We all love the sun. But, unfortunately not all of us seem
to know you can have too much of a good thing.
“While many people associate a tan with looking healthy, a
tan is actually a sign that our skin has been harmed by UV radiation and is
trying to defend itself against further damage,” says the British Association
of Dermatologists. “This kind of damage can in turn increase your risk of
developing skin cancer: Sunburn (i.e. skin redness) and heavy tans can never be
justified and are harmful.”
It also points out that more than 100,000 new cases
of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the UK, so you really do have to take
care in the sun.
A great tip given to me by a dermatologist at St Thomas’ Hospital is the shadow rule. When your shadow is shorter than you, the sun is strong and you are more likely to burn. So try to stay out of the sun between late morning to mid-afternoon. (In the UK, between 11am and 3pm.). If you are going anywhere near the Equator the rays are strong all year round. If you are anywhere and not sure whether you are “sun safe” apply the shadow rule.
A great tip given to me by a dermatologist at St Thomas’ Hospital is the shadow rule. When your shadow is shorter than you, the sun is strong and you are more likely to burn. So try to stay out of the sun between late morning to mid-afternoon. (In the UK, between 11am and 3pm.). If you are going anywhere near the Equator the rays are strong all year round. If you are anywhere and not sure whether you are “sun safe” apply the shadow rule.
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| El Salvador |
If you are out, wear
a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses that block UV (look for a UV 400 label or a CE
mark, a European standard of UV protection) and cover up as much as possible.
On any exposed parts use sunscreen. Put it on about 20 minutes before going into the sun. Sunscreen should go on the face after moisturiser (which should dry first), and before applying make-up.
Powder make-up can be better than cream as there is less chance of rubbing the sunscreen off.
On any exposed parts use sunscreen. Put it on about 20 minutes before going into the sun. Sunscreen should go on the face after moisturiser (which should dry first), and before applying make-up.
Powder make-up can be better than cream as there is less chance of rubbing the sunscreen off.
You should also wear sunscreen when you are sitting near a
window or in a car as UVA rays can penetrate. Sand, water and concrete can also
reflect UV radiation, increasing the levels you absorb.
Apply sun screen every couple of hours, no matter what it
says on the label and put it on
thickly making sure all exposed skin is well covered.
By Daralyn Danns
