GOLDEN RULES
Learn the golden rules of catching rays – and soothe your burning concerns – with our hot tips for optimising your time in the shine
Bathe in sunlight’s health-boosting benefits while scorching your risk of skin damage
01 THE LIGHT BRIGADE
Aesthetically pleasing though a tan might be, a darkening complexion is actually your body’s warning system. “UV rays activate the skin’s colourchanging cells: melanocytes,” explains dermatologist Dr Walayat Hussain. “These act to ‘shade’ skin cells, limiting further damage.” It’s a bit like putting up an umbrella after it rains. Remain on red alert.
02 SUNNY DISPOSITION
Still, at least your mood is brighter – with good reason. Research in the journal Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience found that the impact of sunlight on your retina could trigger the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin. Considering that mood-lifting vit D is also produced after just 15 minutes’ exposure, you’ve got cause to smile.
03 BROAD COVERAGE
Your Factor 50 is classed as a cosmetic, not a medicine, so isn’t subject to regulations. As a result, claims of 24-hour protection are, says Hussain, “rubbish”. Better to know your As and Bs: “Some creams protect against UVB (which causes redness), not UVA (which leads to skin ageing). Look for a ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreen*.
04 MORE THAN SKIN DEEP
Of course, a crustacean complexion is far from your only concern. “UV rays create abnormalities in the DNA,” says Hussain. And after years of beach holidays and Sundays in the garden, these can lead to tumours. When choosing an SPF, pick creams over sprays. “Studies show the application of spray is more variable than a cream, with more misses than hits.”
05 YOUR RAYS OF HOPE
Once your defences are up, enjoy your exposure with impunity. Edinburgh Uni found sun exposure releases nitric oxide, which lowers your blood pressure, while Cambridge studies noted an increase in anti-inflammatory genes, protecting against heart attacks. And that’s a package deal worth suffering any budget airline flight for.