Rufus R. Noble The dangers of ultraviolet rays from the sun are becoming more widely known. Many people still think that a tan is a safe way to expose themselves to the sun because it doesn’t hurt or peel like a sunburn. According to the National Health Interview Survey in the United States, 39% of women and a further 29% of men had deliberately tried to tan in the last year.
A tan does not make you safe. The skin is darkening because of sun exposure. It has been damaged and is trying to protect itself.
Tanning can be a problem on many fronts
Tanning can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
Exposure to the two types of UV rays that are emitted from the sun can cause sunburns and tans. Ultraviolet B rays cause sunburns. UV A rays penetrate deeper and cause a tan. Both UV rays are capable of triggering DNA mutations, which increase cancer risk.
UVA rays can also harm the skin in different ways. Radiation from UVA rays suppresses the immune system, which increases cancer risk.
UVA rays also cause wrinkles, brown spots, and the erosion of collagen and elastin.
“But, I need vitamin D.”
There are many misconceptions regarding vitamin D. Adults aged 19 to 70 years should aim to consume 600 international units of vitamin D each day.
Vitamin D is produced in the skin when it is exposed to UVB rays. According to a study, in spring and summer, adults with lighter skin are able to get enough vitamin D by spending 10 minutes outside at midday.
There is little evidence that sunscreens interfere with the body’s ability for vitamin D to be produced by exposure to sunlight.
It’s better to take vitamin D supplements or eat foods such as egg yolks, milk, salmon, and fortified juices.
How to protect yourself from the sun
It would help if you repeated this: A broad-spectrum sunblock with at least an SPF 30 is the best way to protect your skin against UVA and UVB radiation. If you have darker-colored skin, use a mineral sunscreen with iron oxide to protect your skin from harmful wavelengths that may cause hyperpigmentation or other skin conditions.
Make sure to use enough. Apply one ounce of sunscreen to all exposed skin. This is enough to fill up a shotglass. Reapply sunscreen every two hours. Apply every hour if you are swimming or sweating.
Preventing skin damage is a lifetime process because most changes in the skin are caused by sun exposure.
- Avoid sunburn as much as possible.
- Even in winter, use a high-quality sunscreen.
- Wear protective clothing and a helmet when necessary.
A good diet and enough fluids can also help. Dehydration can increase the risk of injury to your skin. Even if there are no other symptoms, minor nutritional deficiencies may cause skin rashes or lesions.
Lotions and moisturizers will keep your skin hydrated. Avoid soaps with a strong detergent (drying) or that have a heavy perfume. Bath oils can make you slip and fall. Moisturized skin will be more comfortable and heal faster.
The most comprehensive sun protection:
- Wear sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15 and is broad-spectrum. Use sunscreen liberally and reapply it every two hours or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.
- Find shade. Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, when sun rays are at their strongest.
- Protect your skin by wearing long sleeves, pants, and hats with wide brims. Consider using laundry additives that provide an extra layer of protection against ultraviolet rays for a limited number of washes or sun-protective clothing.
