In the new South Africa we are proud of our rainbow nation and as much as we enjoy carefree summer days we all need to take caution when spending time outdoors.

Although people are more aware of the dangers of the sun most of us don't really know the difference between UVA and UVB rays. There are also a number of misconceptions when it come to skin care such as people with darker skin tones don't need to wear sunscreen.

When deciding what sunscreen to purchase it's important to understand some of the basics. According to the Smart Programme from Clicks there is a difference between UVA and UVB rays.

There is a difference

UVB rays are the ones that are felt immediately, the ones that make your skin go red and in severe cases blister when left in the sun for too long especially when unprotected.

The UVA rays however are the less obvious but much more lethal ones; these are the rays that cause premature aging and skin cancer. This is why it is absolutely essential to ensure that your sunscreen has both UVA and UVB protection for all skin types.

Research has shown that the darker the skin tone the higher the resistance to UVA and UVB rays; this is clearly indicated (although not as a general rule — there are exceptions) through human evolution and how people indigenous to regions with more tropical climates and highest sun exposure have darker skin tones with thicker more densely pigmented skins when compared to those that live in colder areas.

In countries like South Africa which have an equal summer/winter temperature split as well as such a diverse racial group there is no such thing as a blanket rule when it comes to skincare in summer.

Different skin types

It is essential therefore to know your skin type and how best to care for it when spending time outdoors over the December holiday period. There are four different skin colour categories that are used when referring to the sun index; these are:

1. White skin that burns easily and tends not to tan;
2. White skin that tans easily;
3. Brown skin, and
4. Black skin.

For those people that are unsure which category is theirs or feel that they are between two categories it is best to always opt for the paler and safer option i.e. lower category number, no matter how much we like to think of ourselves as bronzed beach goddesses!

One then also needs to consider the UV index which is determined by the position of the sun in the sky and the amount of cloud cover in the sky.

When the sun is at its highest, i.e. midday, the UV rays are at their strongest and most dangerous.

Cloud cover also plays a large role with dense thick cloud protecting us from a certain proportion of UV rays and bizarrely, some thin cloud cover acting as a UV magnifier. This is why it is essential to check the UV index and not just the weather forecast.

For more information speak to a pharmacist at select Clicks stores around the country who can advise you on the correct sun care products for your skin type and all the members of your family. Remember you need protection before and during sun exposure, as well as after sun care. Sun information pamphlets are available at cash registers with useful advice on how to safely enjoy your time in the sun knowing that you are looking after your health, skin and hair with useful tips for children and sun care.