SUN PROTECTION

QUESTION:

What kind of damage does sun exposure cause?

ANSWER:

Part of the sun's energy that reaches us on earth is composed of rays of invisible ultraviolet (UV) light. When ultraviolet light rays (UVA and UVB) enter the skin, they damage the skin cells, causing visible and invisible injuries.

Sunburn is a noticeable type of damage, which appears just a few hours after sun exposure. In many people, this type of damage can cause tanning. Freckles, which occur in people with fair skin, are usually due to sun exposure. Freckles are sometimes a sign that sun damage has occurred, and therefore show the need for sun protection.

Ultraviolet light rays also cause invisible damage to skin cells. Some of the injury is repaired, but some of the cell damage adds up year after year. After 20 to 30 years or more, the built-up damage appears as wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. Although window glass blocks UVB light, UVA rays are able to penetrate through glass.

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. You can have fun in the sun and Be Sun Smart.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
  • Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
  • Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
  • Protect children from sun exposure by applying sunscreen.
  • Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
  • Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
  • Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.