Sunlight enhances our feeling of well-being and is vital for our body function. However, every time we’re out in the sun, our skin is exposed to UV radiation. Immediate and long-term accumulated UV exposure leads to inevitable visible skin changes.
Tests using a UV camera can enable us to see the damage to our skin that has accumulated over time; this is usually unnoticeable to the naked-eye. Light skin appears very pale and dark skin appears even darker in contrast to normal light. The appearance of irregular, spotty pigmentation is a sign of UV damage. Most sunscreen products absorb UV light with chemical UV filters. When sunscreen is applied to the skin, these UV filters appear dark or black under the UV camera, demonstrating that UV light is being absorbed and clearly highlights the benefit of applying sun protection.
If you want to know the effect of sun to your skin, come down and join the Eucerin® team and experience the UV camera for yourself. The UV camera will be available in pharmacies across Dubai and Abu Dhabi at:
1. Medicine Shoppe – Al Wahda Mall , Abu Dhabi – 1st, 2nd April 2015 (2:00 pm to 10:00 pm)
2. Manara Pharmacy – Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi – 3rd,4th April 2015 (10:00 am to 10:00 pm)
3. Boots - Ibn Battuta mall, Dubai – 5th, 6th April 2015 (12 noon to 9:00 pm)
4. Boots Dubai Mall , Dubai – 7th, 8th April 2015 (12 noon to 9:00 pm)
What are the effects of sun radiations on your skin?
• Sunburn- Damage at epidermal level caused by UVB rays
• Premature skin ageing- Loss of elasticity and collagen, appearance of wrinkles and age spots caused by UVA rays
• Pigmentation disorders- UV radiation triggers over production of melanin in some melanocytes, resulting in brown spots
• Skin cancer and actinic keratosis – result of DNA damage caused by UV radiation
Quick tips to stay safe in the sun
1. Over-exposure to the sun is a serious health threat. Avoid sun exposure between 11am and 3pm – when the sun’s rays are most harmful.
2. Surfaces that reflect sunlight like sand, water, snow or pavements increase the risk of sunburn and require the application of a higher SPF.
3. It is necessary to use sun protection on cloudy days as well, as UV rays can still easily penetrate through the clouds.
4. Do not reapply sun lotion after you have noticed that your skin has turned red - this will not prolong sun protection. Get out of the sunlight right away.
5. It is recommended to wear a hat and sunglasses.
6. Do not expose babies and small children to direct sunlight. Avoid sunburn at all costs!
7. Apply sunscreen to the entire body at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to make sure sunscreen is absorbed completely into the skin.
8. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming and towelling.
9. Do not forget “neglected” body parts such as the ears, knees, back, arch of the foot, and scalp.
10. After peelings, laser treatments and in case of drug-induced photosensitivity, avoid sun and use very high protection factors (SPF 50+).
11. If a mole or a spot appears on the skin, or if it changes colour, shape, causes itching, bleeding or pain, consult a dermatologist immediately.