With summer in full gear, it's best to heed the warnings about the potential for skin damage caused by too much sun exposure. Of course, some sun exposure is good as it is our major source of vitamin D. But ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other sources can cause permanent skin damage, lead to skin cancer, increase the risk of cataracts, and cause other problems in the body. While a sunburn or tan may be “in,” they are also signs of the effects of UV rays.
UVA and UVB Rays
There are two main types of UV rays – UVA and UVB. The sun emits both types of rays, as do tanning booths. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), UVA rays are the “tanning” rays, and UVB rays are the ones most associated with sunburns. But according to the AAD, both types of rays can lead to sun damage, suntan, and burning. Both types of rays can also lead to skin cancer.
As the American Cancer Society points out, the amount of UV exposure a person has depends on “the strength of the light, the length of exposure, and whether or not the skin is protected” from these rays. The AAD also states that climate, season, altitude, location, and time of day all affect the amount of exposure. It's very important to consider all of these issues and learn more about the effects of UV light.
Here are some things that you can do to protect yourself this summer while you are enjoying the outdoors:
- Avoid the mid-day sun. That's when UV light is brightest.
- Limit your amount of unprotected time in the sun to 10-15 minutes a day.
- Avoid tanning booths and sun lamps!
- Wear sunscreen. The AAD recommends a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and a UVA blocker. They suggest that you reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours.
- Wear sunglasses that have UV protection.
- Wear a hat with a brim.
Can You Still Burn with Sunscreen?
It's possible. Sunscreen might give a person a false sense of security. If you apply sunscreen but then stay out in the sun too long, you can still go home with sunburn. And once that burn occurs, the damage has been done. That sunburn might lead to skin cancer and premature aging of the skin in later years. According to the AAD, “too much sun, long-term exposure, and bad sunburns” can cause skin cancer – and the rates of skin cancer are on the rise, especially for people under age 40.
Some important things to consider: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. Also, a person's risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns.
Raise your awareness of the effects of UV rays on the body, and know the risks and signs of skin cancer. |
