Dr Shyna Raj of Shine Medical Cosmetic Clinic shares her top tips on keeping your skin healthy this summer.

As we all know, the onset of summer, with warmer and sunnier weather always enhances the enjoyment of being outside for many people.

However, it is always important to remember that exposure to sun can have damaging effects on our skin unless we take precautions to prevent it.

It is a myth that having a sun-tan is a sign of health and well-being. In reality, the presence of a sun-tan is a sign of skin damage caused by UV rays.

Excessive, unprotected sun exposure causes premature skin ageing, otherwise called photo-ageing, resulting in coarse or craggy skin, pigmentation, uneven skin texture and premature fine lines and wrinkles.

More seriously, excessive sun exposure significantly increases the risk of developing various types of skin cancers including melanomas, which can be life-threatening if undetected and untreated.

Excessive, unprotected sun exposure causes premature skin ageing (image via pixabay)

It is therefore, easy to understand why it is important to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Tips to protect your skin from harmful sun exposure:

• Wear appropriate protective clothing
• Wear sunglasses
• Wear a hat
• Avoid sunbathing or intense exposure to sunlight
• Apply SPF regularly (at least SPF 30)
• Keep well hydrated - drink plenty of water, at least 2.0 to 2.5 litres/day (unless medically contra-indicated)
• Keep your skin moisturised, making sure to use a moisturiser that improves the hydration of the skin from within
• Use anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C serums, which boost protection to your skin from environmental insults including UV rays
• Check your skin regularly for sun damage or the appearance of new skin lesions
• Check that any existing lesions do not change in nature – such as growing in size, becoming irregular in shape or colour, or start to bleed or become painful.
• If you notice any suspicious lesions, get them checked urgently by a medical professional. It may need further tests or it may need to be removed urgently.

At Shine Medical Cosmetic Clinic, there are a varied range of sunscreens available from the ZO Skin Health range as well as effective moisturisers and Vitamin C serums.

Shine Medical Cosmetic Clinic also offers Cryotherapy for removal of benign skin lesions.

To find out more about Shine Medical Cosmetic Clinic, including new upcoming packages, follow this link to the website.

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