Soaking up the sun's rays used to be considered healthy before we learned about the dangers of ultraviolet rays.
Sunlight can be used to treat some skin diseases, but we all need to avoid overexposure to the sun. Too much sun can cause sunburn, wrinkles, freckles, skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels, and skin cancers. It may also cause rash problems.
The sun's rays
The sun produces both visible and invisible rays. The invisible rays, known as ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB), cause most of the problems. Both cause suntan, sunburn, and sun damage. There is no "safe" UV light.
Harmful UV rays are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes, and closer to the equator.
The sun's harmful effects are also increased by wind and reflections from water, sand, and snow. Even on cloudy days UV radiation reaches the earth and can cause skin damage.
Protection from the sun
Using sun protection will help prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of cancer. Sun protection should always start with avoiding peak sun hours and dressing sensibly. Most clothing absorbs or reflects UV rays, but light fabrics like loose-knit cotton, and wet clothes that cling to your skin, do not offer much protection. The tighter the weave, the more sun protection it will offer, wear a wide-brimmed hat and(or) sunglasses. If you must be in the sun, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, but higher factors such as SPF 50 or 60 are better, even on cloudy days.
Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's rays on the skin. They are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and wax sticks. All are labelled with SPF numbers. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn, caused mostly by UVB rays. Some sunscreens, called "broad spectrum," block out both UVA and UVB rays. These do a better job of protecting skin from other effects of the sun. However, sunscreens are not perfect. Sunscreens should be applied about 20 minutes before going outdoors. Even water-resistant sunscreens should be reapplied about every two hours, after swimming, or after strenuous activities. Beach umbrellas and other kinds of shade are a good idea, but they do not provide full
protection because UV rays can still bounce off sand, water, and porch decks. Remember, UV rays are invisible.
Sunlight can be used to treat some skin diseases, but we all need to avoid overexposure to the sun. Too much sun can cause sunburn, wrinkles, freckles, skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels, and skin cancers. It may also cause rash problems.
The sun's rays
The sun produces both visible and invisible rays. The invisible rays, known as ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB), cause most of the problems. Both cause suntan, sunburn, and sun damage. There is no "safe" UV light.
Harmful UV rays are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes, and closer to the equator.
The sun's harmful effects are also increased by wind and reflections from water, sand, and snow. Even on cloudy days UV radiation reaches the earth and can cause skin damage.
Protection from the sun
Using sun protection will help prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of cancer. Sun protection should always start with avoiding peak sun hours and dressing sensibly. Most clothing absorbs or reflects UV rays, but light fabrics like loose-knit cotton, and wet clothes that cling to your skin, do not offer much protection. The tighter the weave, the more sun protection it will offer, wear a wide-brimmed hat and(or) sunglasses. If you must be in the sun, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, but higher factors such as SPF 50 or 60 are better, even on cloudy days.
Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's rays on the skin. They are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and wax sticks. All are labelled with SPF numbers. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn, caused mostly by UVB rays. Some sunscreens, called "broad spectrum," block out both UVA and UVB rays. These do a better job of protecting skin from other effects of the sun. However, sunscreens are not perfect. Sunscreens should be applied about 20 minutes before going outdoors. Even water-resistant sunscreens should be reapplied about every two hours, after swimming, or after strenuous activities. Beach umbrellas and other kinds of shade are a good idea, but they do not provide full
protection because UV rays can still bounce off sand, water, and porch decks. Remember, UV rays are invisible.
Effects of the sun
Sunburn - Your chances of developing a sunburn are greatest between 10am and 4pm, when the sun's rays are strongest. It's easier to burn on a hot day, because heat increases the effects of UV rays.
Sunburn - Your chances of developing a sunburn are greatest between 10am and 4pm, when the sun's rays are strongest. It's easier to burn on a hot day, because heat increases the effects of UV rays.
Tanning - A tan is often mistaken as a sign of good health. Dermatologists know better. A suntan is actually the result of skin injury. Tanning occurs when UV rays enter the skin and it protects itself by producing more pigment or melanin.
Indoor tanning is just as bad for your skin as sunlight. Most tanning salons use ultraviolet-A bulbs.
Ageing - People who work outdoors or sunbathe without sun protection can develop tough, leathery skin, making them look older than they are.
Wrinkles - Wrinkles are directly related to sun exposure. They can be intensified by smoking.
Skin cancer - More than 90 percent of all skin cancers occur on sun-exposed skin. The face,
neck, ears, forearms, and hands are the most common places it appears.
When detected early it can be cured if ignored, it spreads throughout the body and can be fatal.
Tips for sun protection
· Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 on all exposed skin, including the
lips, but higher factors such as SPF 50 or 60 are better, even on cloudy days.
· If exposed to water, either through swimming or sweating, a water-resistant sunscreen should be used.
· Reapply sunscreen frequently, usually every two hours.
· Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
· Sit in the shade whenever possible.
· Wear protective, tightly woven clothing.
· Plan outdoor activities early or late in the day to avoid peak sunlight hours between 10am and 4pm.
Do you know the facts about tanning & sunburn?
ß There is no such thing as a safe tan. A tan is visual evidence that skin has been damaged.
ß There is no such thing as a safe sunburn. A sunburn means that the rays of sun have burned your skin.
ß A “base tan” offers no protection. There is no evidence that getting a tan will protect your skin in any way.
ß Tanning booths do not provide “safe” tans. The wavelengths of light used will burn your skin just as readily as the sun.
ß Everyone eventually has wrinkles. However, repeated overexposure to the sun will substantially speed up the wrinkling process.
Everyone should be able to enjoy sunny days. By using a little common sense, as well as these guidelines, you can safely work and play outdoors without worrying too much about skin cancer or wrinkles.
Have fun…
Ageing - People who work outdoors or sunbathe without sun protection can develop tough, leathery skin, making them look older than they are.
Wrinkles - Wrinkles are directly related to sun exposure. They can be intensified by smoking.
Skin cancer - More than 90 percent of all skin cancers occur on sun-exposed skin. The face,
neck, ears, forearms, and hands are the most common places it appears.
When detected early it can be cured if ignored, it spreads throughout the body and can be fatal.
Tips for sun protection
· Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 on all exposed skin, including the
lips, but higher factors such as SPF 50 or 60 are better, even on cloudy days.
· If exposed to water, either through swimming or sweating, a water-resistant sunscreen should be used.
· Reapply sunscreen frequently, usually every two hours.
· Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
· Sit in the shade whenever possible.
· Wear protective, tightly woven clothing.
· Plan outdoor activities early or late in the day to avoid peak sunlight hours between 10am and 4pm.
Do you know the facts about tanning & sunburn?
ß There is no such thing as a safe tan. A tan is visual evidence that skin has been damaged.
ß There is no such thing as a safe sunburn. A sunburn means that the rays of sun have burned your skin.
ß A “base tan” offers no protection. There is no evidence that getting a tan will protect your skin in any way.
ß Tanning booths do not provide “safe” tans. The wavelengths of light used will burn your skin just as readily as the sun.
ß Everyone eventually has wrinkles. However, repeated overexposure to the sun will substantially speed up the wrinkling process.
Everyone should be able to enjoy sunny days. By using a little common sense, as well as these guidelines, you can safely work and play outdoors without worrying too much about skin cancer or wrinkles.
Have fun…
