1 post tagged “skin cancer”

Everybody wants to get a tan, especially during the spring break. We just love to flaunt that sun glow that tells “I have been to the beach.” But, being under the sun is not that all fun. There is the scary downside – the sunburn, which goes beyond the skin and that itchy burning sensation. In fact, it will eventually result in aging and skin cancer. Nobody wants that, of course.

Basically, the sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that at some level helps the skin fight nasty germs and skin diseases. UV rays are even important to Vitamin D3 production in the body. However, overexposure to UV is very dangerous, especially now that the ozone layer has significantly depleted. Such part of the atmosphere is supposed to protect us from the sun's harm. Not anymore though, because we are taking things for granted. That's why sun protection now lies within our hands. We need to wear sunscreen even if it's not spring break.

The sunscreen has SPF or the sun protection factor, which is the length of time that the sunscreen protection works on the skin before it start with redness (erythema). In short, it is how long you can stay out under the sun before having a sunburn.

SPF varies according to skin type. If a person has a fair skin, it means it burns more faster than a person with a dark skin. For instance, SPF 15 enables a person, who burns after 20 minutes, to spend 15 times longer (300 minutes) under the sun without getting burned. It is important that a sunscreen has a broad spectrum, which protects the skin from all types of UV rays (UVA and UVB rays). Take note that sunscreens differ in the active ingredients and filters they contain. The higher the SPF, the better!


The sunscreen protects the skin in two ways:

1.The chemical filters absorb some ultraviolet rays, and then convert them to heat. Remember that such filters mostly absorb UVB rays than UVA rays.
2.Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are common physical filters that reflects rather than absorb both UVA and UVB radiations.

Here are the basic ways to protect the skin from the sun:

1.Avoid the sunlight between 11:00 A.M. And 4:00 P.M.
2.Always wear sunglasses to protect the eyes during outdoor activities.
3.Stay under the shade or use an umbrella as much as possible.
4.If the UV index become three or higher, it is best to wear a hat and other protective clothing.
5.Wear sunscreen even if the sky is cloudy. It does not mean there's no UV rays. Take note that it is an invisible light. It gets through haze, fog and even light clouds.
6.Wear at least an SPF 15, but it's better to use a higher SPF. Always refer to the label on its application. Make sure to reapply after swimming or heavy sweating.
7.Kids and teenagers have more delicate skin than adults, besides the fact that they love staying outdoor to play. They need extra protection.

Again, it is important to wear sunscreen all-year round, not just in the summer or spring, or a beach vacation.