When summer starts, getting some sun exposure is essential to raise our Vitamin D levels. However, it is important to remember that the sun also has some harmful properties. It emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can damage our skin cells’ DNA. Over time, if enough damage accumulates, this can cause cells to grow in an uncontrolled manner, leading to skin cancer. in this timely article, we will cover the types of UV rays, how to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, tips for parents and more.
There are three types of UV rays:
The sun isn’t the only source of UV radiation. Artificial sources of UV radiation include tanning beds, mercury vapor lighting (lights found in stadiums) and some halogen/fluorescent lighting).
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 20% of Americans develop skin cancer by 70 years-old. Your risk of developing skin cancer doubles after having more than five sunburns. However, if melanoma (a type of skin cancer) is detected early, it has a 99% five-year survival rate.
UVA and UVB can both speed up the rate at which your skin ages and also damage your eyes. UVB can cause snow blindness, a temporary state of blindness due to UVB burning your cornea. Additionally, UV exposure can reduce your body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off disease.
Sunscreen should be a summer staple, kept close by in your cupboard. Sun protection factor (SPF) is a measure of UVB protection sunscreen offers. SPF ratings range from as low as two to 50 plus. The higher the SPF, the stronger the UVB protection. Ranging from one to five stars, sunscreen’s star rating indicates the amount of UVA protection it offers. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are the best to use, because they include both UVA and UVB protection.
Key tips to buying adequate protective sunscreen:
Sunscreen offers great protection against UV screens, but you should not rely on it alone. While covering as much of your skin with a clothing barrier is recommended, companies have now released Ultraviolet Protective Factor (UPF) clothing. UPF 50 clothing only allows 2% of sunrays to reach the skin, blocking 98%, which significantly reduces UV exposure risk.
To protect your face and eyes, think about wearing wide-brim hats (to protect your ears as well) and sunglasses. Your lips are also made of skin cells, so using a lip balm with SPF protection is essential.
Shaded areas are locations where there are lower levels of UV rays. If you are out in peak hours, try and avoid direct sunlight and stick to shaded areas. Alternatively, you can use an umbrella for a mobile shade. One way to avoid high UV hours in your region, is by organizing indoor activities during this time.
UV rays are still present in the winter time. They can penetrate clouds and fog, and reflect well off shiny surfaces like snow. Incorporating daily sunscreen habits can ensure you have year-round protection. Get a small bottle of facial sunscreen and apply it every morning before leaving the house.
Sunbeds are not considered safe for the skin. They emit highly intensive UV radiation to allow for quick tanning. According to the World Health Organisation, one sunbed session alone can increase your risk of squamous cell skin cancer and basal cell skin cancer by 67% and 29% respectively. A safer alternative to artificial tanning is fake tanning lotions, however, ensure they are not full of chemicals which can also damage the skin.
It is a common misconception that darker skin tones do not need UV protection. Darker skin types do have more melanin than fairer skin which offers a degree of sun protection, but this does not mean that darker skin types don't suffer harmful UV effects. Sun damage can happen to all skin types and SPF protection is recommended for all.
If you know your skin has a sensitivity to products, you might want to spend some time looking into hypoallergenic and gentle sunscreen formulas. A mineral sunscreen, containing zinc or titanium can be less irritating and a suitable option for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Younger skin is more sensitive to the dangerous effects of sunlight. If babies' and children's skin are exposed to the sun from a young age, the damage can lead to skin cancer later on. Make sure they are appropriately dressed, have enough sunscreen applied and keep them out of peak UV sunlight where possible. Young infants, under the age of six months, should be kept away from direct sunlight.
Rash guards, sun hats and sunglasses are extremely important additions for your child’s summer outfit. While the benefits of playing outside are numerous (fresh air, Vitamin D etc), encourage your children to play in shaded areas where possible. Sunrays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, which is the best time to stick to the shade. Instilling these routines from a young age will translate to their adult years and will make UV protective habits natural.
The sun is so important to us thriving and living on earth, however, we need to understand the intensity of the sun's rays to adequately protect ourselves from future harm. Sun protective habits can be time-consuming to include into your day-to-day activity, however, think of it as an investment in the future!
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