A COMFORTABLE CHAIR positioned in the shade, sunglasses, sunscreen and a color-coordinated hat are simple steps to enjoy some summer leisure while protecting skin from the harmless effects of overexposure to the sun.
Ah, the lazy days of summer. Time to don the bikini, grab a blanket and slather on the baby oil in an effort to obtain that sought-after golden brown tan.
Not so fast. While the body requires a certain amount of daily vitamin D intake (600 international units for people between the ages of 1 and 70, according to The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies), there are safer ways to obtain the recommended dietary allowance.
Supplements, salmon and vitamin D-fortified orange juice are just a few.
Here’s some sobering statistics from The Skin Cancer Foundation:
• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with over 3.5 million skin cancers in over 2 million people diagnosed annually.
• About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns.
• One or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.
• Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40 percent and the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent.
The US National Library of Medicine describes melanoma as the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Following the above statistics, purchasing a quality sunscreen is a good place for area residents to begin arming themselves against the sun’s harmful rays. SPF stands for “sun protection factor,’’ which ranges from a 2 to a 60.
Several internet sites from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend an SPF of 15 or higher and that number will vary depending on skin tone. One website explains that “if it takes 15 minutes for a person to burn, an SPF 15 will allow them to stay out in the sun 15 times longer without burning.”
What is consistent across all sources is that most people who do apply sunscreen fail to reapply it and fail to apply it in enough time prior to being exposed to the sun. Sunscreen is not a single-application protectant. The general consensus is that it be reapplied every one to two hours, depending on activity level and whether a person comes in contact with water. Additionally, applying sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun allows sunscreen to deliver maximum benefits. Lastly, sunscreen appears to be underused. One full teaspoon for the face alone and a shot-glass amount (or one ounce) for the entire rest of the body is a good rule of thumb.
The American Academy of Dermatology simplifies that, basically, UVA rays cause skin to age and UVB rays cause the skin to burn. An important thing to be aware of when shopping for sunscreens is that SPF only offers UVB protection. In order to ensure that the product purchased will protect against premature skin aging, look for “broad spectrum’’ or “UVA/UVB protection’’ on the label.
The CDC further advises wearing light-colored clothes that cover arms and legs (dark-colored clothing absorbs more of the sun’s harmful rays), a hat to protect the scalp, ears and face, sunglasses for the eyes and reminds sun worshippers that indoor tanning is no safer than the real deal.
Optometrists warn that exposure to the sun can cause or speed the progression of eye conditions and diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Reflection off water, snow and concrete can be particularly strong so people are encouraged to invest in UV-protection lenses and wear a sports style even when engaging in water activities.
Having taken all these precautions, sources still encourage people to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. when ultraviolet rays are strongest and be sure to drink even more water than the commonly-recommended eight glasses a day. Pop and other caffeinated beverages are not a substitute for this measurement as caffeine acts a diuretic, further dehydrating a person. Dehydration can lead to headaches, dizziness and even heat stroke.
With a few preventative measures, area residents can play it safe and still enjoy the dog days of summer.
