Article by BR Kellie
The days are getting shorter. The sun doesn’t seem to have as much heat in it. In fact some days we’re lucky if we get to see the sun at all. So shunning sunscreen during the depths of the cooler months isn’t that big of a deal really, is it? Actually, when you read some of the latest studies coming out you realize it really is.
One study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology found that just over 42% of women applied sunscreen to their face daily. As for other parts of the body that are exposed to the sun? The figure dropped to just 34%. Men were even worse, with only 18% applying sunscreen to their face and 20% to other exposed skin.
Another study recently published in Science magazine and explained in more detail here suggests more than a quarter of those who’ve reached middle age are already on the road to developing skin cancer. A conclusion reached after analyzed samples of people aged 55 to 73 showed over 100 DNA mutations linked to cancer in every one square centimeter of skin.
This study serves to reinforce the message we’re continually told – that prevention is the best defense, and applying sunscreen on all exposed areas of skin is a must, along with avoiding tanning booths and sun beds. Especially in New Zealand, which along with Australia, has the highest reported rates of melanoma in the world, and is our fourth most diagnosed cancer.
While we don’t want you hiding under your bed covers screaming ‘the light, it burns!’, we do want you to look after yourself, because we adore our BR Beauties. So will you be adding sunscreen back into your beauty regime? Are you an avid sunscreen wearer no matter what the time of year? Or are you more of the ‘there’s a bit of sunscreen in my beauty products, so she’ll be right’ kind of gal? Are the men in your life slip slop slappers? Will you now encourage them to be?
Talk away!
I have a friend currently battling skin cancer... I can't stress enough how important sun protection is!! xxx