Wearing sunscreen every day is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. The sun’s harmful UV rays have the potential to harm and even destroys skin cells, resulting in hyperpigmentation, sunburn, wrinkles, a leathery skin texture, and in some cases, skin cancer.

Despite the accessibility of sunscreen products, some people are still reluctant to use one, thinking they don’t need it, or forgetting to apply it. If you fall in that category, this image might change your mind.

This photograph was shared on social media by Dr. Avi Bitterman, a dermatologist in New York. It depicts the cheek and neck of a 92-year-old woman, who for more than 40 years, applied UV-protective moisturisers on her face, but not on her neck.

The consequences are visually striking. The skin on her cheek shows significantly fewer spots of discolouration, fewer wrinkles and has a smoother texture and more even appearance than the skin on her neck.

While it’s only recently made waves on social media, this image was originally published in the Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in October 2021 as part of a report on skin cancer and ageing.

Read more about this image here.

How does the sun damage our skin?

The sun’s rays emit UV light, which is an invisible form of radiation. Exposure to this radiation can result in damaged skin cells, which manifests in the form of wrinkles and discolouration (also referred to as hyperpigmentation). UV exposure can also result in skin cancer. While those with fair skin and light hair are at higher risk, the truth is that anyone can get skin cancer, no matter what your age, skin type or ethnicity. UV radiation is not just a summer concern. The sun’s rays can damage your skin on overcast and wintery days too, so it’s important to stick to your sun care regime all year round.

Help is at hand in the form of SPF. It is recommended that everyone (including children and babies over the age of six months) wear a broad spectrum SPF on all exposed areas of the body, whenever they go outside. Broad spectrum means that it offers protection against both UVA rays (the rays that are responsible for ageing the skin) and UVB rays (the rays that are responsible for burning the skin).

And if this image has taught us anything, it’s that you shouldn’t neglect any parts of the body! The skin on our necks is as vulnerable as the skin on our faces, and because both are usually exposed, it’s essential that they are protected by sunscreen every time you step outside.

Piz Buin has been a trusted sun care provider for more than 70 years. In fact, Piz Buin was one of the first to make tanning safer by implementing the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) system in the 1960’s. After suffering overexposure to the sun while climbing the Piz Buin alpine peak in 1938, chemistry student Franz Greiter developed one of the world’s first sun protection products in 1946, the Piz Buin Gletscher Creme, or Glacier Cream. Working with his wife Marga, a trained beautician, they developed a specialist sun care brand dedicated to developing cutting edge sun protection with luxurious skincare for anyone who wanted to enjoy life in the sun. And the rest, as they say, is history…

All Piz Buin sun care products contain advanced UVA / UVB protection to ensure you get effective sun protection, and the extensive range offers something for everyone. This summer, stay protected with one (or more!) of Piz Buin’s hard-working formulations.

For skins sensitive to the sun, try:

Piz Buin Allergy Face Cream SPF50 (R190.00)

Offering very high protection to sun-sensitive skin, this sun cream combines immediate and effective UVA/UVB sun protection with Calmanelle®, a unique anti-irritant shield complex proven to help strengthen the skin’s resilience to the sun. It provides hours of moisturisation to keep the delicate skin on the face soft.

Piz Buin Allergy Lotion SPF30 (R270.00)

This water-resistant lotion has been clinically proven to protect sensitive skin from the sun. It also provides long-lasting moisturisation and increases the skin’s tolerance towards the sun.

For those who want to develop a tan faster, try:

Piz Buin Tan & Protect SPF15 Tan Intensifying Lotion (R270.00)

This protective lotion is formulated with melitan to enhance the skin’s natural tanning process. It offers medium protection from UVA/UVB rays and leaves skin moisturised.

Piz Buin Tan & Protect SPF30 Tan Accelerating Oil Spray (R270.00)

This spray protects skin from the sun while helping enhance the natural tanning process with a special ingredient called melitan. It is fast-absorbing and non-greasy.

For everyday protection, try:

Piz Buin In Sun SPF30 Sun Lotion (R215.00)

Offering advanced UVA/UVB filters to protect the skin from the sun, this SPF lotion is also enriched with antioxidants to prevent premature skin ageing. It has a lovely non-greasy formula that allows skin to breathe.

It takes just one or two bad sunburns to put you at a high risk of developing skin cancer. Be sure to stock up on your favourite sun care products and enjoy a safe summer (and younger looking skin, for longer!).