Skin Expert

Keeping our skin safe and healthy in the summer sun is a must, as Sara Whatley finds out from a skincare expert

“Slip, Slop, Slap” sang Sid the seagull in one of the most successful health campaigns in Australian history, launched by Cancer Council. “Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.” Sid’s campaign has now been updated to ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide’ to include seeking shade and sliding on a pair of wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes as well. But it’s not only Australian’s who need to be careful in the sun; it is everyone!

Being sun safe doesn’t mean we have to skimp on looking our best. There are lots of handy dual-purpose products out there to reduce layering creams and lotions on our skin – just like the rest of our bodies, our face doesn’t want to be covered up in loads of layers when the mercury is rising. Create a fun summer look with pastel eyeshadow and colourful eyeliner, two big summer ’22 trends.

And at the end of the day, don’t forget a good cleansing and exfoliating routine. This will keep pores unclogged and slew off any dead skin cells, leaving skin feeling light, bright and summer fresh.

I spoke to Dermatology Consultant, Dr Jess Felton, to get some expert skincare advice to ensure our summer skin glows with vitality and health all season long. Here are her top three tips: If you like the bronzed look, there NUMBER 2 Plan your day. are some sunscreens When enjoying the with built-in tints, which look fantastic sunshine, the best times to be outside are before 11am and after 3pm. Between those times, UV levels are higher and more likely to cause burning and skin damage.

NUMBER 3

NUMBER 1 Keep sunscreen as part of your routine; keep it handy in the hallway, in the car, a mini one in your bag. Ideally, use a moisturiser (both men and women) with SPF 50. If it’s in your routine, it’s harder to forget. If you like the bronzed look, there are some sunscreens with built-in tints, which look fantastic (if you have concerns about almond oil being added to sunscreen this year, check Allergy UK for the latest information).

If you are worried about a changing mole, see your GP or a dermatologist. Signs to look out for are: doubling in size, getting very dark or multicoloured, and bleeding. You have an increased risk if you have relatives with a history of melanoma, if you burn easily or have had lots of sun exposure or regular sunbed use in the past. If you have any conditions or medicines that affect your immune system you should be extra careful in the sun as well. l