How can I Prevent Sunburn?
Most people are well aware of the pain caused by sunburn. However, sunburn isn’t just temporarily painful. It can lead to permanent skin damage. In fact, sunburn can lead to skin cancer, some forms of which are deadly. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with skin cancer. In the United States, it is the most common type of cancer. The malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, is known to end thousands of lives each year. Surprisingly, it doesn’t take long to be harmed by the sun. In fact, in just 15 minutes, skin can experience damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Though skin can be harmed in this amount of time, the full effects may not be noticeable for up to 12 hours. As such, skin that is just slightly pink may be affected by sunburn, showing the effects only hours later. Those who experience serious sunburn before adulthood may be at increased risk for the development of malignant melanoma. Sadly, many people remain unaware of this fa
Whilst everyone should take precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the sun, there are some group of people who are more at risk than others: People with fair complexions and fair or red hair. People who work outdoors. Children: the amount of sun exposure is thought to be linked to the probability of developing skin cancer in adulthood. The good news is that sunburn and sunstroke is entirely preventable: you simply need to take sensible precautions and be aware of the damage that the sun can do to your body. In hot places or during a hot day, stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when it is at its fiercest. Cover up: wear a hat to protect your face and neck – the areas most commonly damaged by the sun; and wear loose clothing. Be aware that wet clothing lets through more UV rays than dry. Use a good sunscreen with a minimum of SPF (sun protection factor) 15. Apply before going into the sun and reapply frequently throughout the day. Ensure the lotion you choose blocks UVA
Sunburn can be avoided entirely if you take precautions. Limit your exposure to the sun to the hours before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m., and always use a sunscreen. If you want to tan, do it slowly, gradually increasing your exposure so you don’t burn and peel. Remember, the force of the sun is intensified when it is reflected off water and sand. Be sure to apply sunscreens before you are exposed to any sunlight. Only sunblocks like zinc oxide offer total protection. Most sunscreens allow some harmful rays to pass through, and if you are already burned when you put them on, you will burn further. If you realize you are developing a sunburn, cover up entirely or get in the shade. Even the best sunscreens only allow you to be out longer before burning. Thus, the SPF (sun protection factor) 15 you see on sunscreens means you can be in the sun 15 times as long before burning takes place. If you usually burn in 1 minute, you’ll start burning in 15 minutes instead.
