We know you’ve heard it a million times before, but as we enter our sunniest and most ‘outdoorsy’ of seasons, we think it’s important to recap all the skincare ‘musts’ you need to remember before heading to the beach, pool or park.
As a country with one of the world’s highest skin cancer rates, South Africans need to be vigilant. It might take a little time and effort, but believe us, it’s worth it.
Leading Ballito and Umhlanga-based dermatologist and medical aesthetic expert, Dr Ishaan Ramkisson, says the link between UV radiation and skin cancer is simple: the greater the exposure to UV radiation, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer and increase in photoaging.
So what should we be doing? “While no single method of sun defence can protect you perfectly, adopting as many of these steps into your lifestyle is your best path to healthy, beautiful skin,” says Dr Ramkisson.
Top summer skincare tips:
• Don’t get sunburned (more than five sunburns doubles your melanoma risk)
• Apply a good quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen with minimum SPF 30+
• Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen (every two to three hours)
• Water-resistant sunscreens (with Zinc Oxide) are great for water activities and outdoors
• Your lips need SPF too!
• Wear sun protective clothing (long sleeves, wide brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection)
• Seek shade (especially during peak sun hours)
• Don’t tan. A base tan does not protect you from sunburns
• Get Vitamin D from a healthy diet with foods rich in Vitamin D and supplements
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Make sure you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and your family. Make an appointment with a dermatologist annually as part of a complete early-detection strategy. In South Africa, a fully qualified dermatologist would have graduated with either a degree as Master of Medicine in Dermatology (MMed.Derm) or as a Fellow of the College of Dermatology (Fc.Derm), and should possess the necessary tools and skills to detect and manage skin cancers.
Details: @drishaanramkisson, www.drishaanramkisson.co.za
