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Let's have someone who has walked around with reddened skin often enough explain how harmful sun exposure can be. In this article, we will delve into the risks of sun exposure, the important topic of sun protection, and the widespread myths surrounding tanning.

The Sun and Its Effects on the Skin

The sun emits various types of rays, including ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are divided into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the Earth's ozone layer and typically do not reach the surface of the skin. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are associated with premature skin aging and wrinkling. UVB rays, on the other hand, are the main cause of sunburn and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer.

The UV Index

Imagine the UV-Index as a gauge for the sun's intensity, helping us make informed decisions about sun exposure. Just as a traffic light signals whether it's safe to proceed, the UV Index guides us on how cautious we need to be in the sun.

The UV Index is a numerical scale developed by experts to quantify the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It takes into account various factors such as the Earth's position relative to the sun, the altitude, and the amount of ozone in the atmosphere. The scale usually ranges from 0 to 11 or even higher in some regions, indicating low to extreme levels of UV radiation.

This scale offers essential insights into the potential harm posed by UV rays. A low UV Index suggests minimal risk, while a high Index signifies a greater chance of harm. 

The UV Index for your location, usually available through weather forecasts or smartphone apps.

The Risks of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and most cases are caused by excessive sun exposure. Regular sunburns during childhood increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the more dangerous malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma can spread rapidly and be life-threatening if not detected and treated early.

In particular, sunburns during childhood can have serious implications for skin health. Children's skin is more sensitive and susceptible to damage from UV rays. A single sunburn in childhood increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Damage caused by sunburns often cannot be fully repaired. Cumulative exposure to UV rays over the years can lead to a harmful accumulation of DNA damage, ultimately resulting in skin cancer.

Why We Need to Apply Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen is a simple and effective way to protect the skin from the harmful effects of sun rays. Sunscreen forms a protective barrier on the skin and helps absorb or reflect UV rays before they can penetrate the skin. Proper sun protection can prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and prevent premature skin aging.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of Sunscreens

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) on sunscreen packaging indicates how well the cream protects against the sun's harmful UV rays. The SPF indicates how much longer one can stay in the sun with the cream compared to being unprotected without getting sunburned.

To calculate the SPF, you need to know how much time you want to spend in the sun and how sensitive your skin is. Let's assume you want to safely stay in the sun for 300 minutes, and your skin gets sunburned after 10 minutes without protection. In this case, you would need a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 (300 minutes divided by 10 minutes of natural protection time).

It's important to reapply sunscreen regularly to maintain protection. However, reapplying sunscreen cannot extend the maximum time you can safely spend in the sun. After the calculated time has elapsed, it's advisable to seek shade to avoid the risk of sunburn. In this example, you should end your sunbathing session no later than 300 minutes.

Keep in mind that the SPF on the packaging provides guidance, but other factors such as skin type, intensity of sun radiation, and location should also be considered. In addition to applying sunscreen, it's important to wear protective clothing, avoid the most intense sun radiation, and seek shade to protect your skin as effectively as possible from the harmful effects of the sun.

With my UV Protection Calculator, you can estimate how long you can stay in the sun approximately based on your skin type and the applied sunscreen's sun protection factor:

The Limits of Sun Protection with Sunscreen

So, just apply the highest SPF sunscreen and confidently tan in the sun? Unfortunately, that's not a good idea either. No sunscreen offers complete 100% protection. A certain percentage of UV rays will still be able to penetrate the skin. For this reason, it is advisable to take additional protective measures to safeguard the skin. Seeking shaded areas, wearing protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved garments, and avoiding the most intense sun radiation during peak hours are important complements to using sunscreen.

The Dilemma with Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an important vitamin for our body, playing a role in healthy bones and the immune system, among other functions. It is also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because our body produces vitamin D under the influence of sunlight. However, there is a dilemma when it comes to sun protection and vitamin D intake.

Sunscreen actually blocks the production of vitamin D in our skin. By applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, we reduce the amount of UV rays that reach our skin, thus affecting vitamin D production.

This is one of the reasons why many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency despite frequent sun exposure. However, the question arises: Should we forgo sun protection and risk skin cancer or risk vitamin D deficiency? The answer is clear. Get a blood test to determine the vitamin D level in your body. Based on that, you can consider taking vitamin D supplements to improve the levels.

There Is No Such Thing as a Healthy Tan

Many people believe that a tan looks healthy and protects the skin. However, this is a myth. Unfortunately, any type of tan is already a sign of skin damage. When the skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, produce more melanin to protect the skin from further damage. This results in a tan, but a tan does not automatically mean that the skin is protected. There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Despite tanning, sun rays can still harm the genetic material of the cells.

What About Dark-Skinned People?

People who naturally have more melanin in their bodies and therefore have darker skin enjoy a certain natural protection against harmful UV rays. However, it is a widespread myth to assume that dark-skinned people do not need sun protection measures. Although darker skin types provide natural protection, they are still susceptible to sun damage and have an increased risk of skin cancer if they do not take protective measures. UV rays can still penetrate the skin and cause damage when exposed excessively and without sufficient protection. Therefore, it is also advisable for people with naturally darker skin to regularly apply sunscreen.

Further Dangers in Summer

Sun exposure always carries a certain risk, regardless of the season. Even in winter, it is important to protect yourself adequately with sunscreen. However, in summer, we spend more time outdoors, are more exposed to unprotected sun radiation, and often wear lighter clothing.

In addition to the risks of sun exposure, there are other dangers in summer, especially when temperatures rise. Heatwaves can lead to serious health problems such as heatstroke, sunstroke, and heat cramps. These conditions occur when the body struggles to regulate itself against the extreme heat.

Heatstroke occurs when the body is no longer able to effectively regulate its temperature, and this can lead to a life-threatening condition. Sunstroke is a form of heat-related illness caused by excessive sun exposure to the head, and it can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Heat cramps are muscle cramps that can occur due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by excessive sweating.

Therefore, it is important to not only pay attention to sun protection but also take measures to protect oneself from the risks of heat. This includes wearing lightweight and breathable clothing, avoiding excessive physical exertion during the hottest hours of the day, seeking cooler places, and, above all, drinking enough water to stay hydrated.

After all, it is of no use to apply sunscreen adequately if one simultaneously exposes oneself to the life-threatening dangers of a heatwave.

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Closing Words

So now we know what to do: consistently apply sunscreen and reapply regularly without exceptions. Even if it's not particularly hot or if you're just in a car, we should not neglect sun protection.

The sun can be dangerous, and even I underestimate this danger time and again. That's why I wrote this post. When I delve into a topic intensively, I tend to consistently implement the right measures.

I hope that you follow my example and take the necessary steps to give skin cancer no chance.