go for a fake one rather than grilling for hours. A staggering 80 per cent of skin ageing is caused by the sun. Twenty minutes in the bathroom is not only safer than an hour toasting on a beach, you'll also look better for it.

TIPS

Avoid sun 11am-3pm.... Cover up with loose fitting clothes and a hat ... Take care not to burn ... Take special care of babies and children ... Use suncream with an SPF of 15 or higher, re-apply it regularly and immediately after swimming, even if product is water-resistant.

FOOTNOTE: IS THIS WHY BUNNIES DONT GET SUNBURN?

Slapping on the factor 15 is a must if you are off for a spot of sunbathing, but did you know you can further reduce the risk of sunburn by nibbling a few carrots? Research shows that caratenoids, found in carrots, can offer protection of between factor 2 and factor 4 from harmful rays. So get crunching now!

DONT FORGET YOUR PETS CAN SUFFER TOO IN THE SUN....

  EVEN PETS CAN FEEL THE BURN...

24/03/01