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Why These Sun
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No Such Thing as Healthy Tan
Be aware that there is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan. UV radiation induced skin-colour change means skin damage.
Avoid Sunburn
Take sensible precautions to avoid sunburn, particularly in children and those who readily sunburn.
Minimize Exposure
Limit unprotected exposure to sun radiation, particularly from 10am to 2pm as UV rays are the strongest. Plan your outdoor activity before 10am or after 4pm. Outdoor activities include shopping, picnicking, walking or jogging. Even waiting for a bus!
Seek Shade
Shade should be sought whenever possible, but remember sunburn can occur even when in partial shade or when cloudy. That is why one get sunburned on hazy days without feeling hot. About 80% of the sun's rays penetrates through the clouds.
Wear Sun Protective Clothing
Exposed skin should be covered with sun protective clothing that gives good UV rays protection. Clothing can be tested for its clothing protective factor (CPF) or ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). The UPF is a measure of the reduced ultraviolet penetration through the fabric. The UPF depends on the composition of clothing, specifically upon things like weave size and type, colour, fiber composition and chemical additives.
In general, dark colours provide more protection than light colours and close weave (tightly woven) fabric prevents more UV rays from reaching our skin. Loose fitting long sleeved shirts (with collar) is recommended.
Use Sunscreen
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with high sun protection factor(at least SPF 15) to exposed or uncovered skin. Apply generously and reapply frequently, especially after activities that remove them, such as swimming, exercising outdoor or toweling.Some people are lead to believe that sunscreen are an absolute protection from ultraviolet radiation and therefore they rightly use them to lengthen the time that they spend in the sun. However sunscreens are not intended to be used to prolong sun exposure time, but rather reduce the level of exposure and provide some protection from sunburn when people must be out in the sun.
Don't apply sunscreen on the forehead as sweat from the forehead can mix with sunscreen and run into the eyes causing great deal of discomfort, wear a hat instead.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses used should be one that exclude both direct and peripheral exposure to the eye - be of a wrap around design. Darker glasses are not necessarily better because the UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses and not from the colour or darkness of the lenses. Be sure your sunglasses have UVA and UVB protections, which should filter at least 80% of the sun's rays.
Most importantly, also avoid looking directly at the sun.
Safeguard While Swimming
UV radiation also can pass through water, so don't assume you are safe from UV radiation if you are in the water and feeling cool. Sunburn can occur while swimming and is more likely when there is a high level of reflected UV radiation such as dry sand and sea foam.
Use Head Wear
Wear sun protection hats with wide-brimmed to reduce exposure to the face, eyes, head and neck.
Sensitive to Sun Exposure
Certain individuals have abnormal skin responses to UV radiation and may need medical help. Certain prescribed drugs, medicines, food and cosmetics can also make people more sensitive to sunlight. Best is to consult with your local doctor.
People's behaviour in the sun is the main cause for the rise in skin cancer rates in recent decades. An increase in popular outdoor activities and unchanged sunbathing habits often result in excessive UV exposure.
Take a QUIZ! I have a suntan, does that protect me? YES or NO?A suntan is a sign that the skin is already exposed to the sun rays and is trying to protect itself from further damage. Suntan only offers fairly small protection against further exposure.
Related Articles
Sun precaution references and links to U.S. EPA, WHO, AAD, U.S. FDA and AMF
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