Protection from UV Light

With the alarming numbers of skin cancers being diagnosed around the world, it is increasingly evident that people of all colours need protection from ultraviolet radiation.

Sun protection should begin as soon as a baby is born and continue throughout life. This is particularly important for people who have fair skin and light eyes. Babies should be kept out of direct sun light and should wear sun protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses. While most sunscreen can be used on infants, it is better to only use a sunblock with zinc and/or titanium dioxide. Apply the sunblock only on exposed skin such as hands and face and only when exposure is unavoidable.

As a child grows, UV protection habits should become as routine as brushing teeth. For most children, 23 percent of their lifetime exposure will happen before the age of 18. They should wear sun protective clothing together with a hat, and sunglasses. These are habits that should be established early.

Adolescents can be more difficult to convince to use sun protection, but it is equally important that they do. They should use the same methods described above, and they should begin to check their skin for changes. While skin cancers are still unusual in teenagers, more and more are being diagnosed. UV protection should be encouraged. Do not allow your teenagers to use tanning beds. Self-tanning lotions or spray-on tans at a salon may help a teen who wants a little colour to achieve that safely.

Adults should use UV protection daily. Skin cancers can be triggered at any time, and damaged skin from childhood exposure may be more vulnerable. Further, some damage can be reversed by using sun protection. Adults should routinely check their skin.

Outdoor workers should always use UV protection and check their skin. They should also talk to their employers about strategies for sun protection.

Sun Protection Clothing

Sun protection clothing is a relatively new concept in the UK. Most people don’t realize that regular summer clothing lets through a surprising amount of UV. Of course, summer styles also typically expose a lot of skin to the sun.

Good quality sun protection clothing typically covers a maximum amount of skin yet is designed to be cool and comfortable to wear. Sun protective clothing is also very reliable - providing consistent and constant UV protection. It does not fade or wear off during the day. It is less expensive, as the clothing is bought only once and will last many seasons or until outgrown. This form of protection is not messy, and it reduces the amount of sunscreen needed on exposed areas. This is particularly appealing to mothers of young children and to men. And protection is provided for both UVA and UVB.

Clothing is rated for its level of UV protection according to an Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF. This is a similar rating to the SPF used with sunscreen except that it addresses UVA and UVB whereas SPF only covers UVB. Most dermatologists recommend clothing with a UPF 30 or higher rating. According to American and Australian guidelines the highest rating is UPF 50+.

Sun Burn

Sunburn is the damaging effect on the skin of the ultraviolet (UV) light contained in sunlight. With too much exposure to UV light, your skin overheats and becomes red and painful, and may later peel or blister.

Ultraviolet light causes changes in the surface and in the deeper layers of the skin. It reduces the stretchiness of the skin and can cause premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, as well as the formation of age spots. Deeper in the skin, it causes changes in the structure of cells, and increases the risk of skin cancers.When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces a pigment called melanin to help protect itself against ultraviolet light. This is what makes your skin go darker and is what you see as a suntan. It stops you burning so easily but doesn't prevent the other harmful effects of UV such as premature aging and cancer.The less melanin you have, the less protected you are against the effects of UV light. If you have fair skin or red hair, or have not been in the sun much, you have less melanin so are more likely to burn quickly.Sunburn doesn't just happen in hot weather - reflection of light off the snow can also cause sunburn. Although a breeze, cloudy sky or swimming may make you feel cooler, the sunlight can still get through to damage your skin.