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Without the sun, the world would freeze up and die. It’s the positive force that gives life, lifts the spirits, soothes and comforts. But like yin and yang, every bright side has a dark shadow. There are very real dangers associated with the sun and tanning, but with caution and care you can enjoy its […]
Without the sun, the world would freeze up and die. It’s the positive force that gives life, lifts the spirits, soothes and comforts.
But like yin and yang, every bright side has a dark shadow. There are very real dangers associated with the sun and tanning, but with caution and care you can enjoy its benefits safely.
Not only is the sun good for our emotional well-being, it helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which is essential for stabilising the calcium in our bones.
And let’s not forget about vanity — a golden tan looks more attractive and healthier than a pale skin.
But tanning does cause premature ageing, skin dehydration, cell damage and three types of skin cancer — the most lethal being melanoma.
Sun lovers, respect the sun and give your skin constant, adequate protection.
Fortunately, thanks to advances in cosmetic technology, it is possible to have a safe and beautiful tan, and this is where sophiscated self-tanners fill an important gap for those who want to go brown without the sun.
Sun facts
Skin is vulnerable to sun damage even when you’re driving, gardening or walking.
Pregnancy, the pill and hormone-replacement therapy all increase sensitivity to the sun.
One bad sunburn in childhood could double the risk of skin cancer.
Chemical sunscreens absorb (ultraviolet) UV radiation. Physical sunscreens reflect it. When you read “chemical free” on a label, it means that the product contains a reflective ingredient such as titanium dioxide, which forms a physical barrier on the skin.
People with dark skins are not immune to skin cancer.
Tanning in a salon does as much damage to your skin as natural sunlight.
Your eyes need protection to prevent retina damage and cataracts. Make sure your sunglasses have lenses with UVA and UVB protection.
Sunscreens can last up to three years, but their shelf life is cut short if they are exposed to heat or the sun, so don’t leave them in your drawers.
Sustained sun damage weakens the blood vessels in the skin, producing broken veins and limiting blood flow. It can also trigger blackheads, blotchy skin and brown marks.
Without protection, redness can occur within 15 minutes of sun exposure. To assess how long you will be protected by your sunscreen, multiply the safe time (15minutes) by the SPF shown on the tube (15*SPF 6=90). With SPF 6 you will be safe for 90 minutes if you don’t swim or sweat.
Cloud cover does not mean you won’t burn — very often the rays are more intense, and up to 8% of UV rays can penetrate clouds.
Sun truths
Melanocyte skin cells produce melanin pigment, which is the skin’s natural protective mechanism against the sun and is responsible for the skin changing to a deeper colour. The sun projects a variety of rays, and it’s important to be aware of what they can do, so that you can take steps to protect your skin from burning.
Infrared rays are heat rays that cause dehydration and burning.
Ultraviolet C rays are dangerous. In the past, the ozone layer prevented these rays reaching the skin, but because of its depletion, these rays are now causing untold damage.
Ultraviolet A rays are absorbed by the skin as deep as the dermis level. These rays cause immediate tanning of the superficial layers of the epidermis, but at the same time they damage the elastin and collagen fibres of the skin which keep it firm. The long UVA rays are a danger throughout summer and winter.
Ultraviolet B rays tan the skin and stimulate the production of melanin within 48 hours, or burn the skin if it’s not sufficiently protected. The shorter the UVB rays the less dangerous in winter because of the angle of the sun.
Save your skin
Some dermatologists suggest adults should take two aspirins every four to six hours during the first 24 hours after exposure to reduce pain and inflammation.
Apply calamine lotion, to alleviate soreness and swelling.
Alternative home remedies are a compress dampened in cold water, tea or milk, or a mask of plain yoghurt, applied several times daily and left for ten minutes each time.
Choose an after-sun gel for quick relief.
Tips for a healthy glow
For the first few days, irrespective of whether you’re dark or fair, reach for the highest protection-factor sun cream.
If you are pregnant or on medication, use a sun block with SPF 25-30.
Apply your sun-care products at least 15 minutes before going out. They take time to be absorbed.
Check that you have covered sensitive areas — your ears and lips, around your eyes, your feet and backs of knees.
Avoid exposure to the sun between 11am and 3pm, as this is when the sun’s rays are at their peak and most dangerous.
Always dry your skin after swimming, if possible after rinsing off with fresh water — the magnifying glass effect of the water on the skin can cause sunburn, and it also reduces the effectiveness of sun-care products, even water-resistant ones.
The sun evaporates body moisture, so drink lots of water to replenish lost body fluids. Don’t drink icy cool drinks, however, as this can cause stomach upsets.
Apply sunscreen often and generously, and re-apply every hour if you are swimming.
Until next week, stay fabulous.
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