SPONSORED: LA ROCHE-POSAY

Educating Patients About Photoprotection

These are the latest findings on the effects of UVA.

If there is one thing that skin experts around the world agree on, it’s that adequate protection from the sun is the most important and effective way to keep skin healthy. So of course, photoprotection was a huge topic at the World Congress of Dermatology (WCD) in Singapore. Across all of the L’Oré al Dermatological Beauty brands, research into photoprotection and new ways to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays is ongoing, and the latest findings were presented at WCD. 51 research posters conducted by L’Oréal were presented at WCD, out of which three were chosen as ‘breaking news’, highlighting their importance. The findings included the harmful effects of UVA rays on skin.

Educating clients about UVA rays

Scientist at WCD agreed that there is still a lack of awareness around sun protection, both globally and in Australia, the country with the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. By the age of 70, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer. The reason the numbers are so high in Australia is a mix of geographical location (proximity to the equator), sunny and warm climate (resulting in an outdoor focused lifestyle), and the prevalence of fair skin types due to immigration from Northern European countries.

Skin cancer is primarily caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, causing DNA damage to skin cells, but most people believe they are only at risk in summer or when they are directly exposed to full sun for a prolonged period of time. The latest National Sun Protection Survey revealed over 90% of Australians are missing the facts around UV radiation, showing the vital role educations play when it comes to sun safety.

UVA rays (also known as ‘long wave rays’) make up 95% of the Earth’s surface rays and can contribute toward signs of ageing like fine lines and age spots. UVB rays (known as ‘short wave’ rays) cause sunburn on skin. UVA rays can pass through clouds, glass and the epidermis, making them harmful in all kinds of situations during all four seasons. Both UVA and UVB radiation is present year-round, so not only should your clients wear sunscreen in winter too, but it should always be a broad spectrum.

A sunscreen that suits your patients

Your patients will only comply with their skincare regime if they like the products they’re using, this is particularly true when it comes to sunscreens. Most patients want a sunscreen that isn’t greasy, doesn’t sting the eyes, moisturises the skin, and doesn’t leave a white cast on their faces. And of course, it has to have adequate SPF. La Roche-Posay have invested years of research into creating their Anthelios sunscreen range, which ticks all of the boxes.

The Anthelios range offers very high broad spectrum SPF50+ protection against UVA and UVB with an invisible finish. As it is fragrance free, it is suitable even for sensitive skins. It comes in different formulations for different skin types, including a tinted version for people who prefer some coverage in their sunscreen.

Since 1995, La Roche-Posay is committed to support research by encouraging a better understanding of skin conditions and driving research towards life-changing dermatology and efficient solutions that improve the quality of life of patients. A jury made of prominent dermatology experts from around the world evaluate and select four projects deemed more deserving, granting them 25,000 Euros each. Are you a dermatologist, under the age of 40, working on dermatological research in the field of quality of life of patients with skin condition?

Submit your project at researchgrant.larocheposaypro.com

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.