South Africa is well known for its beautiful sunny weather, which offers the ideal environment to enjoy the outdoors with your family, participate in adventure sports or just to relax on the beach.
But the sun can be dangerous to your skin and your health if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Skin cancer affects thousands of people every year. Extensive exposure to the sun without proper protection can also lead to skin damage and ageing.
The Safari sunscreen range is one of the flagship brands offered by Crème Classique Skincare, a South African skin care range developed by the renowned dermatologist Dr Hardie de Beer.
The Safari Range consist of an ultra-nourishing Lip Balm (SPF15); an Outdoor and Sport Sunscreen (SPF50) which is water-resistant and ideal for protection during activities like marathons and cycle races; a Moisturising Sunscreen (SPF40, and now also newly available in SPF30) that not only gives sun protection but also moisturises your skin as well as a handy Family Fun Size Pack with five travel-size Moisturising Sunscreens.
To choose the best sunscreen, you should know which SPF will be best suited for you and understand the difference between UVA and UVB.
SPF is an acronym for Sun Protection Factor. It is the worldwide standard for measuring a sunscreen’s effectiveness against UVB rays. To determine how long your sunscreen will protect you from sunburn, you need to know two things. Firstly, you need to know the number of minutes you can be in the sun before your skin begins to burn. Secondly, the SPF number of your sunscreen plays a role. The lower the number of minutes before your skin begins to burn, the higher number of SPF you need.
Remember the best time to sunbathe is in the early morning between 08:00 and 11:00 or in the early evening between 17:00 and 19:00. Stay away from prolonged sun exposure between 11:00 and 15:00.
What is the difference between UVA and UVB?
Both UVR (ultraviolet radiation)contribute to sunburn, skin ageing, eye damage, melanoma and the development of skin cancer types. UVA causes cellular damage that increases the risk of skin cancer as well as ageing. UVB causes sunburn, a significant risk for melanoma. Always make sure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, like Safari, that offers protection against UVA and UVB.
The fairer your natural skin colour, the more protection you need. Very fair, pale white and often freckled skin is highly sensitive against UVR and requires maximum protection. Dark brown to black skin shows minimal sensitivity. But remember, regardless of your skin colour or skin type – everybody needs protection. Also, don’t let the weather fool you. You need protection against the sun, even in cloudy weather. You should also apply sunscreen when you plan to travel a long distance in your car, because the sunshine that reaches you through your car window can cause a degree of sunburn.
What is sunburn? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to UVR, damaging the skin’s outermost layers. Applying sunscreen protects you against this. In the event of sunburn, your skin may start to peel afterwards. This shows your body is trying to get rid of damaged cells. Never peel or remove the skin yourself, as it can cause further inflammation.
How often should I apply sunscreen? Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and remember to reapply it every two hours in case it has been wiped or washed off.
The Safari range is available in a new lightweight formula for easy and comfortable application. It is matte and not greasy. And it is ideal to pack if you go on holiday and want to travel light, because you can replace your everyday moisturiser with this nourishing sunscreen. It helps in the prevention of wrinkles and has anti-ageing qualities.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy our sunny weather, whilst staying safe:
Always wear a hat when you go out in the sun. It not only helps to cover up your face but will also give protection to your ears and your scalp.
Remember to apply sunscreen to those easy to forget spots like the tip of your ears, your toes and your neck.
Wear sunglasses. The sun can damage your eyes and cause problems like cataracts.
Where possible, create some shade where you and your family can shelter from the sun. Remember to pack a beach umbrella or take a gazebo with you when you camp.
Be skin safe. Look out for new marks, moles or bumps on your skin or if there is a change in the size, texture, colour or shape of a mole. Don’t take any chances. Rather be safe and consult your doctor.
Take extra care if you have small children. Make sure you apply sunscreen and give them a hat to wear. If they are going to play close to water, rather opt for water resistant Safari sunscreen and always make sure there is proper adult supervision when small children are exposed to water.
Drink lots and lots of water. Exposure to the sun can lead to dehydration and in extreme situations even cause sunstroke.
Remember, if you want to prevent ageing, you have to stay out of the sun and apply sunscreen rigorously. Beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle. Rather stay safe and protect your skin – your biggest organ – because your skin has a long-term memory and however you treat it today, will show in future.
Enjoy safe and sunny outings – always apply sunscreen. And remember, it doesn’t matter where you go, Safari has you covered!
Safari sunscreen is available at Dis-Chem and other leading pharmacies.
