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Sun safety

Find out about the damage that golden tan is doing to your skin.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

Holidays are when most of us turn pink (or lobster red) in thwarted attempts at getting a golden tan. But do you know the damage those tanning attempts are doing to your skin? Or do you know and just not care?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland with more than 5,500 new cases being diagnosed every year. Most Irish people have pale skin (meaning a high risk of sunburn) but still risk causing long-term damage to the skin by getting burnt.

The science bit:

The sun produces three types of ultraviolet radiation (UVA, UVB and UVC). UVA and UVB both can cause skin cancer.

  • UVB is the one that causes sunburn (and even when you tan, your skin has been damaged).
  • UVA (which can effect your skin through clouds and glass!) causes skin to age earlier than it should (those dreaded wrinkles) and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
  • Choose a sunscreen that offers protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
  • The SPF only tells you how much protection the product gives against UVB rays. A high SPF gives you more protection than a low SPF.
  • The star rating (1- 5 stars) or labels stating UVA protection as “low”, “medium”, “high” or "ultra-high” are the most common methods of indicating the level of UVA protection provided by a product.
  • The Irish Cancer Society recommends choosing a sunscreen of SPF 15 or more and with UVA protection, that is high or ultra high (4-5 stars).

Even in cloudy weather, the skin can absorb UV rays and you should use sun block EVERYDAY to protect your skin. Sun beds are also a big no no: your skin absorbs high levels of harmful UV rays every time you pop those goggles on and intentionally bake yourself.

But I hate being pale!

If you MUST have a tan then use fake tan: you can buy a whole range of different types in most chemists or you can go to a beauticians and have the tan applied professionally.

Sun safety:

  • We might have crap weather here but that doesn’t mean we can run round naked when the sun appears. When it’s sunny (here or abroad) wear a t-shirt, sunglasses and wide brimmed hat (that shades your face and neck). They’re even in fashion now so no bloody excuses!
  • Wear sun block with a minimum of factor SPF 15 and with UVA protection, that is high or ultra high (4-5 stars) every day, summer and winter.
  • Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you put sun block on. Apply the sun block at least twenty minutes before you go out. Re-apply cream at least every two hours and more when doing sport or if you're sweaty.
  • Don’t forget to apply it on areas that catch a lot of sun- the ears, nose, lips, head and back of neck.
  • If you’re in the water, wear waterproof sun block and make sure to re-apply your sun block when you’re back on dry land.
  • Remember that if your skin is turning pink, then the damage is already done: get out of the sun and use a stronger sun block next time you’re outside.
  • Avoid being in the sun when it’s strongest, that’s between 11am and 3pm.
  • Wear decent sunglasses to protect your eyes. Not the pair you got free with a magazine.
  • Watch out for changes to moles and freckles, lumps or growths on the body or a sore that doesn’t heal. If you see any unusual skin changes check it out with your doctor.
  • If you burn easily and need a reminder to use sunblock, repeat ten times a day “I’m pale and exotic, I’m pale and exotic”.
  • Get lots more information on sun safety on the Irish Cancer Society SunSmart website.

 

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