Being physically active, reducing stress, and obtaining vitamin D benefits from spending time outside. You may work and play outdoors without raising your risk of skin cancer if you protect your skin from the sun.
Most skin malignancies are caused by excessive ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, a type of infrared radiation emitted by the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps and can harm skin cells.
Freckles, rough texture, white patches, skin bleaching, and discolored skin can be caused by too much sun exposure (which doctors call “mottled pigmentation”). It can also dilate small blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface.
UV ray protection is essential throughout the year, not only during the summer. Because UV rays reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow, they can reach you even on cloudy and chilly days. The following are some safety tips to be safe from UV radiation.
Table of Contents
1. Wear protective clothing
Your outfits aren’t simply stylish; they’re also functional. It also absorbs or blocks damaging UV rays, making it one of the most efficient kinds of sun protection and skin cancer prevention.
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and caps if feasible. Hats with wide brims not only shield your face but also protect your ears and scalp, which are easy to overlook.
Dark or bright hues absorb UV rays rather than allowing them to pass through, preventing them from reaching your skin.
As a result, these colors are more protective than lighter tones. Denim, canvas, wool, and synthetic fibers, for example, are more protective than a sheer, thin, or loosely woven cloth. UV light can readily permeate the fabric and reach your skin if see-through.
2. Limit your sun time
The sun distributes energy to Earth in several forms: visible light, infrared radiation that you can feel as heat, and ultraviolet (UV) ray that you can’t see or feel.
Thankfully, the Earth’s atmosphere shields us from most UV rays. While some exposure to sunlight is necessary for our bodies to produce vitamin D, too much UV is harmful.
It would be better not to expose yourself to the sun, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.The sun’s beams are at their most potent at this time. Outdoor activities should be scheduled early in the morning or late in the afternoon. During those hours, you can also seek out or generate shade.
What are you doing at the park? Take a seat under a tree. At the beach, perhaps? Take a beach umbrella with you. Isn’t it just another day? Schedule indoor lunch breaks or nap times for those hours.
UV rays are divided into three categories ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). The atmosphere does little to protect us from harmful rays, and most UVA radiation reaches our planet’s surface.
Most UVB rays are blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere. Nevertheless, the amount of UVB rays that reach the Earth’s surface is dependent on latitude, altitude, time of year, and other factors. UVC rays are stopped by the atmosphere and do not reach the Earth’s surface.
3. Use sunscreen
Sunscreen is a substance that you apply to your skin to protect it against UV rays from the sun. However, it’s crucial to remember that sunscreen is only a filter and does not completely block all UV radiation.
It would be healthy if you did not use sunscreen to lengthen your time in the sun. Even with the use of sunscreen, some UV rays can penetrate.
As a result, you shouldn’t use sunscreen as your primary line of defense. If remaining in the shade and wearing protective clothing aren’t viable options, consider sunscreen as part of your skin cancer prevention strategy.
Lotions, creams, ointments, gels, sprays, wipes, and lip balms are all examples of sunscreen compositions.
If they contain sunscreen, several cosmetics, such as moisturizers, lipsticks, and foundations, are termed sunscreen products. Some cosmetics have sunscreen, but you must read the label to be sure; makeup without sunscreen, especially lipstick, does not give sun protection.
We should be very cautious as in little as 15 minutes, UV radiation can cause skin damage. Wear sunscreen to every body part that will be exposed to the sun 15 minutes before going outside, even if the weather is cloudy.
4. Say no to tanning
Whether you’re inside or outside, there’s no such thing as a safe tan. Contrary to widespread assumption, indoor tanning is not a safer alternative to UV tanning.
When you use tanning beds, tanning salons, or sunlamps, you expose yourself to a lot of UV radiation, which will increase your risk of skin cancer and damage.
Sun exposure should be limited, and artificial UV sources like tanning beds should be avoided entirely, according to the FDA, the National Cancer Institute, the American Academy of Dermatology, and other health organizations.
5. Give up the vitamin D excuse
It’s not a good idea to gain vitamin D by tanning. Consult your doctor about the best vitamin D sources for you if you’re concerned about your vitamin D levels.
6. Get to know your skin
Skin cancer can be identified and treated more easily if detected and treated early, so get to know your skin and keep an eye out for changes.
Examine your skin for new moles, pimples, scaly spots, or areas where your skin color has changed. Changes in size, texture, color, or shape of moles should be observed.
If a mole has uneven edges, color variances, or one half that is different from the other, pay attention. Keep an eye out for any moles, sores, or growths that bleed, don’t heal or don’t appear to be anything else you have. If you experience any of these changes, consult your doctor.
7. Wear sunglasses
You’re undoubtedly aware that too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can result in sunburn and skin cancer. But did you realize that ultraviolet light can injure your eyes as well?
Long-term exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been related to cataracts, macular degeneration, pinguecula, pterygia, and photokeratitis, among other eye issues.
Sunglasses help protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, which can cause cataracts and other vision issues. Investing in more expensive sunglasses does not ensure better protection. Look for a pair that claims to protect UVB and UVA rays by 99 percent or 100 percent.
When you’re outside, always wear decent-quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. Look for sunglasses that completely block all UV rays. Your optometrist can assist you in selecting the most appropriate sunglasses lenses for your needs.
Try at least one pair of sunglasses with wide lenses or a close-fitting wraparound shape to protect as much of the delicate skin surrounding your eyes as possible.
Depending on your outdoor lifestyle, you could also want to look at performance sunglasses or sports sunglasses.
8. Reapply sunscreen every two hours
One of the most basic but fruitful methods to maintain the beauty and health of your skin at any age is by applying sunscreen. Sunscreen can help prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging when used daily.
Especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating, reapply sunblock every two hours. You may not need a second spray if you work indoors and away from windows.
However, keep in mind how often you go outside. Just in case, keep a second bottle of sunscreen at your desk. Even a simple lunchtime stroll could be harmful to your skin.
We must know that there is no such thing as a perfectly protecting sunscreen. Use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, or other protective apparel when feasible and seek shade. Sunscreens do not last indefinitely.
UV filters are depleted as they function and are wiped away when swimming or sweating. As often as you can, reapply yours.
9. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen
One should choose a sunscreen that protects one from UVA and UVB radiation. Make sure it’s waterproof and has at least an SPF of 30. Other sunscreens may help prevent sunburn, but they will not protect you against skin cancer.
According to recent research, only 39 percent of customers surveyed stated broad-spectrum protection was an influencing element in their sunscreen purchasing decisions.
In comparison, 79 percent of consumers thought about a product’s sweat and water resistance, while 75 percent thought about the price.
According to the study, many consumers don’t understand what broad-spectrum protection is. Therefore they don’t realize how significant it should be in their purchase selections.
10. Accessorize
When you go to the beach and the sun strikes your arm, it triggers DNA damage that leads to melanoma mutations in a fraction of a second.
As it happens so quickly, the only thing you can do is apply sunscreen or a hat to protect yourself. Use sunglasses and a hat that shields your face, neck, and ears.
Sunglasses with UV absorption of 99 percent to 100 percent give the best protection for the eyes and surrounding skin. While the prospect is terrifying, the correct summer item may be able to preserve your skin.
Conclusion
The skin, eyes, and immune system can be damaged by unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It has the potential to cause cancer. Other elements, such as heredity and the environment, play a role.
Sunburn and excessive UV radiation exposure, on the other hand, can cause skin damage which results in skin cancer or premature aging.
Check out our other safety-related articles regarding fish contamination, festivals and pollutions, and ways to remove ants naturally.
(Last Updated on November 21, 2021 by Sadrish Dabadi)
