For many of us, summer is synonymous with time spent outdoors, be it at the beach, next to the swimming pool, or exploring one of our country’s beautiful hiking trails.

While spending time outdoors is great for your physical and mental health, it’s important to take precautions when it comes to your skin. Most of us recall a bad sunburn at some point or another, as extended periods of time spent outdoors often results in neglected sun care.

Sun burns are painful and dangerous, and it’s known that getting sunburnt increases one’s risk of developing skin cancer. But that’s not all – the sun’s UV rays are also responsible for the formation of lines and wrinkles, accelerated ageing, hyperpigmentation and skin DNA damage.

This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid the outdoors altogether, but it does mean that you need to enjoy it responsibly, taking care to protect your skin when you do so.

Lamelle Research Laboratories has identified five important things to do this summer to avoid a sunburn (and subsequently, accelerated ageing):

Try to avoid the sun during peak hours

Between 10am and 2pm, the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest, so it’s best to limit your exposure during these hours. Try to schedule your walks and swims for the early morning or the afternoon.

Cover up when you go outside

Invest in a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and a kaftan or wrap to wear when you get out of the water, and try to cover up as much of your skin whenever possible.

Reapply your sun protection product regularly

By now you know that it is essential to wear a good quality SPF product all year round, even during winter. That’s because the sun’s UVA rays (the ones responsible for accelerated ageing) have the ability to damage your skin even when it is overcast. During summer, once a day is not enough. If you are spending time outdoors you need to reapply your product after every swim (even if it says “water-resistant” on the packaging) or after every hour or two, depending on your skin type. Not only will this help avoid a painful burn, but it will also help prevent the formation of hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing.

Don’t forget the hidden spots

Most of us don’t take the time to apply SPF to all the smaller parts of our bodies, such as our ears, hairline or feet. Take care to apply your SPF all over – even on the areas you think won’t be exposed. After all, the ears are one of the most common places for skin cancer to form.

Moisturise – even if your skin isn’t dry

The sun has a dehydrating effect on the skin, and if you’re spending lots of time outside, you may notice your skin getting drier. Don’t wait for your skin to become extremely dry before you moisturise – hydrated skin is healthier, plumper, and looks younger. Apply moisturiser to your face twice a day (even on hot days) and at least once a day on your body to keep your skin healthy, happy and strong.

How do you know which sun protection product to choose?

There are a lot of different sun care products on the market – knowing what to look for in a product goes a long way in keeping your skin protected.

One of the most important things to look out for, is a broad spectrum product, meaning it protects the skin from both UVA rays (the rays responsible for skin ageing) and UVB rays (the rays responsible for sun burn).

Look for a sunscreen containing antioxidants, as this will help increase your skin’s resistance to the formation of hyperpigmentation and will also protect skin from the harmful free radicals responsible for accelerated skin ageing.

Lamelle has two very powerful sun protection products available – each one unique in its capabilities. Try Helase 50+ or Helase Urban Defensethis summer to protect your skin from sun burn as well as from DNA damage, dark marks and accelerated signs of ageing caused by the sun.

Lamelle Helase 50+ (R600.00)

In short, this is the ultimate upgrade from your normal, everyday SPF 50. Helase 50+ protects against the full spectrum of sunlight while the super-antioxidant Pycnogenol® destroys harmful free radicals to decrease the number of harmful enzymes that cause thinning and sagging of the skin. On top of this, it decreases the damaging and ageing inflammation in the skin, while actively stopping the effects of aging on the skin and keeping the immunity of the skin intact when exposed to sunlight.

Lamelle Helase Urban Defense (R585.00)

Lamelle Helase Urban Defence 30 is a multi-functional broad spectrum photo-protector that helps reduce the impact of urban pollution. Potent antioxidants reduce ageing, inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Suitable for all skin types. Key ingredients include UVA and UVB filters that protect against radiation. They also protect against Visible Light which can cause pigmentation in darker skin types.

Sun protection allows you to enjoy the best of summer without compromising the health of your skin. Be extra vigilant this season and enjoy healthier, happier skin.

Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za

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Lamelle Research Laboratories

Lamelle Research Laboratories is a proudly South African biotechnology research company known for its pioneering products. A lot of this has to do with the fact that the people behind the brand are passionate about evidence-based innovation as well as knowing the needs of educated consumers who demand skincare products that don’t just make big promises – they deliver! Many will know the brand for their brilliantly effective skincare products. Regardless of your age, skin type or concern – be it acne, premature ageing or pigmentation – you’ll find a solution in a fuss-free, streamlined collection that promises great results.

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