Ah, to have that lovely golden tan, that sun-kissed glow, that gorgeous fashion accessory that actually makes one look slimmer and contrasts so beautifully with a white bikini – what bliss. In the UK, where bright sunny days are definitely not the norm, the acquisition of a tan is almost an obsession, especially with the younger generation.
By now most folks are aware that obtaining a deep becoming tan has its drawbacks. The most immediate and obvious result of too much sun is the pain, itching and flaking skin that results from sunburn. A rosy glow can turn quite rapidly into an unsightly piebald look as dead skin cells slough off, not to mention that any tight garment becomes an instrument of torture. But that’s not the worst of it.
According to the medical experts, there is no such thing as a ‘healthy’ tan, as far as your skin is concerned. Sunburn happens when the amount of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is too great for the body’s protective pigment, melanin, to counter it. Cells called melanocytes are produced as soon as the skin registers the presence of UV light; melanocytes in turn produce melanin pigment that blocks UV rays by darkening the skin.
Light-skinned people burn more easily than those with darker skin, but even naturally dark skin can get badly burned with overexposure, and even a few minutes of such overexposure damages the skin. That damage results in premature aging of the skin, but can also lead to cancer (melanoma). In the shorter term sunburn can cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, fever and chills, and in severe cases requires hospitalisation.
There are ways to avoid both minor and major damage from overexposure to the sun or other UV sources like tanning beds. Those medical experts do have some good advice that will help protect you and your kids, and it is far better to prevent the damage rather than try to repair it after it’s done.
Avoid sun-bathing during the hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when UV rays are most intense. Be aware that they are also stronger in high altitudes and tropic latitudes, and reflection off water, snow or sand intensifies the radiation.
Use sunscreen, and use it lavishly. Choose one with a sun protection factor (SPF on the label) of at least 30. Apply it half an hour before exposure and again after swimming; reapply every two hours you remain in the sun. Additional tips: wear a sunhat, use lip balm with sunscreen and sun glasses with UV protective lenses. White or light-coloured clothing reflects UV rays; keep a loose, light cover-up close to hand.
Related posts:
- Painkillers could prevent skin cancer according to new research Consumption of Ibuprofen, aspirin, and other painkillers may actually help...
- Bupa reveals Brits in denial about realities of too much drink According to well-known health organization Bupa there is very little...
- High factor protection urged as skin cancer cases soar Various health promotion groups have urged people to use suncream...
- Chemotherapy may not be doing its job properly Recent research has shown that chemotherapy, far from killing the...
- Researchers offers hope to those with onsteoncrosis Experts claim that a new osteoncrosis treatment could help many...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.