During the past decades healthcare professional experts have become more-and-more aware of the step-up in cancerous problems of the skin in the United States and also all across the world. They are really worried about all the people who require protecting themselves from ultraviolet radiation (UV).
The harm caused by UV includes premature aging (like wrinkles and aging spots), skin cancers, and permanent, sometimes blinding, damaging the eyes. Other medical ailments such as lupus can turn much worse by UV ray exposures. In addition, there are millions of people taking drugs such as antibiotics, anti-anxiety, diuretics and retinoids that turn people very sun sensitive. Doctors all across the world agree that education is very essential to stop the epidemic of sun related problems - particularly skin cancer.
Factors affecting UV radiation levels
Time of the day and the season
The most intense levels of UV light are when the sun is at its peak point in the sky (typically in the noon). However, scientists believe that this generally occurs between the hours of 1000 hr and 1500 hr when sun exposure is to be kept to a minimum. The season also affects UV rays since UVB and UVA levels vary greatly between winters and summers in mild environments but are more constant between seasons in the areas those are closer to the equator like Asia, tropical South America, Africa, the Caribbean, and Australia .
Latitudes and altitudes
Sunlight has a lesser distance for traveling in order to reach the earth’s surface in areas those are close to the tropics; UV radiation levels are intense in such areas since there is less spread of the sunrays as they come to the earth. The level of UV radiation also steps-up with height above sea levels as the atmosphere turns thinner and there is, to a lesser extent, absorption of radiation.
Effects and sun protection techniques
Sunrays can bring sunburn, Skin tanning, Photo-ageing and Skin malignancy. It is therefore, very important to protect the skin from the harmful sunrays or sunlight. One hast to remember just a few things and this can save our skin from the harmful sunny rays. Long-term exposures to the sunny UV (ultraviolet) rays indeed damage the skin. To protect it, staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sunrays are at their strongest is first and foremost advice one has to follow. And remember that clouds cannot block harmful ultra violet rays.
Tips for sun protection
Seek shade whenever you are at outdoors. If it is too hot, find some shed, take rest and when the peak is off, move on!
One should wear a cap or hat, preferably having a 4-inch brim all across. This surely and effectively covers the face, neck and ears protecting the entire head region from the harmful sunrays.
When the weather is sunny, or too hot, prefer wearing long sleeves and long pants. Meanwhile, one should make it sure that they are made of tightly woven fabrics and is skin friendly not producing any irritation. Do not wear the apparels those are too tight and closer to the skin.
For anyone who wants protection from the sunrays or UV rays of the sun, using sunscreen with some sun protection factor (SPF) that is at least 15 every day helps protecting against incidental sunray exposure. Remember that one has to reapply this after having swum or sweating or simply shower.
One should keep it in mind that a typical Tee-shirt has a lower SPF as compared to the American Cancer Society recommendation! So, one still needs to apply sunscreens to those areas that a Tee-shirt covers.
One should be aware that ultraviolet rays usually reflect off waters, sands, snows and any light-colored surfaces, such as concretes; be sure in applying sunscreens when you are around such things.
One has to note it down that some of the ultraviolet radiation can penetrate waters and windows, so one always requires protection.
Try to avoid indoor sunlamps and sun beds (those having sunlamps) as they may be more harmful to the skin as compared to even the sun!
