Weightwatchers: Lowdown on SPF

Weightwatchers magazine looks at the importance of sun protection and how many of us don’t know how to apply it properly. 

The feature asked Dr Ross Perry to give his expert opinion. He warned:

“Those trying to get a sneaky tan by using less SPF are exposing themselves to harmful rays, and every time you get severe sunburn you increase your chances of developing skin cancer by up to 10 times.”

SPF Sunscreen Myths

Weightwatchers asked Dr Ross Perry to respond to common beliefs on sun protection:

• Sun cream works instantly – WRONG
  Apply 20 minutes before exposing skin to sunlight as it needs to be properly absorbed. Remember to reapply straight after swimming
• Foundation protects from the sun – WRONG
  Makeup with added SPF won’t suffice in summer – you need SPF under foundation
• Suncream lasts forever – WRONG
  The little pot with 3M/6M/12M indicates how many months the product is safe to use once opened
• More expensive = better protection – WRONG
  All you need is high SPF and a minimum 4 star UVA rating
• Sun cream harms the environment – WRONG
  Chemical sunscreen pollutes the sea – try mineral-based sun cream instead
• You can’t burn on a cloudy day – WRONG
  Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds

So remember to stay protected in the sun this summer.

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry regularly provides expert comment and advises the media on a range of skincare and health-related issues.

He has particular expertise in skin surgery mole removal and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He provides expert advice on skin cancer, sun damage and sun protection for a variety of UK media and publications.

He is also highly experienced in non-surgical cosmetic and medical treatments such as BOTOX® and dermal fillers, where he has a reputation for excellent results that look entirely natural.

DR ROSS PERRY

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.