Sunlight is the main source of UV rays and exposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor for most skin cancers. Even though UV rays make up only a very small portion of the sun’s rays, they are the main cause of the sun’s damaging effects on the skin. UV rays damage the DNA of the skin cells. Skin cancers start when this damage affects the DNA of genes that control skin growth. Learn more about UV radiation and how to protect your skin from damaging rays with the following tips…
Types of UV Rays
UVA: UVA Rays age skin cells and can damage their DNA. These rays are linked to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles, but they are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers. Most tanning beds give off large amounts of UVA, which has been found to increase skin cancer risk.
UVB: UVB Rays have slightly more energy than UVA rays. They can damage skin cell’s DNA directly, and are the main rays that cause sunburns. They are also thought to cause most skin cancers.
UVC: UVC Rays have more energy than the other types of UV rays, but they don’t get through our atmosphere and are not in sunlight. They are not normally a cause of skin cancer.
Factors That Increase Risk of Damage
- History of skin cancer
- Family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma
- Have many moles, irregular or large
- Have freckles and burn before tanning
- Have fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blonde or light hair
- Live or vacation at high altitudes
- Live or vacation in tropical or subtropical climates
- Spend a lot of time outdoors
- Have certain autoimmune diseases, such as SLE or Lupus
- Take medications that lower or suppress your immune system
- Have had an organ transplant
- Take medications that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight
Choosing a Sunscreen
Whether it is hot or cold outside it is important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays. Shopping for a sunscreen can be overwhelming with all the choices. Below are some things your should look for when choosing the right one…
Sunscreen Do’s:
- Buy sunscreens with zinc oxide
- Wear sunscreens rich in antioxidants
- Apply sunscreen often
- Choose lotions over sprays
- Check expiration date on last year’s sunscreen
Sunscreen Don’ts:
- Don’t buy sunscreens with oxybenzone or vitamin A
- Don’t use a spray sunscreen
- Don’t buy sunscreens with high SPFs
- Don’t use tanning oil
- Don’t trust waterproof claims
Supplements that Provide Protection
You can BOOST your body’s internal SPF and lesson the chances and severity of sunburn with natural supplements before sun exposure. Prepare your body and prevent sun exposure by using the following supplements before you head outside:
Be Sun Wise
- Do not stay in sun for extended periods of time
- Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds
- Generously apply and reapply sunscreen
- Wear protective clothing
- Use extra caution near water, snow and sand
- Seek shade
- Check the UV index
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Until next time, stay healthy!