Here Comes the Sun… But Is It Going to Be Alright?
After a long and icy winter we long for some sunshine and heat. Before you spend that day of fun in the sun, consider some photoprotection.
The rays of the sun carry electromagnetic radiation that can have a variety of effects on skin, from tanning to photoaging to skin cancer. On the spectrum of radiation, UV (ultraviolet) parts of the spectrum impact human skin the most. UVA affects the deeper layer and UVB affects upper layers of the skin. UVB is the part of the spectrum that causes the most cell damage, death and inflammation. The outermost layer of skin is a barrier to damage, but it can be broken down by sun exposure.
Sun damaged skin loses elasticity and begins by becoming uneven in pigmentation, dry and irritated. Benign skin lesions called actinic keratoses arise from sun damage. Photodamage can also result in skin cancer. The most common is basal cell cancer. Squamous cell cancer and Melanoma are less common but more worrisome.
To avoid photoaging and photodamage, use the following strategies:
- Wear UV protected clothing that covers sun exposed areas.
- Use a sunscreen with SPF (sun protective factor) of more than 30 and that covers both UVA and UVB radiation.
- Use sunglasses to protect your eyes and eyelids.
- Avoid peak sun hours from 11 am to 2 pm.
Physical sunscreens work by reflecting the rays of the sun, and contain components such as titanium oxide and zinc oxide. They may be less appealing because they form a thick and cosmetically less pleasant layer on the skin. Chemical sunscreens, also called organic sunscreens, rely on their chemical structure to scatter harmful sun rays. They also help in repairing DNA damage done by photo radiation.
There are three things to look at when choosing a sunscreen. Look for an SPF more than 30. If you are going to be in the water, look for water resistance. Look for a sunscreen that is broad spectrum, covering both UVA and UVB.
Be cautious but enjoy the summer because – “Here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right.”
Dr. Bhooma Bhayana is a family physician in London and the mother of two young men and proud grandmother of three! She continues to find wonder and enjoyment in family practice despite more than 30 years on the job!
