Which sun factor and moisturiser should I use?

* I am in my early 30s and have sensitive skin. I am worried about the visible signs of ageing, pigmentation, and the negative effects of the sun’s rays.

I have read that we should use an SPF every day to protect against UVA and UVB rays. I am reluctant to use moisturiser with SPF as I understand using both together is not advisable. I am currently using Organic Aloe Vera sun factor SPF 15 on my face and not using any moisturiser before I apply my make-up. I would appreciate your advice on which sun factor and moisturiser to use.

This is a difficult balance to achieve, since sunshine is crucial to our health and wellbeing (physical and mental), however, we also want to avoid sun damage.

As little as 10 to 15 minutes of mid-morning sunshine a day is all we need to manufacture enough vitamin D, which is less than two hours a week.

One of the real problems when it comes to skincare products is the fact that chemical ingredients in conventional products (including sunscreen) accumulate in the lipid layers and can trigger the growth of cancer cells. To avoid this, it is important to use skin products that don’t block the pores and inhibit the elimination of toxins via the skin, by choosing natural, toxin-free options.

Chemicals such as parabens, oxybenzone, PABA, and petroleum by-products are best avoided – oxybenzene, for example, becomes carcinogenic when exposed to sunlight.

Of course, even when using natural sun protection, we shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that we can spend extended time in the sun. The UV-B rays are responsible for the burn response, whereas the UV-A rays are linked with skin cancers and photo-ageing.

Diet plays just as an important role in terms of sun damage. Processed foods, transfats, and birth control pills have all been linked with hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, inflammation, and age spots. Eating a diet high in organic fresh fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, healthy fats, and drinking plenty of pure water tips the odds in your favour.

Scientists disagree as to whether or not the body synthesises vitamin D effectively when we are wearing sunscreen, so it may be worth taking a good vitamin D3 supplement as well if spending 10-15 minutes in the sun without skin protection is not an option. If you need to wear sunscreen every day, I suggest you spend at least a couple of hours with bare skin each evening if possible.

Choosing the correct SPF can be calculated to a certain extent. If it would typically take around 10 minutes for your skin to redden without any sunscreen, then it will take 15 times longer with an SPF15 sunscreen, affording you two-and-a-half hours of protection.

Depending on how easily your skin burns, and how much time you spend in the sun, you can roughly calculate which SPF is most suitable for you.

The two main concerns with combining moisturiser and sunscreen are the possibility of a reaction between the chemical ingredients, or a reduction in the effectiveness of the sunscreen when combined with moisturiser. The first concern is easily put to rest since you already favour organic and non-toxic products. The second issue can be addressed either by applying the sunscreen before the moisturiser or choosing a moisturiser with an SPF rating.

I read with interest your response to a query on hay fever. Do you know where I can buy Oralmat drops in Cork?

Oralmat drops can be difficult to come by in Ireland — I am not currently aware of any local stockists. It is worth asking your local health store or pharmacy if they are able to order this remedy in for you.

In the meantime, you can contact the suppliers by email: [e-mail]. You can also order Oralmat online from The Health Corner at www.oralmat.co.uk.