The simple answer is everyone. Sunscreen protects against the harmful UVA and UVB rays which can cause skin cancer and skin ageing. The fairer your skin the more essential sunscreen becomes. The risk of skin cancer is greater in those with lighter skin types, though Asian and African skins can prevent much of the changes associated with ageing (wrinkles, uneven skin tone and pigmentation) by using sunscreen year round whilst reducing further their already small risk of skin cancer.

Which Sunscreen Should I Use?

The BAD (British Association of Dermatologists) recommends that you should use a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection (against UVA and B). SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to UVB protection and the BAD advises using SPF 30 or above. UVA protection is indicated by either an EU standard mark (UVA in a circle) or the Boots star system – 4 or 5 stars indicates very good protection.

Water resistance is a useful addition if you are likely to be sweating as it will not run and important if you are swimming. However, it is essential to reapply after swimming or towelling as it will have washed/rubbed off. There are many types of sunscreen in different formulations. Ultimately, you should use one that you feel comfortable applying generously – both from a cosmetic perspective and financial.

When Should I Use Sunscreen?

Whenever you will be outdoors in daylight for more than about 15 minutes, but also be aware that UVA (which is the main cause of ageing) can penetrate through glass, so you will still be exposed sitting in a car. Ideally,  year-round as the UVA levels are fairly consistent year round and even when there is cloud cover. UVB causes burning and these levels increase with the intensity of the sun.

How Much Sunscreen Should I Use?

Probably more than you are at the moment! Most people do not use enough to achieve the quoted SPF. Some people suggest a shot glass worth, or a teaspoon per body part such as arms, legs, face and each side of the body, but I find these difficult concepts in practice, so I usually advise people to put enough on so that the skin looks completely white before the cream goes in.
It should be applied about 20 minutes before going out and then every two hours, or after swimming or toweling.

What is Altruist Dermatologist Sunscreen?

ALTRUIST: A sunscreen recommended by dermatologists

Developed by Dr Andrew Birnie in partnership with some of the best formulation scientists in Europe. Altruist has a broad range of photostable UV filters, including the most advanced filter Tinosorb A2B. Fabulous cosmetic feel – easily absorbed, non-sticky and no residue. Hypoallergenic and fragrance free.

According to Sue Ibrahim, our Nurse Consultant in Dermatology, cost should not be a barrier to regular use of sunscreen. Altruist is able to offer sunscreen at an affordable price, because of reduced profit margins and unnecessary marketing costs.  ‘It is our mission to reduce the incidence of skin cancer through the increased use of quality sunscreen together with better education and awareness. This sunscreen has been formulated to be acceptable to all skin types. Moreover, Altruist donates to charities supporting children with albinism’.

Altruist Sunscreen SPF50 100ml only costs £4 from Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex

• Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Exceeds EU recommendations for UVA protection
• Clinically tested
• Easily absorbed, non-sticky and no residue
• Daily use on face and body
• Excellent tolerability
• Fragrance and paraben free
• Water resistant

Click here to purchase this product now.

Altruist Sunscreen SPF30 200ml only costs £4 from Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex

• Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• SPF 30 and exceeds EU recommendations for UVA protection
• Clinically tested
• Fabulous cosmetic feel – easily absorbed, non-sticky and no residue
• Suitable for daily use on the face and body
• Excellent tolerability
• Hypoallergenic formulation
• Fragrance and paraben free
• Water resistant

Click here to purchase this product now.

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Worry not, for most you will find that these skin issues resolve themselves following the birth of your baby.  Here are some of the most common skin problems women encounter during pregnancy—and what you can do about them.

