SLGA Golf Trends - SEPTEMBER 2006

Here Comes The Sun!

Red, blotchy skin that stings when you touch it. That’s not what you want to see after a great day out on the golf course. But in tropical Singapore, a sunny day out on the grassy greens can give you sunburn without your realising it till it’s too late!

Too much sun can cause your skin to age prematurely, leaving you with wrinkled, leathery skin and even up your risk for skin cancer in the long run. To keep your youthful good looks and prevent nasty burns, here are a few tips to saving your skin!

1. Slather on sunscreen. Squeeze out at least one ounce to cover the whole body and apply it 30 minutes before you venture out onto the greens for the best protection.

For best coverage. Get one that’s at least SPF 30 or higher and blocks out both UVA and UVB rays. Most sunscreens block out UVB but not UVA rays, which are the harmful ones that cause skin disorders.

Protect your face. Don’t neglect your face – that’s where age shows the most! Make sure it’s specially formulated for the face as normal sunblock is too rich for delicate facial skin. To protect your puckers from sunburn, just glide on a lip balm with SPF.

1. Cap it! While we take extra care with our skin, we often miss out on our scalp. Directly exposed to the sun’s rays, your scalp can develop sunburn as well. So while visors look cool and feel less restrictive, they do little to protect your scalp. Invest in a good cap. There’re many great looking caps on the market that are lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and very affordable.

1. It’s all about timing. If possible, try not to arrange for your games to take place between 10am and 4pm. That’s when the sun’s rays are at its most vicious! Just be sure to book ahead to ensure you get the best slots – at least one week in advance, two, if it’s a public holiday.

1. Fashion (and common) sense. Dark-coloured long sleeved shirts and long pants are the best in giving your ample sun protection as they absorb more of the sun’s UV rays than light coloured clothing.

But if you don’t fancy such restrictive and sweat-inducing clothes, there are many cute tops available from big sports brands that help block out UV rays, but feels light and airy to the wearer. Be warned though, they don’t come cheap!
 
Frequent exposure to the sun’s rays, even on cloudy days, can be harmful to skin. If you spot any odd skin discolouration, spots or moles, it’s best to seek a doctor’s advice.