Sporting Summer Calls for ‘Safety in the Sun’

As the nation prepares itself for a sport-filled summer, leading skin expert SkinGenesis is warning fans about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure with the launch of its ‘Safety in the Sun’ campaign.

Wimbledon, the World Cup and the cricket test matches will attract fans from around the world, and if they’re not at the heart of the action UK fans will be glued to pub garden widescreens up and down the country.

For what is set to be a scorcher of a summer, fans are being urged to use adequate sun protection to avoid taking time out due to ill-health.

SkinGenesis will kick off its ‘Safety in the Sun’ campaign from Monday 14^th June 2010 by providing free, personalised sun protection advice to the public. The first 100 visitors to each of its clinics will receive a free UV Guardian Wristband to indicate the intensity of UV radiation – perfect for staying sun-safe at music and sporting events.

Sunburn, dehydration, skin damage and sunstroke are the most common illnesses associated with sun exposure, says Peter Beard, director of treatments at SkinGenesis. “As always, this summer’s sporting events will bring everyone together and the last thing fans want is to feel ill due to prolonged sun exposure and have to miss out on the action to recuperate.

“People often don’t realise how much sun they’ve had until it’s too late. Drinking lots of water and using adequate sun protection can prevent sun-related illness, prolonged skin damage and can protect against developing skin cancer.”

SkinGenesis’ ‘Safety in the Sun’ campaign aims to educate the public about the dangers of sun exposure and advise on how they can increase their own natural resistance to UV rays through diet and lifestyle choices.

UV-B radiation is most associated with sunburn, which stimulates the production of melanin in the body. UV-A radiation then causes the melanin to pigment, resulting in a tan, which in reality is the body’s own natural indicator of skin damage. Both types are thought to play an active part in the development of skin cancer.

Peter added: “Some sun protection creams do not protect against both types of radiation, so it’s important to check the labels to ensure you’re fully protected.”

Top Tips for protecting your skin naturally:

• Prevent sunburn with ketchup: Eating processed tomatoes (for example tomato juice or tomato sauce) will help prevent sun burn.
• Drink coffee! Caffeine and exercise combined will boost the body's immune system against UV radiation.
• A colourful diet is important: Fresh fruit and vegetables are essential. Go for freshness, variety and intense colours.
• Top up folic acid: Foods rich in folic acid include broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, peas, chick peas and brown rice.
• Antioxidants are essential: Intensely coloured berries and red grapes are a good source of antioxidants.

SkinGenesis provides sun protection advice during all its consultations. UV imaging technology is provided during a free expert skin analysis to highlight areas of the skin that have already suffered damage from the sun’s radiation.

For more sun protection advice or general information on SkinGenesis visit www.skingenesis.co.uk

ENDS