So much of skin damage and premature aging, such as wrinkling and freckling of the skin, is due to exposure to the sun’s harsh UV rays. UV rays are at their most dangerous as we spend leisurely time outdoors during the summer months.
What are UV rays and why are they harmful?
UV rays, or ultraviolet rays, are a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun. There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term damage and premature aging. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and can also contribute to skin cancer. UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, they are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and do not reach us.
How do UV rays damage the skin?
When UV rays penetrate the skin, they can damage the DNA in our skin cells. This can lead to mutations and an increased risk of skin cancer. UV rays also break down collagen and elastin, which are proteins responsible for keeping our skin firm and elastic. As a result, the skin becomes less supple and wrinkles start to form. Additionally, UV rays can cause the production of excess melanin, leading to the development of freckles and dark spots.
Why is sun protection important?
Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial for maintaining its health and preventing premature aging. Here are a few reasons why sun protection should be a priority:
- Reduced risk of skin cancer: Regularly using sunscreen and seeking shade can significantly lower your risk of developing skin cancer.
- Prevention of premature aging: Sun protection helps prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin, keeping your skin looking youthful and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
- Prevention of sunburns: Sunburns not only cause short-term discomfort but also increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer in the long run.
- Protection against hyperpigmentation: By shielding your skin from the sun, you can prevent the development of freckles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
How can you protect your skin from UV rays?
Here are some effective ways to protect your skin from the sun:
Be sensible outdoors, and remember to “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek & Slide”!
We all know the slogan!
“SLIP on a shirt, SLOP on sunscreen, SLAP on a hat, SEEK shade from the sun”, and to help reduce the risk of eye damage “SLIDE” on a pair of sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade: Stay in the shade, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest.
- Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin with long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses that block UV rays.
- Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds emit UV radiation, which can be just as harmful as the sun's rays.
It is also a known fact that activity in the sun is better than inactivity, i.e. a person running around and playing or being active on the beach is most likely to gain an overall tan, rather than someone who lays down sunbaking (who not only has an uneven tan, but usually has increased risk of sunburn). Of course though, no-one should either lie in the sun or frolic on the beach without strong sun protection.
Now this might sound silly, BUT be aware of reflections!
You might have noticed while driving in a car on a sunny day that your right arm becomes sunburnt…. well that is because the UV rays are enhanced by the reflective glass, which ultimately means increased risk of sun damage.
The same can be said for reflections from water, snow, sand, cement and in fact any reflective surfaces so avoid reflective sun damage.
Another interesting fact to remember is that sunlight can penetrate water down to three metres, so sun damage can also occur while swimming under water.
Stick to these healthy tips and not only will you be helping prevent that unhealthy, unattractive “leather” skin appearance, but more importantly, you will be doing your best to protect against melanoma.
Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is a year-round commitment. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and cause damage. By taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin healthy and youthful.