Everyone enjoys the sun and after all why not? After all it is a great life source and energy provider! However, the dangers in exposing ourselves to excessive sun lie in the strong waves of radiation that it emits.
The strongest of these were filtered by the ozone layer but, as this layer is now not very effective, radiation in the form of Ultra Violet (UV) will reach the earth.
A summers day at 12 noon is the most dangerous time to expose yourself to the sun because the rays are more intensive while the sun is directly overhead. If you travel closer to the equator to get that great bikini suntan or enjoy mountain climbing, remember that the rays are travelling a shorter distance to reach you, so they are 25% stronger than normal.
Another important factor is the reflection of the sun's rays which greatly increases the power of radiation by the following percentages:
Snow up to 85% increase
Sand up to 17% increase
Water up to 5% increase
Remember cool winds on or from the water can disguise the power of the sun so extra care is needed.
Our Skin
UVA Radiation: These rays penetrate the skin fairly deeply causing a temporary, fast and direct pigmentation. They speed up the skin ageing process and add to skin damage by reducing the skin's elasticity.
UVB Radiation: This is responsible for sun burn, which in repeated doses leads to irreparable skin damage and maybe skin cancer.
A 5% increase in UVB exposure will give a 15% increase in the risk of developing skin cancer.
The skin naturally produces melanin, a pigment which so as to protect itself naturally thickens the skin when in the sun. UVB will burn thinner skin where it is close to the bone such as a bald scalp, nose or shins. Your skin should be slowly and gradually introduced to the sun over two weeks to give it the chance to thicken. Your children are particularly at risk as they have very little if any protection.
Five Rules To Enjoy The Sun
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest and risk of skin damage is high. Take plenty of shade.
- Beware of the reflection factor, water, concrete, sand, snow etc. will intensify the radiation.
- Skin that is not used to protect itself. Under the influence of UV rays the skin begins to thicken and starts producing melanin. These processes take 10-20 days to take place, so use extra protection while your skin has time to adjust.
- Use skin protection products with SPF15 and above, preferably free of oils, emulsifiers and fragrance as these are the main causes of allergic reactions. Feel secure with the high protection, water resistance and once a day application of the Ultrasun products.
- Apply sun protection (to clean, dry skin) in the shade, 30-45 minutes before you go into the sun. Pay attention to vulnerable areas - nose, lips, eyebrows, ears, scalp, shins and feet. Children need extra protection - remember the 3S rule - (shirt, sunhat and sun cream).
Your Individual Sun Account
We all posses an individual "sun account" which works like a bank account for our skin and is available only once each day. This account should never be overdrawn! Individual sensitivity, location and acclimatisation to the sun, time of day etc. determine the permitted UV dose. Even when in the shade the sun's rays reach us through reflection and debit the account. Once each day's credit is used, skin damage will occur if exposure to the UV rays continues. Using Ultrasun products multiplies your credit by the number of the SPF you choose, but once you have used up your daily "sun credit" , further application of products is of no use and at least 12 hours should elapse before further exposure to the sun. Don't forget: each time spent in the sun reduces your daily account, even if it is only a few minutes. |
