As holiday season approaches, as does the time when our skin becomes more exposed to strong sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. We’ve all been guilty at some point of neglecting to take the proper precautions before heading out to relax. Learn more about what damaging effects the sun can have on your body and how best to protect your skin.
Photo by: paultarasenko/Adobe Stock
How does the sun damage my skin?
Sunlight contains ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA radiation penetrates deep layers of your skin causing earlier ageing and wrinkling. It is this type of sunlight that can lead to skin cancer. UVB radiation doesn’t penetrate as far, instead burning the top layers of skin.
What type of sunscreen do I need?
Be careful when buying your sunscreen that it offers enough protection. Check the labelling to ensure the product protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Many cheap products only protect against UVB. This means your skin won’t show the tell-tale red sign of burning, but the UVA rays are still doing their damage.
Star ratings indicate the level of protection against UVA radiation and SPF (sun protection factor) ratings always show the protection against UVB. You should use a product that has at least 4 stars- the higher the better- and has an SPF rating of at least 15.
If you’ve got a bottle lurking around in the back of a cupboard, check the expiration date. If it’s out of date, don’t use it and buy a new bottle.
How should I apply the sunscreen?
Cover areas of your body that won’t be protected by clothing 30 minutes before heading out into the sun. Cover yourself again just before you leave or when you arrive at your destination. The NHS recommends that two teaspoons of cream should be used on the head, neck and arms, and two tablespoons of cream on your whole body, depending on what clothes you’ll be wearing.
If you’ll be heading into the water, use a water-resistant cream. The cooling effect of the water will disguise any burning sensations of the skin and as water reflects radiation ultraviolet rays, your exposure is increased. You’ll need to re-apply the cream after towelling off when you’ve exited the water.
Children should be well-covered in cream and kept in shaded areas as much as possible as their skin is much more sensitive to burning. Children under the age of 6 months shouldn’t be left in direct sunlight.
How else can I protect myself?
The highest levels of radiation occur between 10am and 4pm so this is when you’re more likely to burn. Reduce your time in direct sunlight as much as possible, staying in the shade. Consider using a beach umbrella if relaxing at the shore.
Everyone in the sun, children included, should wear a hat to protect the head and neck as much as possible, and sunglasses to stop the sun burning the surface of your eyes.
Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
What if I get sunburnt?
Help your skin to rest and heal by applying cold water to the afflicted areas or take a cold shower. Don’t use any perfumed soaps or creams as these will dehydrate the skin further. Apply aftersun or calamine lotion. Take painkillers for any pain. Stay out of the sun until the symptoms have disappeared. If there’s any swelling or blistering, you should consult a doctor.
Protect your skin
Follow these precautionary measures whilst you enjoy your holiday to ensure you reduce your risk of getting sunburnt.
Written by Jessica Juby.
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