Striking a balance. How much sun is enough?

Here is a handy guide based on the new guidelines:
  1. Sun protection is not recommended for most people if the UV Index is below 3. This is common during late autumn and winter in the southern parts of Australia, so the recommendation is to have some skin exposed in the middle of the day, on most days of the week, to support vitamin D production. Being physically active while outdoors will also help maintain vitamin D levels, for example, taking a brisk walk at lunchtime or gardening. As outdoor workers have extended periods of sun exposure, vitamin D deficiency is usually not an issue for this group, but increased risk of skin cancer is, so it is recommended that outdoor workers use sun protection measures throughout the year regardless of the UV Index.
  2. Whenever the UV Index is 3 or above (which is long periods of the day in summer), sun protection is vital for any outdoor activity that lasts for more than a few minutes. To check whether the UV Index is 3 or above, you can visit the website MyUV or download the free SunSmart app. In summer, a few minutes of mid-morning or mid-afternoon sun exposure to arms and hands on most days should be enough to maintain adequate vitamin D levels.
  3. Aim to expose larger areas of skin to sun for a shorter time rather than small areas for a longer time, because vitamin D production in each section of skin can become saturated.
  4. Vitamin D deficiency is more likely to affect dark-skinned, older adults, obese people, and those who wear concealing clothing for cultural or religious reasons. They should discuss with their doctor whether dietary supplementation is appropriate.
 

Striking a balance. How much sun is enough?

Here is a handy guide based on the new guidelines:

  1. Sun protection is not recommended for most people if the UV Index is below 3. This is common during late autumn and winter in the southern parts of Australia, so the recommendation is to have some skin exposed in the middle of the day, on most days of the week, to support vitamin D production. Being physically active while outdoors will also help maintain vitamin D levels, for example, taking a brisk walk at lunchtime or gardening. As outdoor workers have extended periods of sun exposure, vitamin D deficiency is usually not an issue for this group, but increased risk of skin cancer is, so it is recommended that outdoor workers use sun protection measures throughout the year regardless of the UV Index.
  2. Whenever the UV Index is 3 or above (which is long periods of the day in summer), sun protection is vital for any outdoor activity that lasts for more than a few minutes. To check whether the UV Index is 3 or above, you can visit the website MyUV or download the free SunSmart app. In summer, a few minutes of mid-morning or mid-afternoon sun exposure to arms and hands on most days should be enough to maintain adequate vitamin D levels.
  3. Aim to expose larger areas of skin to sun for a shorter time rather than small areas for a longer time, because vitamin D production in each section of skin can become saturated.
  4. Vitamin D deficiency is more likely to affect dark-skinned, older adults, obese people, and those who wear concealing clothing for cultural or religious reasons. They should discuss with their doctor whether dietary supplementation is appropriate.

 

Can facial pigmentation age us?

Light bounces off the upper layers of the skin, and if it’s well hydrated and even in tone this gives a nice vibrant glow. However, if the skin is unevenly coloured, light bounces back in a scattered way making the skin look dull and older.

Variation in skin tone can be caused by various factors including cumulative UV damage, natural ageing, post-inflammatory pigmentation (from skin trauma or inflammation), hormonal changes (melasma), skin vascularisation and genetics. However, the main culprit in causing hyperpigmentation is the sun. With UV exposure, cells called melanocytes are stimulated to make additional pigment called melanin, resulting in a tan. However, as we age and with accumulated repeated exposure to UV radiation, these melanocytes become damaged and permanently ‘switched on’ to overproduce melanin. This results in dark spots called solar lentigines, which are harmless flat brown spots that appear on the face and back of the hands.

Reducing pigmentation is the single most dramatic non-invasive rejuvenating procedure. So what can actually be done?

  1. Prevention is better than cure. Always apply a broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen.
  2. Bleaching creams: these contain lightening agents such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinoids, glycolic acid, ascorbic acid and various plant-derived extracts such as mulberry bark extract. Hydroquinone has long been considered the gold standard in reversing hyperpigmentation, and works by disrupting the function of melanocytes to block the production of melanin.
  3. Chemical peels: these reduce pigmentation by removing some of the top layers of skin.
  4. Pigment lasers such as the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The same technology that shatters tattoo pigment can also be used to remove brown spots.
  5. Fractional lasers such as the Fraxel Re:store Dual 1927 nm laser. By creating microscopic columns of injury in the skin, both excess pigmentation and wrinkles can be targeted.
  6. ’Resurfacing’ lasers such as Erbium or CO2 laser: these work by removing multiple fine layers of skin.  These are not suitable for all skin types.
  7. Intense Pulsed Light: not a laser but utilises a band of wavelengths of light to target various problems such as excess pigmentation.