Getting Ready To Meet The Sun: Understanding The Need For Sun Protection

It's hard to find anything more refreshing than playing on the beach or taking a walk in the park. But whether you are water-skiing, swimming, or playing tennis and golf this summer, even though it's warm and beautiful outside, it can also be dangerous for your skin if it's not protected correctly. 

Researchers are warning that many sunscreens don't offer full protection from skin cancer, especially the deadly form called melanoma. They state that most commercially available, sun-blocking lotions protect against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, but they generally do not contain agents that block the part of the solar spectrum called ultraviolet A (UVA). UVB is firmly linked to the far more common, and less dangerous, forms of skin cancer, squamous-cell and basal-cell tumors. 

Some rays of the sun, such as ultra-violet and infrared radiations, cause harmful effects to the body by altering the epidermis and dermal layer of the skin. When directly exposed to the skin, these harmful rays can cause severe damage, accounting for nearly 700,000 cases of skin cancer per year. So for sun lovers it's important to be aware of the health risks of not protecting your skin. 

Wrinkles, a blotchy complexion, leathery skin, and one of the most hazardous problems: skin cancer, are only a few of the dangers of getting too much sun. 

Remember that sunscreens are just part of the sun protective system you should practice. 

Don't forget: drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, apply a superior sunscreen or block, wear a perky hat and you're all set!



March 22/02
Karin.

If you would like more information on this topic, or if you would like to know if we could help you get some relief, please use this link to ask your health question or request more information on getting some help.
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Karin Henderson British Columbia, Canada (604) 463 8666