Step three B

Just a few years ago, skin protection was largely an optional consideration, something that most of us bothered about only at the height of summer, if at all. Only perhaps when we spent an extended time out of doors did we take the trouble to slap on any old sun screen.

Just a few years ago, skin protection was largely an optional consideration, something that most of us bothered about only at the height of summer, if at all. Only perhaps when we spent an extended time out of doors did we take the trouble to slap on any old sun screen.

Today, no one, regardless of skin type, can afford to be so cavalier about Australia's merciless climate or so indifferent to protecting their skin. With the ozone layer steadily thinning, we are increasingly exposed to harmful ultra-violet rays. In fact, in Australia, the UV in the sun's rays on a cloudy day is more dangerous than on a bright day on the Mediterranean.

And so it has become essential (if you seriously wish to avoid premature aging, not to mention skin cancer) to take precautions to protect your skin all year round. This applies, no matter what your skin type is.

That said, it is important to choose a suitable sun-screen appropriate to your skin type. If you have an oily skin, choose a less greasy product. It doesn't have to be outrageously expensive. Often with "Luxury" brand names, you are paying mostly for that - the name. On the other hand, I've always believed that the bigger the bottle, the poorer the product.

Deciding when to use a protective sun cream is a matter of common sense. If you're going to be gardening for a few hours or relaxing at the beach, then you definitely should apply it - over clean skin. If your exposure to sunlight is combined with other climatic conditions such as ocean sports, skiing or mountain climbing, you'll need additional protection [MOISTURIZER} against the drying out effect of cold or hot winds, the salt from seawater or perhaps the chlorine in a swimming pool.

On the other hand, if you are only outside for half an hour (say you go to work early and come home late), a sunscreen is not necessary, especially for problem skin. Instead , if the sun is already bright during those times you are exposed, wear a hat and sunglasses.

Sun screens, while vital in our climate, do have some drawbacks. By their very protective nature, they close the pores, preventing the skin from "Breathing" normally. This in turn creates a buildup of impurities (blackheads). Underneath the sun screen, you perspire, so you wipe the skin, then apply more cream. This whole process leads to the overstimulation of the sebaceous glands. So, to balance the activity of the sebaceous glands, you should use a more or less protective moisturizing product during the day. This product should only moisturize, not nourish.

It is a little- known fact that in some nourishing creams, the active ingredient actually attracts ultra - violet, which ultimately dries out and ages the skin even more.

R. Kanitz- Birnbaum

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