 Sun Protection
The best method of sun protection is sun avoidance. Realistically, however this is not at all practical. The next best thing is to take action to avoid the adverse effects of the sun’s harmful UV rays, particularly in the form of sunburn.
Approximately 50% of the daily UV is received during the five hours around noon. It is at this time that the sun is most damaging.
Avoid over exposure of uncovered skin especially between 10 am and 3 pm. Cover your skin by wearing protective clothing, preferably clothes with a high UPF factor. The neck, arms and legs should be protected. Wear a wide brimmed hat (with a UPF factor) to protect the face and sunglasses (with an EPF factor) to protect the eyes. Use sunscreen with a high SPF factor to protect the hands and face. Remember that you can be sunburnt on cloudy days as well as clear ones and that water and snow can both reflect UV rays. Take additional care on windy days. You may feel cool but the UV rays can still burn you.
Children and Babies and Sun Protection
Children and babies, in particular, should be protected from the sun. Research shows that over exposure to the sun in the formative years leads to a high risk of skin cancer in adulthood.
Young babies should not have sunscreen applied to their skin as it is suggested that their bodies may not be able to tolerate the chemicals in sunscreens. Alternatively they should wear protective clothing and hats and be kept in the shade.
Interesting facts about the bad effects of sun exposure:
- Around 70 - 80% of a person’s life time exposure to the sun occurs by the age of 18.
- 90% of all skin cancers are due to lack of sun protection.
- It has been suggested that there is an increased risk of melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer) in people who have suffered several severe sun burns especially in childhood.
- Approximately 80 - 85% of UV rays pass through clouds.
- Sun burns and sun tans accumulate and ultimately result in premature wrinkles.
- Sun damage cannot be undone.
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