Taking the sun in safely

Nothing's more welcome after a long, grey winter than the arrival of the sun. But with the good comes the bad. Laura Hewson looks at how to sun-worship wisely.

UV caution
Ultraviolet light is invisible electromagnetic energy radiated by the sun.

Measured on an Ultraviolet Index (UVI), the higher the number, the more protection is required.

Unfortunately for us, New Zealand has high levels, especially during peak times between September and March.

Levels even more intense during the middle of the day.

The UV rays that affect us are UVA and UVB.

UVA rays are longer wavelength rays that go deeper into the skin, causing premature ageing (they also travel through glass).

UVB rays are higher frequency, affect the outer skin and cause sunburn.

The New Zealand Cancer Society credits excessive UV exposure as the probable cause of more than 90% of skin cancer cases.

Better blocking
If you plan to spend any time in the sun, especially during the times of high UV levels, it's important to protect your skin.

- Go for a broad-spectrum sunblock, which protects against UVA and UVB rays.

- If you're concerned about the ingredients going into sunblocks, choose one designed for children, as they're often more gentle and less fragranced. Also check out what's available in health shops. Try: N.O.M. UVA and UVB Sunscreen or Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen.

- When applying, watch out for the often-forgotten areas: lips, neck, ears, hands and feet. And remember to reapply sunscreen regularly.

- Even if you aren't sunbaking you can still be exposed to harmful rays, so consider buying a moisturiser or SPF-rated make-up. Many options are now available so ask to try a product before buying to make sure it isn't too heavy or oily.

Try: The Body Shop. It offers an SPF option in most of its existing ranges.

Worth a try: Astaxanthin, an antioxidant available from health shops, is credited with providing internally absorbed protection from sun damage and increasing the time it takes to burn, by assisting the body's own antioxidant defence system.

Try it in conjunction with your normal sun protection and clothing.

Burning issue
Even knowing we have to protect ourselves from the sun, it's easy to get caught unprepared, especially at the beginning of summer. If you do get burnt, help is at hand.

- Start by cooling down the burnt skin with cool or icy water and make sure you drink plenty of water to rehydrate.

- Moisturise with a product designed for sunburn. Aloe vera is one of the most common ingredients due to its cooling and healing abilities, while vitamin E is popular for its antioxidant effects. Watch out for alcohol-based products, which can dry out the skin even further.

Try: Mebo Burn Repair (available from health shops and selected pharmacies). It is used in treating all kinds of burns and contains antimicrobial ingredients to stop infections and cool down the burned area.

- Avoid getting sunburned repeatedly. Your skin is newer after peeling and even more sensitive.

- If the burn is severe and the skin is blistering, don't risk infection. Go straight to the doctor for advice.

Fake not bake
With sunbaking and sunbeds falling out of fashion, self-tanning products have become the best, and safest, way to look tanned.

For a professional DIY tan:

- Prepare your skin first. Exfoliate, especially around knees, ankles and elbows, to stop product collecting in the crevices of rougher skin.

- With so many options on the market - gels, sprays and lotions - it pays to experiment with a product first to see if it is the right one for you. Some products dry faster while others leave skin more hydrated. Some give instant colour while others build gradually; a much better option for beginners.

- Don't rush. You can always add more, but once you've applied too much, it's too late.

- Choose a specialised product for the face and let it build very slowly. You will want the results to look as natural as possible.

- Apply the product at night to give it a good chance to develop and dry. Then you can see the finished result in the morning before leaving the house.

- Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards to avoid orange, streaky hands.

- If something does go wrong, have a hot shower and use a loofah to remove as much colour as possible. Lemon juice and swimming in a chlorinated pool are said to help.

- If you don't feel confident with DIY tanning, try a professional spray tan from a salon.