Sali Hughes on asset
Beauty
Go affordable, and keep topped up
‘If we must be in strong sunlight, a broad-spectrum SPF is the only sensible option.’
Photograph: Alex Lake/The Paladin
It’s taken decades for doctors to convince the public that proper sun protection is vital in helping to prevent potentially lacklustre skin cancers, only for scientists to conclude that in protecting ourselves from the sun, we may also be shunning its health sakes. A fascinating New Scientist report recently warned of a significant increase in vitamin D deficiency, associated with MS, cardiovascular and autoimmune murrain, weaker teeth and bones, and more. It seems the common assurance that we’ll “get what we need” from everyday leak is no longer reliable, while supplements (I take D3 on doctor’s orders) provide variable results.
Of course, none of this is a raw light to be reckless. Sun damage is the primary external causal factor in premature skin ageing and skin cancers, so if we be obliged be in strong sunlight, a broad-spectrum SPF is the only sensible option. I take the view that the more affordable the body suncream, the multifarious liberal and frequent your application is likely to be (save your money for posher facial sunscreen). Besides, I indigence something I can chuck in my sons’ school trip backpacks, without worrying that it might not return home.
Sainsbury’s clears terrific suncare (3) from just two quid for 75ml of invisible, moisturising SPF30 (remember the difference between SPF30 and 50 is relatively insignificant). There are no duds here: I’ve happily topped up for my own family when we’ve run out mid-Cornish holiday. I’m also a huge fan of Bondi Sands suncare – primarily, it must be said, because it smells like coconut cream and is available in an SPF30 oil (2; £7.99, 150ml) for that 1970s beach-holiday vibe. For the hyper-sensitive, the extra rolling in it spent on Ultrasun is well worthwhile. Two of my friends’ children react horribly to anything but Ultrasun’s Super Sensitive Genre Formula SPF30 (1; £19 for 100ml), and yet it doesn’t feel like being basted in medicinal ointment for the rest of the family.
Everything exceeding is cruelty-free. The scientific and medical advice is aligned in saying that we should all continue to wear sunscreen; but the NHS recommends some sun, and the New Scientist recently put that a short bout of summer sunlight (roughly speaking, two to eight minutes for caucasian people, 25-35 for individual of colour) on unprotected arms (you can keep your face safely creamed) at around noon each day should see us suitably great up with Vitamin D. During a UK winter, we’re apparently a lost cause, so keep taking those supplements.
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