Protecting your Skin from the Sun

Why should you protect your skin from the sun? Here are the reasons why we should avoid basking in the sun too much.

The sun's rays can be very harmful to our skin. Although sunlight is actually beneficial in treating skin diseases, over exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, wrinkles, freckles, skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels, and skin cancers. It may also cause rash problems.

Most skin cancers are linked to sunburn or prolonged exposure to the sun. Skin cells are damaged by the electromagnetic radiation that makes up sunshine (this is different from the radiation associated with nuclear energy). The dangerous rays contain UV radiation. This comes in three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. UV radiation can penetrate deep into our cells and cause gene damage, the trigger for cancer.

It is in this regard that health experts and medical practitioners alike are encouraging us to protect ourselves against the sun. Here are four simple ways that we can do so:

1. Stay away from the sun especially in the middle of the day (approximately from 10 a.m. to four p.m.) when the sun is at its hottest.
2. Block. Use sunscreen lotions or those with Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Using SPF 15 or higher is recommended.
3. Cover up. Hats, sunglasses, sun visors and protective clothing will provide effective barrier to sunlight.
4. Speak out. Help promote awareness regarding sun protection and the dangers of too much sunlight.

So next time you wanted to ride the hype of sunbathing and tanning, remember that no amount of beauty can compensate for your life.