Pregnancy should be a time of excitement

Skin Sensitivity

Go easier on your skin now that you’re pregnant. You might get red more easily if you use a facial scrub, your normal facial might verge on painful, and the perfumed lotion you wear might irritate your skin (and make you nauseated, but that’s a different story). That’s why many mums-to-be switch to unscented products and start choosing products that do not contain harsh chemicals, preservatives and fragrances. “You certainly don’t want anything causing micro-tears on your skin,” says Sue Ibrahim, our dermatology nurse consultant.  “The more cuts and wounds on your skin, the easier it is for chemicals to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Ingredients to stay away from in soaps and body washes include sodium laureth sulphate, parabens and fragrance.” These ingredients aren’t just potential irritants—some say they could pose health risks to baby. We say believe it, because (not surprisingly) a lot of products aren’t tested directly on pregnant women. If you are using prescription topicals on your face you need to tell your doctor that you are pregnant as most prescription creams are not licensed for use during pregnancy either. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we advise our patients to use our Elan Medical DermaCalm range during pregnancy, because they are free from fragrances and preservatives. They also contain mild anti-inflammatory ingredients that can soothe irritated skin.

Acne breakouts during pregnancy

During pregnancy your hormones are all over the place, and that might mean pimples like you had when you were a teenager. The cruel joke, of course, is that many of the treatments that are prescribed for acne cannot be used during pregnancy. Prescription medications like Tetracyclines, Isotretinoin (Roacutane(R)) and the anti-androgen hormone therapies are definite no-nos. And the jury’s out on over-the-counter creams, since they haven’t been tested specifically on pregnant women (yup, you find that a lot with products). Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can be absorbed into the bloodstream, so they’re not worth the risk either. “You can safely use lactic acid and biosulfur to treat acne,” Sue Ibrahim says. Don’t touch, pick or squeeze pimples— just wash with a mild cleanser twice a day. “A lot of women find Acne Phototherapy beneficial during pregnancy and it is perfectly safe for both you and the baby.

Sun Sensitivity

Sorry, mums-to-be, but “pregnancy glow” does not refer to a bronzed, sun-kissed complexion. You should actually try to stay out of the sun as much as you can while you’re pregnant. That’s because your surging hormones make you susceptible to dark patches on your skin—known as melasma, or the ‘mask of pregnancy’, which is triggered by sun exposure. So pull out the big floppy hat, find a beach umbrella and be diligent about wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. If you are unlucky and do get Melasma during pregnancy it may resolve on its own following the birth of your baby, if not then you will need the help of a dermatologist I’m afraid.

Stretch marks

Now you’ve got another big skin concern: stretch marks. Anytime someone’s body grows quickly, they’re at risk for stretch marks, so the fact that baby is growing exponentially in there puts you right in the high-risk zone. Of course, not every mum-to-be gets stretch marks. “For most people, whether or not they get stretch marks has to do with genetic predisposition,” says Sue Ibrahim. But you can do your best to head them off by gently exfoliating and thoroughly moisturising your belly, boobs, stomach, hips and thighs as much as you can. As for what moisturizer to use, it’s hard to make a recommendation. “A lot of products make claims,” Sue Ibrahim says. “Some may help but aren’t really proven to prevent stretch marks.” If you are left with troublesome stretch marks following the birth of you baby, it is worth looking into the skin tightening treatments we offer at Elan Medical Skin Clinic.

Skin rashes during pregnancy

If you’ve got red, itchy skin, it’s important not to ignore it. Itchy feet and hands could be a sign of cholestasis of pregnancy, a scary complication that can cause liver problems for baby. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to make sure that’s not causing your rash. Another common pregnancy rash is PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy), which often starts in the abdomen and spreads from there. PUPPP is actually harmless to baby, but it will be completely aggravating for you. Book in for a Dermatology Consultation if you are concerned.

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Sound familiar?

Well, fear not, because we’ve collected a list of the top tips to keen your skin in tip top condition this winter.

All I want for Christmas is great skin!

As told by UK’s leading skin guru – Sue Ibrahim – who has worked with many celebrity faces.

Sue promises to keep your skin looking as good as the A-listers’ over the Christmas period.

