Protect Your Skin From Summer Sun

[bcdas]

Skin Damage from the Sun can Cause Skin Cancer: Prevent damage from the sun

Summer is certainly a "fun" time of the year but it goes without saying that self-protection is also of extreme significance.Getting a skin tan is "in" these days and is certainly considered as the "cool" and fashionable thing to do in many countries across the world. Thanks to this fashion, now millions of people hit the beaches during summer in sometimes even 40 degree celcius temperature or higher and lie down on the beaches without any sun protection to sun bathe and "soak up the sun".

We know that sun causes a substance in our skin to produce a certain kind of Vitamin D (sometimes also referred to as the :Sunshine Vitamin). Therefore it is certainly essential to get at least some amount of sunlight during the day. However, the fact we conveniently ignore is that due to thinning of the Earth's ozone layer, harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can not only cause sun burn and premature wrinkling of the skin (along with the much desired sun tan) but also the dreadful "skin cancer".

Skin cancer also known as malenoma, can be malignant (which can spread can cause death)as well as benign (which usually does not spread in the body and may or may not be deadly). Melignant Skin cancer like other fatal cancers can lead to death if detected at the last stages of the disease.

Residents of some regions of the world, where the Earth's Ozone layer is thinner than others and they experience extreme UV index during the summer season, are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer. In such regions and countries (including Australia), special government campaigns are run to spread awareness about skin cancer among people and educate people to protect themselves and their children. Warnings are issued in very hot summer days with extreme UV index on the TV and internet so people should not stay out doors in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Considering these alarming situations in some regions of the world, some people can get very worried about getting their skin sun-damaged and how to go about with the protective measures. However, it may surprise you that it is easier to prevent skin damage from the sun than we might have anticipated. Here are a few simple ways to prevent "skin damage" from the sun.

Use Hats and Loose clothing

The damaging UV rays of the sun can not only directly damage the exposed skin but also our hair. Over exposure to extreme heat (very high temperatures during summer) may also cause:

    Heat Stroke and
    Sun Stroke

These conditions can further aggravate conditions if the patient also has sun burn. If we wear a hat and cover most parts of the body with loose clothing we can prevent sunburn and prevent our body from over-heating. Bthing suits for the beach are no harm but if our body is covered sun exposure can be reduced and sun protection enhanced. Ladies who like the new long summer dresses can just love these dresses for one more reason: they will protect their skin from sun damage. Similarly men can wear long pants of light material and wear hats with broad brims to prevent sun damage especially if they have to work for long hours in the sun for long hours (as result of their job, e.g. construction workers).

Protect your eyes and skin surrounding the eyes with Sun-glasses

 Eyes are a very vulnerable part of our bodies. Sun light directly falling on them and especially the high index UV rays can cause even blindness from a very high and prolonged exposure. Remember when "reflected" UV rays fall on to the skin and eyes they can cause the same amount of damage or even greater. UV rays can get reflected from shiny surfaces, sand, glass and snow (in winters).

The skin around the eyes is more sensitive than any other skin and can get easily wrinkled and damaged. It is very important to protect it. One good way is to use "sun glasses" and protect both eyes and the eyes around the skin. Broad brimmed glassed with dark glasses which cover eyes and area around the yes completely are highly recommended. The glasses should be approved and provide maximum protection from the sun's rays, (high UV index).

[arefin]

Thanks a lot BCD sir for your valuable post. Almost all of us are facing this problem everyday in summer time.

[sumon_acce]

Nice information.....Thank you Sir.

[bcdas]

Tips for summer Sun:

Tip #1: Load up on sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, regardless of your skin tone.

Because the three most common types of skin cancers (basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma) are related to cumulative sun exposure, protection of the skin from the sun is imperative (regardless of skin type). In fact, skin cancers have been reported in patients with naturally dark skin as well as pale skin, so just because someone tans (rather than burns) it doesn’t mean that skin cancer is not possible.

Tip #2:  Apply... and Reapply.

While makeup and face moisturizers that contain SPF provide enough protection if you are only going to the office (with limited sun exposure), if outdoor activity is planned, these products will only suffice if ample amount is applied (e.g., at least a marble’s size for the face and a golf ball amount for the body). Frequent application of sunscreen is needed - at least every two hours if you’re outside. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen to render themselves protected to the numerical amount printed on the bottle.

Tip #3: If you want a tanned look, apply self-tanners, bronzers, or go for a spray tan – don’t use tanning beds.

Most tanning booths claim to be safe because they emit UVA rays (not UVB rays) that don’t burn your skin. However, these same rays, while non-burning, are responsible for deeper dermal damage over time which contributes to wrinkles and skin cancer.

Tip #4: Stay out of the sun during peak midday hours (10 am to 2 pm), when the sun’s rays are strongest.

The strongest and most dangerous UV rays are emitted during mid-day.  If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade.  When in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, ears and neck, a sleeved-shirt to cover your shoulders, and long pants. There are many lightweight and fashionable clothing lines available today designed to protect you in the sun.

Tip #5:  Seek out an experienced practitioner for skin care advice and treatment.

Everyone should have their skin checked once a year by a dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer prevention and treatment. It’s critical that people do their homework to find someone who can provide the best care. Avvo.com is a free website that offers ratings and reviews of all the doctors in the US, including dermatologists. And because May is skin cancer awareness month, Avvo is donating $5 to the Melanoma Research Foundation for every question about skin cancer prevention and detection you leave on the site.

Be safe in the summer sun—it will benefit you for a lifetime.