Defending your skin inside and out

Dermatologist Dr Edit Olasz, founder of Harken Derm, gives Seahorse an update on 360° sun protection for sailing athletes

There has been a definite shift towards mineral-based sunscreens, which are seen as less harmful to the environment. In 2020 new pathways were created in the US for approval of UV filters that are already used in other countries.

A study conducted amongst Spanish sailors at the Tokyo Olympics test event showed that despite high levels of sun exposure that were measured during the event, many of the sailors did not adhere to sun-protective behaviour and experienced sunburn. Also, a large study conducted during the 50th Barcolana in 2018 showed that although most sailors reported a history of severe sunburn (20.2 per cent), 14.4 per cent said they never used sunscreen, 59 per cent used sunscreen only once a day on the face (55 per cent) and shoulders (26 per cent). Perhaps most frightening is that during this event a dermatological examination found suspicious lesions for skin cancer in 37 per cent of the sailors.

For professional sailors, constant sun exposure accelerates skin aging by breaking down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and a loss of elasticity. Prolonged UV exposure also increases the risk of skin cancer, making it essential to adopt a comprehensive sun protection strategy.

By integrating external protection, hydration and nutrition, which I call 360° protection, people with chronic sun exposure can significantly extend the health and appearance of their skin. This is not just about aesthetics – it’s crucial to preserve skin function, reducing risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, and ensuring overall wellbeing.

Safeguarding the skin and eyes from UV radiation requires a multifaceted strategy—integrating external protective measures with internal nutritional support. While supplements can enhance the body's defense against UV damage, they should complement, not replace, traditional sun protection.

Main picture and below: there is still need for continued education, especially for sailing schools for kids and young adults and also for sailing athletes, about sun protection and better tools and methods to achieve what is now called “skin longevity”. Longevity is the new buzzword in regenerative medicine. Skin longevity is the cornerstone of maintaining youthful and resilient skin

While sunscreen is essential, achieving 360° sun protection requires a strategic approach: protecting the skin externally with sunscreen, clothing, sunglasses and shade-seeking, as well as internally through dietary supplements. These supplements are widely used by athletes to potentially enhance performance, support health and aid in recovery. While some of them have evidence supporting their benefits, others may pose health risks or lead to inadvertent doping violations. Understanding the role and impact of these supplements is crucial for athletes aiming to optimise their performance safely.

There is a plethora of evidence that certain supplements can aid the skin fighting UV-induced damage largely through mitigating oxidative damage. I have developed, with experts of supplement science in Hungary, a nutraceutical supplement to increase the skin’s and eyes’ resistance to UV rays. Clinical study showed that taking Harken Derm SunPro increased the time one can spend in the sun without burning. There is also evidence that skin-specific antioxidants can help reduce unwanted pigment (sunspots, melasma) and slow down skin aging.

Below are some key ingredients in SunPro that, when combined with traditional sun protection, help to maintain skin health and peak performance under the sun.

1. Polypodium Leucotomos is a fern extract known for its antioxidant properties. It helps reduce the harmful effects of UV radiation through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help combat free radical damage caused by UV exposure.

2. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Studies in Australia showed that it can reduce the occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma and precancers called actinic keratosis.

3. Lutein and Zeaxanthin supplementation improves visual performance under glare and enhances retinal protection against UV-induced oxidative stress.

4. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from damage.

5. Vitamin E is also a well-known antioxidant and stabilises cell membranes, maintaining skin hydration and promoting healing.

6. Zinc is an essential mineral that supports skin health and plays an important role in wound healing. It has been shown to reduce the skin’s inflammatory response to UV exposure and promote skin regeneration.

7. Copper is a trace mineral that is essential for collagen and elastin production, two proteins that are vital for skin integrity and elasticity.

8. Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) is essential for cell growth and regeneration, playing a crucial role in repairing DNA and tissue damage caused by UV exposure.

Harken Derm’s Two-Step Solution of Morning Protection and Evening Repair is complemented with SunPro to deliver 360° Sun Protection. In addition, we listened to users’ requests and developed Fresh Face, a gentle soothing face wipe that can remove our very water- and sweat- resistant Ultimate Shield sunscreen at the end of the day.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before initiating any new supplement regimen. By adopting a 360° approach to sun protection, sailors can better preserve their skin health and sustain their peak performance on the water.

Stay vigilant, stay protected, and have fun with confidence under the sun!

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