Here are her 8 steps to party proof skin:

1. According to Sue Ibrahim the most crucial thing you must do is simply wash your face

He says: “First and foremost if you are going out at night you need to have a good face wash. When you wash your face the most important thing is getting rid of the dead skin cells as well as the pollution.

“The product needs to suit your skin type; so if you have oily skin then make sure you have a product that is for oily skin. It is simple things like this that we’re getting wrong when buying our skin care products.”

2. Swap the Baileys for a glass of water once in a while – hard we know!

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Mole checking is essential says Sue Ibrahim the nurse consultant in dermatology from Elan Medical Clinics in central London and Essex

Moles, brown spots and growths on the skin are usually harmless, but not always. If you have a certain type or large number of moles (more than 100), you are at greater risk of developing skin cancer.

The ABCDE method for checking moles is very useful but if in doubt, getting them professionally assessed is vital, says Sue Ibrahim. Sue, the nurse consultant in dermatology at Elan Medical Skin Clinics, has more than 30 years’ experience of assessing and removing moles using the latest advanced radio-wave technology. Click here to read reviews from her clients.

Asymmetry

If you draw a line through the middle of a mole, the two sides will match, meaning it is symmetrical. Anything asymmetrical is a warning sign for melanoma.

Border

A benign mole has smooth, even borders, unlike melanomas. The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven and the edges may be scalloped or notched.

Colour

Most benign moles are all one colour — often a single shade of brown. Having a variety of colours is another warning signal. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. A melanoma may also become red, white or blue.

Diameter

Melanomas are usually larger in diameter than the eraser on your pencil tip (¼ inch or 6mm), but they may sometimes be smaller when first detected. If you are concerned, seek professional help.

Evolving

Common, benign moles look the same over time. Be on the alert when a mole starts to evolve or change in any way. Any change in size, shape, colour, elevation, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting points to danger.

Help is at hand

Moles can be removed quickly and painlessly at one of our daily minor surgery clinics in Rayleigh, Essex and central London and we can also biopsy any suspicious skin lesions. If you have any concerns, book a dermatology consultation with Sue now.

Remember to use a broad spectrum sunscreen

Essex skin expert, Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic says the best way to enjoy the sunshine safely is to use a daily, broad spectrum sunscreen of factor 30 + and remember to apply it frequently and liberally thoroughly the day. The term broad spectrum means that the skin is equally protected against both UVA and UVB sunrays.

Elan Medical Skin Clinic stocks a number of broad spectrum sunscreens at an SPF 30 and 50 that are light, easy to apply and feel more like a BB cream than a sunscreen. Some are fragrance free, paraben free and oil free so they can be used on the most sensitive of skins. Some are even suitable for acne prone skins. We also stock sunscreens that are slightly tinted, leaving your skin with a natural sun kissed glow. And with prices from £14.50 it is not expensive to protect your skin.

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The DermaActives hyperpigmentation programme from Elan Medical Skin Clinics

During the summer months, keep an eye out for patches of darker-than-normal skin that can develop on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, chin and jaw, and sometimes the neck and forearms.

London skin expert, Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinics in central London and Rayleigh, Essex explains that the condition is called melasma and it’s a common skin complaint that affects women and men.

Melasma is when brown or greyish pigmentation appears on the face, the exact cause of which is not known. But rest assured that it is not contagious, not due to an allergy and is not cancerous. It is not itchy or sore, so if you have a raised rash that is, please seek further advice immediately.

Melasma is more noticeable in the summer and often improves during the winter. Several factors can contribute to the skin disorder, such as pregnancy, hormonal drugs such as the pill, medical conditions that affect hormone levels, the use of sunbeds and exposure to the sun.

Although the condition is harmless, it can be upsetting and can affect people’s quality of life. If you would like to talk to an nurse consultant in dermatology about what can be done to help, look no further than Sue Ibrahim, who has more than 30 years of experience in skin conditions.

