In moderation, the sun’s UV rays are a good thing because they activate vitamin D, kill some germs, and boost mood. It’s nothing new that overexposure to the sun can do a lot of damage to the way skin looks and to overall health. However since the 1970s, concern has grown following the discovery that chemicals used for the previous 50 years were thinning the ozone. The atmosphere’s ozone layer had acted to keep the amount of UV radiation penetrating the atmosphere in check. Regulation of the chemicals that depleted ozone has slowed the rate of depletion, but the amount of ozone in the atmosphere is still out of balance. As a result, the chances of overexposure to harmful levels of UV radiation are greater than ever before.
In addition, there has been an increase in knowledge about the consequences of overexposure to the sun including wrinkles, skin splotches, cataracts, and skin cancer. Too much of the ultraviolet rays known as UVB can burn the top layer of skin and cause sunburn. Too much of the sun’s UVA rays penetrate more deeply and trigger the production of melanin, which makes you appear tan. But when penetrating the skin more deeply, where blood vessels and nerves are located, the immune system may be compromised making it difficult to fight off the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma. Either way, overexposure damages cells and asks for trouble. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and 90 percent of the cases are related to overexposure to UV rays.
Harmful levels of UV radiation are not from the sun alone: according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, occasional use of tanning beds almost triples the chances of developing melanoma. The teen health section of Kidshealth.org points out that while the numbers of many other types of cancer are falling or leveling off, the number of new cases of melanoma is growing. Experts believe that this is because dermatologists are seeing more patients in the late teens and twenties who have been using tanning beds and sun lamps. Airbrush tans and self-tanners are recommended to those who still crave the bronzed glow.
Practice sun safety and abide by these tips from the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Do Not Burn - Five or more sunburns doubles your risk of developing skin cancer.
- Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds - UV light from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
- Generously Apply Sunscreen - Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear Protective Clothing - Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, where possible.
- Seek Shade - Seek shade when appropriate remembering that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Remember the shadow rule when in the sun: Watch Your Shadow. No Shadow, Seek Shade!
- Use Extra Caution Near Water and Sand - Water and sand (and snow) reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
- Watch for the UV Index - The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and EPA, the UV Index is issued daily in selected cities across the United States.
- Get Vitamin D Safely - Get vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with Vitamin D. Don’t seek the sun.
- Finally, examine the skin once a month and have any new or changing moles evaluated by a dermatologist.
Sara E. Lewis - Sara E. Lewis is a writer and publications consultant. As a freelancer, she writes and produces marketing materials and especially enjoys ...
