Sun protection: Appropriate sunscreen use

Summer holidays are here and the sunny, warm weather is in full swing. Now is not the time to get lazy about sun protection! Sun: The good and the not-so-good Sunlight is essential for many important bodily functions, including producing vitamin D and maintaining your circadian rhythm and mood. Yet too much sun exposure can also be harmful. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation may result in short-term and long-term skin damage, including sunburn, signs of aging, and even skin cancer. Approximately one out of five people in the United States may develop skin cancer in their lifetimes. Approximately 95% of the UV radiation reaching our skin is ultraviolet A (UVA) light, which is primarily responsible for chronic effects such as photoaging, wrinkling, and age spots. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays make up a smaller percentage but may be potentially even more harmful, as they are the primary cause of sunburns. Both UVA and UVB may cause skin cancer. Even with all of these risks, many people still head to the beach with nothing more than their bathing suits, hoping to get tan. For some,  a  lobster-red burn is considered a badge of a successful beach day. This is absolutely not recommended. Any prolonged UV light exposure can put you at risk even if it isn’t summer, such as if you are out skiing in the winter with the sun reflected from the snow, or if you are indoors but using a tanning bed. So what can you do to protect yourself from these harmful rays? There are many types of sunscreens ava...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Prevention Skin and Hair Care Source Type: blogs