Here comes the sun

Exposure to ultra violet (UV) rays poses a danger to the skin and indeed, experts say, is one of the leading causes of skin cancer. It’s a silent predator that continues to endanger your skin no matter how hard you try to avoid it so regular sunscreen protection is a must.
Leading skincare brand Eucerin recently teamed up with Boots Retail Thailand to launch a new campaign titled “Fight UV for Healthy Skin” and promote protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays by using products that contain an oxidant filter”.
Dermatologist Dr Rungsima Wanitphakdeedacha notes that cream and lotions that focus on protecting skin from UVA and UVB are almost 100-per-cent effective.
“But no matter how regularly you apply these to your skin, a small amount of UVA is going to creep in, causing a chain reaction of damage that effects the cells. The collagen in the skin cells is destroyed for up to 60 days after exposure to the sun, which is why people keep on tanning even when they come back from the beach.
“For that reason, you should also select a product that has both UV and oxidant filters as they stop the chain reaction.”
Dr Rattaporn Uengpakorn, the secretary general of the Dermatological Society of Thailand, adds that many women buy expensive sun protection to ensure they are getting the best quality yet only use a tiny amount each time.
“That’s silly because applying too small an amount won’t protect your skin from the sun.
“You must apply it in adequate amounts. For example, for your face, the quantity of sun protection cream should measure at least two-thirds of your index finger. And you should apply it all over the face and the neck in the same amount. The best way is to apply it at least 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. And it is also important to select FDA-approved sun protection that matches your skin type and skin colour,” he says.
Eucerin says that its latest study on oxidant filters indicates that a product containing this ingredient protects the deeper layers of the skin from damage though it is important to use it every day. Applying it for 15 consecutive days or more lessens the oxidant from sunlight and helps restore skin back to its full glory. Dark spots fade. Collagen destruction level is lessened and melisma and wrinkles are also reduced.
Socialite Pimpisa “Pear” Chirathivat says she loves being outdoors and has always believed that a high SPF and PA+++ sunscreen afforded optimum protection.
“Then I started to see some dark spots and melasma on my face. I know from the Eucerin experts that oxidant filters enhance deep-down skin protection and that the ingredient has recently been clinically proved as being effective at protecting melasma, so I’ve switched to the Eucerin product. As we move into summer, I would like to urge everyone to pay more attention to their skin and be meticulous in applying sun protection everyday,” she says.