Summer is here! Except I’ve jinxed it. Apologies for my last blog, Storm Maria, which looks like it turned into the meteorological variety this week. Thunderstorms and torrential rain have led to decidedly ‘un-summer’ June. Nobody wants a soggy bottom whilst sipping on champagne. Hopefully the weather is more suited to tennis next week in SW19. Let’s pray for glorious sunshine!
Rain wreaks havoc at Wimbledon 2016
We all know that we need sun protection when we are exposed to the sun but are we doing it right? What is best practice and what to avoid? What are the tennis players wearing? A few years back there was a little bit of revolt for sun creams from some tennis players, who even though would spend hours in the blistering sun, would refuse to wear sun protection. Why? As they sweat, the sun creams runs into their eyes and blurs vision and slippery hands lose control of the Prince Premier 105. It sounds like a short term gain, long term loss to me. Skin cancer is no joke, not to mention cosmetic sun damage and pigmentation.
For us not on the court we should use as high factor as possible that blocks both UVA and UVB, and apply as frequently as possible. So which ones are best?
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Sun Care range is probably one of the best out there. This is recommended by many Harley Street Dermatologists. It offers incredible protection whilst being hypoallergenic and easy to apply. They even have tinted versions if you don’t want to look like a ghost.
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Sun Care Range
Dermalogica Sport SPF50 cream is also highly recommended and a personal favourite of mine. It is water resistant, non-greasy and it smells nice too.
It’s also a good idea to wear a wide brimmed hat…like that someone we all know!
The key to sun creams is re-application frequently. Every 2 hours is ideal and after swimming.
How much to apply? A teaspoon for the face and a shot glassful for the body should do it.
Avoid the ‘once a day’ sun creams that claim to last 8 hours or more. These products are actually banned in Australia. Sun screen starts to breaks down once applied and becomes ineffective quite quickly.
All we need now is some sun, it is Wimbledon after all.
Our health blogger, Bhavash Padhiar is the founder of Amara Spa, a day spa and leading skincare centre in Fulham, London.
Visit: amaraspa.co.uk
