Using sunscreen is arguably one of the simplest ways to stop millions of cancer cases every year. Still, the majority of us neglect to apply sunscreen. Indeed, only 14% of American men and 30% of American women regularly apply sunscreen to their faces and other exposed skin before spending more than an hour outside, according to a recent study.
Now that summer has arrived, it's time to go outside and soak up the sun! However, before you do, be sure to shield yourself from UV radiation's damaging effects, which can result in anything from sunburns to skin cancer. Here are our top recommendations for sun protection this season from all of your Bryn Mawr dermatologists. In actuality, sunburn is a radiation burn brought on by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Skin that has been exposed to excessive sun exposure becomes red and painful in a matter of hours. The symptoms of a sunburn usually get worse in 24 to 36 hours, and depending on how bad the burn was, recovery may take days or weeks.
Sunburns are categorised into two intensity levels:
First-degree sunburn:
Sunburns of this degree only affect the epidermis, the top layer of skin. Red, dry, irritated skin that may feel heated to the touch is one of the symptoms. Usually, these burns heal in three to five days.
Second-degree sunburn:
This type of sunburn goes past the epidermis and into the dermis, which is the layer underneath. Deep red skin, blistering and edoema, as well as pain and discomfort, are among the symptoms. You might also feel queasy and have a fever. Sunburns that are in the second degree take longer to heal and raise your chance of getting skin cancer.
Although the article provides some crucial information regarding sun protection, we strongly advise you to read it in its entirety.
How to shield your skin from sunlight
1. Apply sunscreen every day, regardless of cloud cover.
2. Before going outside, at least fifteen to thirty minutes beforehand, apply at least one ounce of sunscreen enough to fill a shot glass. Additionally, apply a lip balm or lipstick with a minimum SPF of 30 that contains sunscreen.
3. Select a broad spectrum sunscreen that offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. Ensure that it has an SPF of 30 or more and is water resistant. Other sunscreens won't shield you from skin cancer, but they might help prevent sunburn.
4. Use sunscreen again every two hours. If you are perspiring or swimming, reapply every hour.
5. When near water or sand, exercise extra caution. Sunburn risk may rise as a result of these surfaces' reflection of the sun's harmful rays.
6. Babies under six months old should be kept fully covered and in the shade.
7. Try to avoid spending too much time in the sun between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The sun's rays are at their strongest at this time. Apply the shadow rule: seek shade if the sun's rays are at their strongest and your shadow is shorter than you.
8. Put on long sleeves and long trousers if you can. More light is blocked by tightly woven dark clothing than by loosely woven or white clothing. Seek for clothing made of specific sun-protective materials for added protection.
9. Add some shade to your face, neck, and ears with a hat and some sunglasses. Sunglasses with lenses that absorb UV rays from 99% to 100% offer the best protection for the eyes and surrounding skin.
10. If you are taking any medications that could increase your sensitivity to the sun, exercise even more caution. Tweet about it These comprise particular classes of antifungals, anti-inflammatories, blood pressure drugs, and chemotherapy.