How can Elan Medical Skin Clinic help?

Sue, our award-winning nurse consultant in dermatology uses a highly effective treatment programme to reduce the signs of photodamage and ageing that result in fine lines, age spots, skin laxity, an uneven, dull complexion and hyperpigmentation.

The DermaActive Hyperpigmentation Programme of 5 products contains highly effective ingredients that will help lighten the hyper-pigmented patches in the upper layers of your face and neck. This programme can be purchased on our website and contains DermaActive Cleanser, DermaActive Exfoliator, DermaActive Serum, DermaActive Cream and DermaProtect Day Cream with SPF 50.

The DermaActive Melasma Programme contains prescription only creams that help clear pigmentation in the deeper layers of the skin. These creams also inhibit the production of pigment in pigment-producing cells. Due to the prescription only element, this system can only be purchased following a face-to-face skin consultation.

Here’s a testimonial from one of our clients:

“I just wanted to say that I have been using Elan Medical Skin Clinic’s DermaActive range religiously for over 6 months now. My skin has never been so clear, healthy looking and blemish free. Initially I saw Sue for my Melasma but since solving this problem for me I have continued to use the DermaActive range morning and night, which have given me amazing results. I also use their pressed mineral foundation, which is the best I have ever used. Over the years I have spent hundreds of pounds on creams, lotions and potions – none of which ever did any good. The DermaActive range is effective and I will now use nothing else on my skin. Thank you Sue.”

Skin affected by melasma darkens more than the surrounding skin with exposure to sunlight, so sun-avoidance and sun-protection are important. The most important thing you can do if you have melasma is to protect your skin from sunlight exposure. It is also important to avoid the use of sunbeds.

Not sure if you have melasma? Why not complete our online Skin Assessment? You are welcome to contact us for more information or to book a dermatology consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Some sunshine is good for us and helps our bodies create vitamin D, not to mention the wellbeing and feel good factors it

Woman stays safe in the sun thanks to advice from Elan Medical Skin expert, Sue Ibrahim

induces. Essex skin expert, Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic says the best way to enjoy the sunshine safely is to use a daily, broad spectrum sunscreen of factor 30 + and remember to apply it frequently and liberally thoroughly the day.

The term broad spectrum means that the skin is equally protected against both UVA and UVB sunrays. UVA is associated with skin ageing and UVB is responsible for sunburn and has strong links to skin cancer. Sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) will help block UVB rays and prevent the skin from burning, and by extension, damage that can cause skin cancer.

Years ago if you wanted a high factor sunscreen you would end up putting a gloopy, greasy cream on your face and body that would not rub in well and you would end up with a ghostly white face.

Elan Medical Skin Clinic stocks a number of broad spectrum sunscreens at an SPF 50 that are light, easy to apply that feel more like a BB cream than a sunscreen. Some are fragrance free, paraben free and oil free so they can be used on the most sensitive of skins. Some are even suitable for acne prone skins. We also stock sunscreens that are slightly tinted, leaving your skin with a natural sun kissed glow. And with prices from £15 it is not expensive to protect your skin. Our sunscreens are available to buy at our Elan Medical SKin Clinics in Rayleigh and central London.

To complement our range of high quality, low cost sunscreens, Elan Medical DermaActives also produces a pressed mineral foundation in a wide range of shades that also provides extra sun protection.

But don’t just take our word for it – read some client reviews on our BB sunscreen and mineral foundation on the Elan Medical Skin Clinic Facebook page.

Help sheet

There’s a fabulous factsheet available on the British Association of Dermatologists’ website – click here to have a read.

Please heed the following advice from the British Association of Dermatologists: “Studies have found that most people apply less than half of the amount of sunscreen required to provide the level of protection indicated on the packaging. Areas such as the back and sides of the neck, temples and ears are commonly missed, so you need to apply it generously and be careful not to miss patches.”

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