Sun Exposure And Sun Burn by Jane Thurnell-Read

There has been a lot of publicity about the danger of getting too much sun, but many people are hazy about  what they need to do to protect themselves from sunburn and long-term sun damage.
 
Protection from sun exposure is important all year round, not just during the summer or at the beach. UV rays reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as bright and sunny days. UV rays will also reflect off any surface like water, cement, sand, and snow.

What Are Ultraviolet Rays?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a part of sunlight that is an invisible form of radiation. UV rays can penetrate and change the structure of skin cells.

There are three types of UV rays:

Ultraviolet A (UVA)
UVA is the most abundant source of solar radiation at the earth's surface and penetrates beyond the top layer of human skin. Scientists believe that UVA radiation can cause damage to connective tissue and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

Ultraviolet B (UVB)
UVB rays are less abundant at the earth's surface than UVA because a significant portion of UVB rays is absorbed by the ozone layer. UVB rays penetrate less deeply into the skin than do UVA rays, but also can be damaging.

Ultraviolet C (UVC)
UVC radiation is extremely hazardous to skin, but it is completely absorbed by the stratospheric ozone layer and does not

reach the surface of the earth.

 UV Ray Protection

When possible, avoid outdoor activities during midday, when the sun's rays are strongest. This usually means the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can also wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants.

For eye protection, wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection. And always wear a broad-spectrum (protection against both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen and lipscreen with at least SPF 15. Remember to reapply as indicated by the manufacturer's directions. Also, check the sunscreen's expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years. Exposure to extreme temperatures can shorten the expiration date or shelf life of sunscreen. Don’t think that you can apply sunscreen once a day and then be out in the sun all day without damaging your skin.

Why Are UV Rays Dangerous?

UV exposure appears to be the most important environmental factor in the development of skin cancer and a very important factor in the development of lip cancer.

It is important to get some exposure to sunlight – our bodies produce vitamin D for instance through the action of sunlight on our skin. But excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun can result in premature aging and undesirable changes in skin texture. Such exposure has been associated with various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, one of the most serious and deadly forms. UV rays have also been found to be associated with various eye conditions, such as cataracts.

Tanning and Burning

The penetration of UV rays to the skin's inner layer results in the production of more melanin. That melanin eventually moves toward the outer layers of the skin and becomes visible as a tan. A suntan is not an indicator of good health. Some physicians consider the skin's tanning a response to injury because it appears after the sun's UV rays have killed some cells and damaged others. A sun tan indicates sun burn.

Keep in mind that sunscreen is not meant to allow you to spend more time in the sun than you would otherwise. That's why it is important to complement sunscreen use with other sun protection options: cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade.

Are Sunbeds Dangerous?

Research published in May 2010 from the University of Minnesota found that:

• People who use any type of tanning bed for any amount of time are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma, and;
• Frequent users of indoor tanning beds are 2.5 to 3 times more likely to develop melanoma than those who never use tanning devices. The study defines frequent uses as people who used indoor tanning for 50 plus hours, more than 100 sessions, or for 10-plus years. This increased risk applies similarly to all ages and genders.

Healthy Alternatives To Sunbathing & Sunbeds

A research study  led by Dr Ian Stephen at The University of Nottingham shows that eating a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables gives you a more healthy golden glow than the sun. The research, which showed that instead of heading for the sun the best way to look good is to munch on carrots and tomatoes, has been published in the Journal Evolution and Human Behaviour.

Dr Stephen said: “We found that, given the choice between skin colour caused by suntan and skin colour caused by carotenoids, people preferred the carotenoid skin colour, so if you want a healthier and more attractive skin colour, you are better off eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables than lying in the sun.” 

He found that people who eat more portions of fruit and vegetables per day have a more golden skin colour, thanks to substances called carotenoids.  Carotenoids are antioxidants that help soak up damaging compounds produced by the stresses and strains of everyday living, especially when the body is combating disease.  Responsible for the red colouring in fruit and vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes, carotenoids are important for our immune and reproductive systems.

The first part of the article is partially based on information provided by Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

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