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Protecting Yourself from the Sun
(Dec 1998)
Facts
About the Sun's Rays:
The sun produces both visible and invisible rays.
Invisible rays known as ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) cause
most of the problems. Both cause suntan, sunburn and sun damage.
UVB is more hazardous than UVA, but there is no “safe” UV
light.
Harmful UV rays are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes and closer to the equator. Wind and reflections from water, sand and snow also increase the sun’s harmful effects. Most UV radiation reaches the earth even on cloudy days.
Protection from the Sun
Using sun protection will help prevent skin damage and reduce the
risk of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends
that you avoid deliberate sunbathing, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses
and protective clothing. If you must be in the sun, use a
broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least
15, even on cloudy days. (sun protection
products)
Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin. They are available in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions and wax sticks. All are labeled with SPF numbers. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from sunburn, caused mostly by UVB rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreens block out both the UVA and UVB rays. Currently, the best broad-spectrum sunscreens contain the UVA blocking ingredient avobenzone, which is also known as Parsol 1789. These products do a better job of protecting skin from other effects of the sun, including rashes. (sunburn treatments) Sunscreens are not perfect, however. Sun protection should always start with avoiding peak sun hours and dressing sensibly.
Sunscreens are best applied about 20 minutes before going outdoors. This gives your skin time to soak in the sunscreen. All types of sunscreens, even water-resistant sunscreens, are more effective if reapplied often. Dr. Kraffert recommends reapplying sunscreen after swimming or strenuous activities. Both water and sweat can reduce the effectiveness of many sunscreen products.
Effects
of the Sun:
Sunburn - Your chances of developing a sunburn are
greatest between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
It is easier to burn on a hot day, because the heat increases the effects
of UV rays.
If skin is exposed to sunlight too long, redness may develop and increase for up to 24 hours. Severe sunburn causes skin tenderness, pain, swelling and blistering. Additional symptoms like fever, chills, upset stomach and confusion indicate a serious sunburn and require immediate medical attention. If you develop a severe sunburn or begin to develop a fever, your dermatologist may suggest medicine to reduce swelling, pain and prevent infection. Although aspirin or ibuprofen is recommended by some dermatologists, there is no quick cure for minor sunburn. Wet compresses, tub baths and soothing lotions may also provide some relief. (lotions and moisturizers)
Tanning- A tan is often mistaken as a sign of good health. In reality, a suntan is an indication of the skin’s response to recent skin damage. This pigment is designed to act as a shield which, when present, serves to slightly decrease skin damage from further UV light exposure.
Indoor tanning is also harmful to skin. Tanning salons use bulbs which emit primarily UVA and minimal amounts of UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays. Although UVA doesn’t usually cause sunburn, it may cause wrinkling and aging of the skin, increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer, and impair the immune system.
Artificial tanners are a perfectly safe alternative to UV exposure for those seeking a bronzed look. (self tanning products) It is important to realize, however, that these products are not sunscreens and do not, by themselves, prevent sunburn and sun damage if the skin is exposed to the sun after their use.
Aging - To get a picture of sun related skin aging, take a close look at any long term outdoor worker or sun bather who has foregone sun protection. Their skin invariably becomes wrinkled, droopy and leathery, causing them to look older than they are. The sun can also cause large freckles called “age spots” and scaly growths (actinic keratoses) that may develop into skin cancer. These skin changes develop in direct proportion to cumulative sun exposure. Protecting children from the sun is especially important, since more than half the average person’s lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 20. It is generally believed that approximately eighty percent of the skin changes commonly thought of as skin aging are actually due to sun exposure and are not due to the actual age of the skin.
Craig Kraffert, M.D.
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