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.

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+.