LOVELY SUNSHINE & YOUR SKIN Whilst so grateful for a bit of warmth and sunshine, let this be a timely reminder of the risk to our skin. With the ozone layer less protective than before, we have an even greater risk for UV damage to our skin as we head outdoors to soak up the welcome sunshine. A tan can look attractive and “healthy”, but what it really represents is your body’s attempt to protect itself from the damaging UV rays. Skin cells contain melanin granules – more melanin = darker skin. When UV exposure reaches dangerous levels, these granules are shifted to the surface of the skin to provide a “pigment umbrella” to try to block out the damaging rays. So if you have a tan, it means that you are already exposed to harmful levels of UV radiation, and your skin is trying hard to protect you. Take heed of your body’s message. Fair-skinned people with light-coloured hair and eyes are more at risk as they have less of a “pigment umbrella” than those with darker skins. Too much UV exposure causes mild inflammation at first (sunburn), which can heal, and folks who burn easily without tanning are at highest risk of skin damage. Continued exposure will lead to PREMATURE AGEING, and can also cause skin cancers of different types, the most feared one being a MELANOMA. And remember that tanning beds are merely concentrated UV rays, so they are just like lying in the sun, and cause as much damage to skin. If you have many freckles of moles, please check them regularly. Any mole that changes in shape, colour, size or behaviour must be investigated, as it may be an early cancer. Early diagnosis is your best chance for cure and survival, so don’t ignore these signs. If you are in any way unsure, ask your GP to refer you to a dermatologist for mole mapping: this is a computer-based system for accurate and early diagnosis of skin lesions. You do need some sunshine without SPF coverage to make enough Vitamin D; about 10 minutes of mid-morning sun is more than enough for this. Beyond that, if you MUST be outdoors, use a high SPF sunscreen, and avoid the fierce midday sun. Especially near water (kids in swimming pools, beware) where there is reflection as well, and remember to reapply the sunscreen if you do get wet. Enjoy our beautiful nature, but be safe.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Aug 2013 14:02:45 +0000
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