Jul 14 2009
An Introduction to Sun Protection
Protecting yourself from the Sun’s Harmful UV Rays.
During the summer months and in year round warm climates, millions of people enjoy the bright warm sun.
Sunshine is one of the best components of almost all daytime outdoor activities; it’s been shown that it makes people happier and feel better and it’s also a great natural source of vitamin D.
However exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays is very dangerous and skin cancer has become the most common form of cancer in America.
Sun Protection is no Joke!
Protection from the sun’s damaging rays is imperative for those that wish to grow old gracefully. It’s also an absolute must for anyone who wants to limit his or her risk of developing skin cancer.
Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to some severe complications. A painful sunburn is the most immediate consequence of excess sun exposure.
Long term, excess sun exposure can damage the skin making it prone to premature aging such as wrinkles and age spots and even worse, skin cancer. It can also cause permanent and sometimes blinding damage to the eyes.
Individuals with lupus are also very sensitive to UV rays which is a known trigger for a flare up. It is therefore imperative they wear some sort of protection from the sun such as hats, clothing, sunscreen and eye protection.
There are also several types of drugs that cause sensitivity to the sun such as:
- Antidepressants.
- Antibiotics.
- Diuretics.
- Retinoids.
Be sure to read any material that comes with your medication before taking it and always alert your doctor of any concerns.
When do you Need Sun Protection?
Many doctors will tell you that sun protection is needed any time you’re out in the sun, and they’re right. Although some people will think this is realistically impossible, it’s very important that you wear sun protection anytime you’ll be outdoors when the sun is at its highest, which is between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Think because it’s Cloudy out you don’t Need Sun Protection?
Overcast days can be some of the worst days for sunburn for some because there are many people who think they are protected by the clouds or fog. Or that just because they can’t see the sun, it’s damaging UV rays can’t harm them.
This is so not true. The suns UV rays can penetrate through glass so they have no problem burning their way through clouds.
So even though it is cloudy or foggy be sure to protect yourself from the sun’s penetrating UV rays.
Be sure to protect yourself in the winter also.
Because ultraviolet rays can reflect off certain surfaces, protection is needed even when snow covers the ground. UV rays also reflect off water, sand, grass and cement surfaces so be sure to use protection.
Understanding UV Rays.
The sun produces different wavelengths of energy that are called ultraviolet rays. Although too much unprotected sun exposure is harmful, the sun’s energy is essential to all human life.
Luckily, as life on earth evolved so has its ability to tolerate UV rays. The ozone layer is a layer in the stratosphere that absorbs 93% to 99% of the various types of damaging UV rays before they reach the earth’s surface.
The Ozone Layer
The ozone layer is the most important protection against the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.
The fact that most of the radiation or energy from the sun is invisible to the naked eye could be the reason why the sun can be so harmful. It’s not easy to convince people to protect themselves against something they can’t see.
UVA and UVB
UVA and UVB are the two ultraviolet rays that are responsible for skin damage.
UVA
UVA rays which are the longer and most common of the two are to blame for long-term skin damage such as wrinkling, aging and discoloration because they absorb deep into the skin. Their strength remains consistent despite the time of day or year.
UVB
Although our bodies need UVB rays to produce Vitamin D, which is an important vitamin, these shorter UVB rays are what causes skin to tan or burn and it also causes skin cancer. The strength of the UVB rays varies based on time of day, time of year, altitude and even distance from the equator.
The sun also generates UVC rays, but fortunately these extremely damaging rays cannot penetrate the ozone layer and therefore pose no threat to humans.
The UV Index.
The UV Index is an international scale measuring from 0 to 15, 0 being the low end and 15 being the extreme end. The closer you are to the equator the higher the UV Index gets.
The index is used to establish the strength of the sun’s radiation, principally the possibility that skin will or will not redden or burn when exposed to the sun for various periods of time.
If the UV Index is 2 or less it’s Low.
If the UV Index reading is 2 or less this means very little danger from the sun’s UV rays for the average person:
- Wear sunglasses on bright days and be aware of the reflection off the snow in the winter which can nearly double UV strength.
- For anyone that burns easily it’s always best to cover up and use sunscreen.
Skiers and swimmers should be especially careful because water and snow can reflect the sun’s rays. They should wear sunglasses or goggles and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Always protect any areas that might be exposed to UV rays by the sun’s reflection, such as the nose and under the chin.
If the UV Index is 3 to 5 it’s Moderate.
If the UV Index reading is 3 to 5 this means there is a moderate risk of harm if you travel outside without wearing sun protection.
- Be sure to cover up if you will be outside.
- The sun is strongest during the midday so it’s a good idea to try and stay in the shade during this time of day.
If you do go out be sure to use sun block, wear a hat and don’t forget to wear eye protection.
A good way to tell how much UV exposure you’re getting is by looking at the length of your shadow.
- In the early morning and late afternoon your shadow will most likely be much taller than you which is an indication that your UV exposure is most likely low.
- Around midday your shadow will most likely be shorter than you which is an indication that your UV exposure is high and you should wear sun protection for your skin, sunglasses for your eyes and try to stay in the shade.
If the UV Index is 6 to 7 it’s High.
If the UV Index reading is 6 to 7 this means there is a high risk of harm if you venture outside without sun protection.
A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, preferably higher, should be applied; sunglasses should be worn to protect your eyes and a wide-brim hat to protect your head and face.
- Wearing sun protection is a must to avoid sunburn. Avoid spending too much time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and use sunscreen every two hours if you’re outside.
- Protect the lids and lens of your eyes by wearing sunglasses.
If the UV Index is 8 to 10 it’s Very High.
If the UV Index reading is 8 to 10 this means the risk of harm from the sun is very high if you are exposed to it unprotected. Sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. should be limited.
A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, preferably higher, should be applied every two hours you are outside. Protective clothing and a hat along with sunglasses to protect your eyes should also be worn.
- Extra precautions should be taken because unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly.
- Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Otherwise, seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
Take heed during outdoor activities like sports, mowing or gardening. Don’t forget that if you’re outside working or playing between the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. UV exposure is at its highest.
If the UV Index is 11 of higher it’s Extreme.
If the UV Index reading is 11 or higher this means the risk of harm from the sun is extreme if you are exposed to it unprotected.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. try to avoid sun exposure during midday hours, and generously apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, preferably higher, every 2 hours.
- Unprotected skin can burn in a matter of minutes so be extremely careful and protect your skin and eyes.
- Be aware that bright surfaces such as white sand reflect UV and will increase UV exposure.
- It’s best to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Use sunscreen, wear a hat, sunglasses, cover up and seek shade.
Realistically, you can’t stay indoors every time the UV Index is 11 or higher, however it’s imperative that you to protect yourself.
Wear protective clothing, such as a hat, 99-100% UV-blocking sunglasses, and be sure to use sunscreen that protects against both the UVA and UVB rays by applying it every two hours. And if you have to venture outside be sure to seek shade as much as possible.
Better yet, on days like this it might be a good idea to pick an indoor activity such as the movies, mall walking, indoor recreation swimming, basketball, volleyball or badminton.
Or just sit back with a nice cool drink and enjoy reading a good book or watching a good movie.
To help prevent skin cancer and other issues that too much unprotected sun exposure may cause while out enjoying the outdoors, be sure to wear some sort of sun protection whenever you’re out in the sun.
~To Your Health and Well Being.
Healthy Nutritional Products.
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Using Sunscreen
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