Sun Safety 101

 

What are UV’s

UV’s are ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun that have a major effect on our body.

They are wavelengths shorter than those of the visible light we see by or infrared rays that keep us warm.  UV’s release more energy than other rays and have a greater

effect on our skins health.

 

UV rays activate vitamin D, kill certain bacteria, and elevate our mood.  However, UV

rays damage our skin beyond repair.  The immediate effect is red skin progressing to sunburn then tan.  In an effort to protect itself, the skins upper layer thickens and produces more melanin which gives us a golden color or TAN.  The long term effect is

wrinkles, premature aging, or skin cancer. 

 

Ultraviolet energy comes in 2 forms UVA’s and UVB’s.  They penetrate the air, water, glass, and our skin.  Only 10% of UVB rays reach the melanocytes which trigger the production of melanin.  A tan is the trash leftover from the skin’s battle with the sun. 

 

Self Defense and Repair

 

Our 1st line of protection is our skin.  Other animals have fur, feathers, and scales.  Humans have few defenses against UV rays.  Our skin’s outer layer thickens and tans in an effort to protect it’s lower layers.  A tan is proof that your skin has suffered UV attack

 

Skin cells damaged by UV rays attempt to repair themselves.  If too many are damaged, as with a severe sunburn, some cells survive in an altered state.  These mutant cells can progress to cause skin cancer. 

 

The skin’s natural defenses are not strong enough to protect us

1.       During the hottest hours of the day, from 11am to 3pm

2.       If your skin type burns rather than tan

3.       If you’re a kid under 12  (a child’s self defenses are immature at this age)

 

Sun Protection

The protection you need depends on your skin type, amount of sun, and your age.

·        Babies should always be protected and kept cool

·        Wear protective clothing

·        Use an effective sunscreen suited to the sun conditions, your skin type, & one that:

 

1.      states broad spectrum coverage - filters UVA & UVB rays

2.      has an SPF of 15 or higher – depending on amount and kind of exposure

3.      is water resistant if sweating or swimming

4.      contains vitamin C – it provides additional protection

5.      one that’s easy & pleasant to apply – if you like it you’ll use it

 

Use sunscreen for protection, not to stay out longer in the sun! !

 

 

Sun Protection Rules

 

 

 

Did You Know

·         UVA’s don’t “burn” but penetrate deep to do heavy damage & cause skin aging

·        UVB’s are most intense between 11am & 3pm and cause sunburn

·        Sand, water, concrete & snow reflect and increase suns burning rays

·        You also need sun protection in winter

·        Sun damage does not go away – it builds up – your skin has a memory!

·        A high SPF allows you to stay out longer without burning, it doesn’t  give more protection

·        There is no safe way to tan

 

Get to know your skin so you can detect changes

 

Sunburn

What to do about it