The majority of skin malignancies are brought on by
excessive UV radiation exposure. The majority of this exposure is derived from
the sun, but some can also come from artificial sources like sunlamps and
indoor tanning beds. Individuals with high UV exposure are more vulnerable to
developing skin cancer.
UVA and UVB rays are the two main UV radiation kinds that
can harm your skin. Both UVA and UVB radiation can harm the skin and cause skin
cancer, although UVB rays are more powerful and can cause at least some skin
malignancies. UV radiation is never safe.
What Influences The Amount Of UV Radiation?
Many variables affect how intense the sun's UV rays are when
they hit the Earth, including:
- Time of day: Between 10 am and 4 pm, during the middle of the day, UV rays are at their highest.
- Season of the year: Spring and summer are when UV radiation is most potent. Near
the equator, this factor is less significant.
- Latitude: The amount of UV radiation decreases with increasing
distance from the equator.
- Altitude: Higher altitudes allow more UV radiation to reach the Earth.
- Cloud cover: Although the impact of clouds varies, it's crucial to
remember that even on cloudy days, UV radiation can reach the Earth.
UV exposure can rise as a result of surface reflection from
materials like water, sand, snow, or pavement.
Protect Yourself From The Sun
Some people reserve their consideration of sun protection for days spent at the lake, beach, or swimming pool. However, daily sun
exposure accumulates and occurs each time you are in the sun. Although the
primary source of UV rays is sunlight, you don't have to stay out of the sun
all the time. Furthermore, staying inside would be a bad idea if it prevented
you from exercising, as exercise is crucial for overall health. However, too
much sun exposure might be dangerous. You may minimize the amount of UV
radiation you are exposed to by following a few easy procedures.
Seek Shade
Reducing the amount of time you spend outside in direct sunshine is a simple but crucial step in lowering your exposure to UV radiation. Since UV light is highest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, this is especially crucial. Use the shadow test to determine the strength of the sun's rays if you're unsure; if your shadow is shorter than your own, the sun's rays are most vital, and you should take precautions.
Even on overcast or hazy days, UV radiation reaches the Earth throughout the year, but its intensity varies depending on a variety of circumstances (see above). Sand, water, and snow reflect sunlight, so be extra cautious when you're at the beach or in places where there is snowfall. This increases your exposure to UV radiation. Even while you're in the water and feeling calm, you still run the risk of getting burned by UV radiation since it can penetrate below the surface.
Wear Garments To Protect Your Skin.
Wear garments to protect your skin when you are outside in the sun. Diverse clothing offers varying degrees of UV protection. The most extended sleeves, the longest legs, and the most prolonged skirts are the most protective and cover the most skin. In general, dark hues offer more excellent protection than light ones. Clothes with a tight weave provide more protection than those with a loose weave. In general, dry fabric offers more excellent protection than damp fabric. Recognize that not all UV rays can be blocked by clothing. UV rays can pass through a cloth if light can pass through it.
Apply Sunscreen.
Applying sunscreen to your skin helps shield it from the sun's UV radiation. It's crucial to understand, though, that sunscreen is only a filter and does not entirely prevent UV radiation. It would help if you didn't use sunscreen to stay out in the sun for longer than necessary. Certain UV rays still pass through even when sunscreen is used correctly. Sunscreen should not be considered your first line of defense because of this.
Incorporate sunscreen into your skin cancer prevention strategy, particularly if wearing protective clothing and finding shade aren't your first options. Sunscreens come in a variety of forms, including lip balms, lotions, creams, ointments, gels, sprays, and wipes.
Examine the labels.
Check the label before selecting a sunscreen. It is advised
to wear sunscreens with sun protection factor (SPF) values of 30 or above that
offer broad spectrum protection (against UVA and UVB rays).
Sun protection factor (SPF):
UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn; the SPF value
indicates the degree of protection the sunscreen offers against these rays.
While UVA protection is not mentioned, a higher SPF number means more UVB
protection.
For instance, you receive the equivalent of one minute of
UVB radiation for every thirty minutes in the sun when using an SPF 30
sunscreen appropriately. Therefore, spending one hour in the sun with SPF 30
sunscreen is equivalent to going uncovered for two minutes. Individuals
frequently need more sunscreen, which results in less actual protection.
Broad spectrum sunscreen:
Products bearing the label "broad spectrum" are
only permitted to be used after testing has demonstrated their ability to block
UVA and UVB radiation. Among the components of sunscreens that aid in UVA
radiation protection are titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone.
Water-resistant sunscreen:
Because the phrases "waterproof" and "sweatproof"
can be deceptive, sunscreens cannot be sold with these labels.
Sunscreens can claim to be "water resistant," but
they must specify whether, according to testing, they shield the skin from
sweat or swimming for 40 or 80 minutes.
Make sure you correctly apply the sunscreen.
Always heed the instructions on the label. The majority of
specialists advise using a lot of sunscreen. Be mindful of your face, ears,
neck, arms, and any other regions that aren't covered by clothing when putting
it on. Remember your lips as well; sunscreen-containing lip balm is also
available. Apply sunscreen first before applying cosmetics or bug repellant.
Put On A Cap
The best type of hat is one that has a minimum 2- to 3-inch
brim across the entire circumference. This protects the ears, eyes, forehead,
nose, scalp, and other areas that are frequently exposed to intense sunlight.
Reduce the amount of UV radiation that hits the face from reflected surfaces
like water by having a dark, non-reflective underside up to the brim. A shade
cap is also a fantastic option since it offers additional neck protection. It
resembles a baseball cap and has around 7 inches of fabric hanging down the
sides and back. Outdoor supplies and sporting goods stores frequently sell
these.
Conclusion
To sum up, knowing how important UV protection is is essential to protecting your skin from damaging factors like skin cancer. Because UV radiation from artificial and natural sources has substantial hazards, preventative precautions must be taken. You can drastically lower your risk by taking easy measures like wearing UV-blocking eyewear, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, keeping in the shade, and wearing protective clothing. It's crucial to keep in mind that UV radiation can pass through clouds and reflect off of surfaces, underscoring the necessity of constant protection.
Please book an appointment with the best Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
