Indeed, it is much more fun to be outdoors during summer. The sunshine is such a refreshing respite from the cooler months that passed and for those in the tropics, from the wet rainy days.
Getting a tan, swimming, water sports and a variety of sports are on the high during summer. Yet, as many know, the sun we love so much has its own bad effects on our skin. But the good thing is, there are ways you can protect yourself and still enjoy your summer activities whether you are just enjoying the sun on your yard or off to a resort.
UVA vs UVB
The key to protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful effects is to know more about ultraviolet rays. There are two types that penetrate the earth’s atmosphere-UVA and UVB which are short of Ultraviolet rays type A and B. In general, the B type has been considered to be more harmful although it does not penetrate the skin as deeply as the A type. UVB is known to cause reddening and sunburn, and in the long run, contribute to skin cancer. UVA on the other hand, is known to cause premature aging.
When the skin is exposed to these rays, it naturally reacts in order to protect it from harmful UV rays. How? By forming a brown-colored pigment on your skin we all know and love to get- a TAN.
So before getting yourself a tan, think of what basking under the sun actually does to your skin. And using tanning booths is no different.
If you are using tanning booths instead of basking under the sun to get a tan and think you are out of risk. Think again, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, tanning booths do emit UVA rays which in recent year’s research have been found out to contribute to skin cancer.
Avoiding Sun Damage
Learning about UV rays and their effects can be scary but it it shouldn’t send you hiding entirely from the sun. There are ways you can avoid skin damage, even if you bask under the sun, go swimming or enjoy a variety of outdoor sports this summer.
First, avoid being under the sun when it is at its hottest. Most health advocates advice not to be overexposed to the sun from 11 am to 3 pm (10 am to 4 pm from April to October or if living in the tropics).
And if you do go outdoors, always wear a sun protection product like sunscreen lotions or sprays with a good number of SPF.
What is SPF?
With the proliferation of sun protection products, the medical community has created a way to measure a product’s efficacy to protect the skin against the harmful UV rays. Currently, there are two systems used in determining SPF-the American and the European. The first system is twice the number as the second so if you are using an American SPF 30 product, it’s the same as a European’s SPF 15.
Generally, the number denotes the longer time it takes for your skin to redden and burn compared to without wearing a sunscreen product. In the European system however, the time you are protected can be calculated by multiplying the SPF number by 20 minutes.
So what’s a good SPF number and how often should you apply sunscreen products?
Experts recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 and higher. Its effect dissipates after an hour or two (depending on the number), so re-applying is important especially if staying long under the sun.
Lastly, check the fine print and know more about the common ingredients used. There are chemical filters which form a layer on the skin to absorb the UV rays and the physical filters which reflect the UV rays. It’s recommended to use a broad spectrum product like one which has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are both physical filters that combat UVA and UVB.
Sources:
Net Doctor UK
Skin Cancer Foundation
that's definitely a long way!
