Staying out of the sun on a sunny day is the best way to avoid sun damage and skin drainage, but we all know that is not always possible. So, we have to take other precautionary measures like using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing (Especially on the arms and neck), and avoiding sunlight between in the middle of the day when UV rays are strongest. We all question about how to protect our skin from sun exposure, follow the tips below.
What are the dangers of direct sun exposure?
The immediate danger of too much sun exposure is of course is sunburn. Looking at sunburned skin under a strong microscope, you could see that the cells and blood vessels have been damaged strongly. And with repeated sun damage, the skin starts to look dry, discolored and wrinkled and very leathery. Skin might look thicker but actually it is weakened and can be damaged very easily.
Sun exposure’s most serious threat is that it is the major cause of skin cancer, which has now become the most common of all cancers. Doctors believe that most skin cancers can be avoided by simply preventing sun damage and sun exposure.
Does the sun have benefits?
We all have been taught that we need sunlight for our body to make vitamin D, because vitamin D is not found naturally in most foods. But today we can see that many foods are fortified with vitamin D during the manufacturing process. Thus, sun exposure is not as important for the body’s vitamin D supply as it used to be in past. Of course, outdoors making most people feel good, and playing tennis is better for your health than watching television anyway, there is no doubt about that. But you can still protect yourself from the sun’s damaging effects while enjoying yourself outdoors, excited?
How can you avoid the harmful effects of the sun?
Staying out of the sun is the best way to avoid sun damage, but most of us go outdoors regularly, so avoiding it completely is not possible. So when you go outside, take these precautions stated below:
- Wear protective clothing. When you do go outdoors to play or just for work, especially for long periods in the middle of the day. Long sleeves and slacks, as well as a thick-brimmed hat, help protect your body against sun exposure.
- Always wear sunscreen. Apply it on your skin every day. Make it a habit, as you do with brushing your teeth. Do not go out without sunscreen as now ozone has weakened, putting us in more danger than before.
- Avoid sun in the middle of the day, from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ultraviolet rays, which cause extreme sunburn, are strongest during that time.
- Wear sunglasses that filter UV light and are certified and tested.
What is SPF in a sunscreen?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. The SPF number tells you how well the product will protect you from UVB, the burning rays of the sun. (Most sunscreens also absorb ultraviolet “A” rays or UVA.) The higher the SPF number in the sunscreen, the greater the amount of protection. Everyone should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 at the minimum. If you have had skin cancer or precancer, you should use a sunscreen with an even higher SPF for better protection. Many of the new sunscreens have SPF of 45 or even higher.
I don’t burn very often. Does this mean I can use a sunscreen with a low SPF?
If you were only trying to avoid sunburn, the answer would be “yes.” But protection from sunburn is not the most important reason for wearing sunscreen regularly. You want to reduce damage from the sun and sun exposure. Your skin can be harmed by constant sun exposure, whether or not you see sunburn. Remember, sunburn is an immediate reaction, but damage from the sun occurs over a lifetime, so you will always be under a threat.
Who should use sunscreens?
Anyone who spends time outdoors should use a sunscreen. This includes:
- Women, men and children.
- People who tan very easily and those who don’t.
- Fair-skinned or dark-skinned people.
- People who already have tans and sunbathers, gardeners, and skiers or any outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Are sunscreens safe for children?
Yes. Not only are sunscreens safe for children over age 6 months, if used regularly in childhood they can prevent skin cancers from developing in later life. Recently, a researcher reported that if sunscreens were used regularly by children through the age of 18, there would be a 72% reduction in the cases of skin cancer later in life.
How should sunscreen be applied?
Follow these guidelines to give yourself the most protection. Sunscreens are very effective when used properly:
- Apply the sunscreen at least 20 to 30 minutes before you go outdoors.
- Cover all exposed areas, including your ears, lips, face and back of your hands.
- Don’t skimp; apply a generous layer. Smooth it on rather than rubbing it in. A rule of thumb is that 45 ml of sunscreen is needed to cover all exposed skin to attain the stated level of protection.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while you are outdoors, even if the product is labelled “all day.”
- Women should apply sunscreens under makeup. If you wait to apply sunscreen until you hit the beach, you may already be perspiring, and moisture makes sunscreens less effective.
These steps will surely help you to protect your skin from sun exposure.
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