Safeguarding our skin from the sun may prove to be quite a challenge, especially for people with a fair complexion. Stephanie Fsadni reminds us that we must not forget the sunscreen on the back of the arms and the top of the foot... and that, ideally, we should wear an explorer’s hat.
Angela O’Sullivan is as white as a sheet. When she moved to Malta from Scotland two-and-a-half years ago, she quickly realised she needed to protect her skin more each time she left the house.
I find that some of the very high SPFs can be very thick and greasy, so I experiment with them a lot
“I’m aware sunshine in small doses can be good for your skin, especially because of vitamin D, but the amount each person needs varies from one to the other. From what I read, I only need a small amount each day,” she says.
Angela uses moisturisers and make-up with SPFs in them. Finding the right product may prove to be “something of a challenge” because she has very sensitive skin.
“I find that some of the very high SPFs can be very thick and greasy, so I experiment with them a lot. I have even asked local chemists for samples of suncreams, so I can try them before I buy. In the main, though, I cover up with hats and glasses.”
Angela, however, does not go to extremes, such as wearing long sleeves in August, nor does she stay away from the beach.
“I like to enjoy the sun without burning my skin. Saying that, I wouldn’t change the colour of my skin either – I’m very happy being this fair.”
She encourages others with the same kind of complexion to follow her example and “embrace their natural self”.
“If you are super white like me, then take inspiration from the likes of Dita Von Teese, Jessica Chastain and Gwen Stefani, who was pictured recently with a very cool parasol in the sun,” she quips.
The Maltese may not be that pale but many have fair complexions, like Graziella Muscat Miruzzi.
Graziella, 36, is very conscious of the photoageing effects of the sun.
“I don’t want to get wrinkled early on in life,” she says.
She goes to the beach only in the early morning, wears suncreens with high SPFs and always wears sunglasses. As a hairdresser, she is also aware one has to protect the hair and, particularly, the scalp. Products on the market nowadays cater for these needs as well.
Lawrence Scerri, chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at Boffa Hospital, confirms that people with fair skin are more prone to getting sunburnt than naturally darker people.
“People of Irish origin, or northern Europeans, will always burn and never tan, no matter how long they stay in the sun,” he says.
However, he adds that when it comes to children, skin colour makes no difference, and both fair and darker children are susceptible to the sun’s rays in the same way.
Dr Scerri says there are various ways in which we can choose to protect ourselves, but these should form part of “one whole package”.
“First of all, one can abstain from the sun, or stay indoors during peak hours (11am to 4pm).
Then always look for the shade,” he suggests. “And don’t be deceived by overcast days. UV rays penetrate clouds.”
The second measure is to use appropriate clothing.
“The least you can expose, the better. For example, short sleeves are better than sleeveless tops.”
Hats are a very important accessory, especially when one is balding. One should opt for a hat that covers the head, face, back of the neck and ears.
“Baseball caps are fashionable but not ideal; one should opt for a sort of explorer’s hat,” he points out.
Another important accessory is sunglasses because UV rays can cause cataracts.
Sunscreen should be applied as part of the protection package. A high SPF is recommended and it should be applied every three hours, depending on whether one is at the beach, or sweats a lot.
The various body parts are equally sensitive to the sun’s rays, so sunscreen should be applied evenly to all exposed parts, including the back of the arms and the top of the foot “that are often forgotten”.
Dr Scerri has an extra word of caution for individuals having laser treatments for hair removal, which have become very popular. These stand a higher chance of sunburn and pigmentation.
“Preferably avoid laser in the sunny season altogether unless the body parts treated are not exposed to the sun.”
Six simple steps for protection
1. Stay out of the sun especially during the midday hours (11am to 4pm).
2. Wear protective clothing. This includes a hat with a brim to shade your ears and neck, a shirt with sleeves to cover your shoulders, and pants. The best fabric for skin protection has a tight weave to keep sunlight out.
3. Use a sunscreen every day. Look for a sunscreen that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation in the sun’s rays – UVA and UVB.
4. Set a good example for your children by protecting your skin from too much sun.
5. Avoid sunbathing and tanning salons. Studies suggest that your risk of melanoma increases by 75 per cent if you start using artificial tanning before you are 30 years old.
6. Examine your skin regularly, and ask your doctor to check your skin during all other health exams, or at least once a year.