What are the dangers of sun exposure?

One of the most visible signs of the dangers of too much exposure to the sun is obviously sunburn. If you would look at sunburned skin under a microscope you would get to see how much damage is caused by the sun on the cells and minute blood vessels on the skin. When this is repeated over a long time your skin will actually start to look dry, wrinkled, discolored and leathery. Although the skin appears to be thicker, it actually has been weakened and, as a result, it will bruise more easily. But this is just the tip of an iceberg as there are more serious threats to your skin caused by the exposure to the sun. Doctors now believe that most skin cancers are caused due to overexposure to the sun and they can be avoided if people took caution by preventing skin damage.

Does the sun have benefits?

Woman Applying Sunscreen

It has actually been taught to us from early childhood that sunlight is needed so that your body can manufacture vitamin D because it is not found in many foods naturally. The good news is that today, many foods are fortified with vitamin D during the manufacturing process. Thus, sun exposure is not as important for the body’s vitamin D supply as it used to be. Of course, being outdoors makes most people feel good. And playing tennis is better for your health than watching television. But you can still protect yourself from the sun’s damaging effects while enjoying yourself outdoors.

How can I avoid the harmful effects of the sun?

The best advice is of course staying away from the sun as the best way to avoid sun damage but sometimes it is impossible to avoid being out of doors because most of us have to go out regularly. So when going out there we have a few precautions we can take to guarantee our well being. The most important is to wear sunscreen and this need to be done everyday just like we have made it a habit to brush our teeth every day. It is also prudent to try avoiding exposure to the sun in the middle of the day from about 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This is known to be the period when the harmful ultra violet rays are strongest.

The other important thing to remember is to always wear protective clothing whenever we go outdoors in the middle of the day. Long sleeves and slacks, as well as a wide-brimmed hat, help protect your body against the sun’s harmful effects. Also remember to wear protective sunglasses that help filter UV light.

What is SPF in a sunscreen?

SPF stands for sun protection factor. The SPF number tells you how well the product will protect you from UVB, the burning rays of the sun. The larger the SPF number, the greater the amount of protection. Everyone should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. If you have had a skin cancer or pre-cancers, you should use a sunscreen with an even higher SPF. Many of the new sunscreens have SPFs of 30, 45, or higher.

But I don’t burn very often. Does this mean I can use a sunscreen with a low SPF?

The answer to this question would have been a simple and quick yes if sun burn is all that we were trying to avoid. However, protection against sunburn is not the most important reason for wearing sunscreen.  You want to reduce damage from the sun. Your skin can be harmed by constant sun exposure, whether or not you see a burn. Remember, sunburn is an immediate reaction, but damage from the sun occurs over a lifetime. If you have had a skin cancer or pre-cancers, you should use an SPF of 15 or higher. (Some dermatologists recommend that almost everyone use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15.)

Who should use sunscreens?

If you spend any amount of time outdoors then you just need to use sunscreen. This will include men, women and children; people who tan easily and even those who don’t; fair skinned and dark skinned people; people who already have tans; sunbathers, skiers and gliders and gardeners as well. It is also well worth noting that sunscreens are safe for children as well. Not only are sunscreens safe for children, if used regularly in childhood they can prevent skin cancers from developing in later life. Recently, a researcher reported that if sunscreens were used regularly by children through the age of 18, there would be a 72% reduction in the cases of skin cancer later in life.

How should sunscreens be applied?

The effectiveness of your sunscreen will be enhanced by proper use and following these guidelines below will give you the most protection.

• Apply the sunscreen at least 20 to 30 minutes before you go outdoors, whenever you will be exposed for 30 minutes or more.
• Reapply sunscreen every 3 hours while you are outdoors, even if the product is labeled “all-day.” If you are getting a lot of sun or perspiring heavily, reapply sunscreen every hour or two.
• Cover all exposed areas, including your ears, lips, face and back of your hands.
• Don’t skimp; apply a generous layer. Smooth it on rather than rub it in.
• Women should apply sunscreens under makeup. If you wait to apply sunscreen until you hit the beach, you may already be perspiring, and moisture makes sunscreens less effective.

My skin is sensitive. Should I skip the sunscreen?

It is possible that some sunscreens have ingredients that may irritate the skin. Be sure to check the ingredients of the sunscreen just in case you know you react to some specific ingredients. You may also ask your dermatologist for advice apart from reading the labels carefully.  However, the sunscreen may not be causing the reaction. Other products that come into contact with your skin, including perfumes, certain medications, and soaps, may make your skin more sensitive. Think about the products you have been using (especially new products), and stop using these one by one before you stop using the sunscreen. If you are not sure about the side effects of a medication you are taking, consult with your doctor or local pharmacist.