Sunburn Recovery: To Peel Or Not To Peel

Beware!

Sunlight, a major source of UVA and UVB radiation, penetrates deep into skin cells, and excessive exposure to which can result in suppressed immune systems, eye cataracts, and multiple skin conditions. While UV rays are known to damage collagen fibers in the skin and cause premature aging and sunburn, they are also responsible for the deadliest form of malignant melanoma in skin cancer. Although the incidence of skin cancer among people with darker skin tones is lower than in Caucasians due to the additional melanin in the skin that limits the absorption of UV rays in the deeper layer of skin cells, darker people are at risk of developing skin cancers from unrestricted exposure to the sun. Additionally, these rays can also aggravate multiple skin diseases and conditions, including Sjogren’s syndrome and rosacea, among many others. The harmful bands of ultraviolet radiation reach the Earth even on a cloudy day and have their effects also indoors, hence it is essential to always take precautionary measures as a defensive mechanism to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.

How to defend yourself?

Dermatologists widely recommend sun protection as a leading UV protection strategy; Sunscreen products have evolved tremendously over the years in accordance with consumer needs and technological advances. Sunscreens are now cooperating as a vital ingredient in the manufacture of a wide range of products, from traditional sun creams to daily skin care and cosmetic products. In response to the growing demand for healthier and more effective sun protection products, the sun protection industry has made accessible to consumers a wide range of products to choose from according to their lifestyle and skin type. Sunscreens that offer multiple properties are now available in the form of creams, lotions, gels, and sprays that are cost-effective and therefore more attractive to customers.

Choose your Sun Cream wisely.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, a sunscreen that provides “broad spectrum protection” should be chosen to cater for both UVA and UVB rays. While all sunscreen creams protect against UVB rays, UVA rays, which are responsible for causing premature aging and skin cancers, are specifically blocked by products that offer broad spectrum protection. In addition, a product with an SPF of 30 or higher should be used as a face and body sunscreen where the SPF factor indicates the level of protection it provides. However, no sunscreen can completely protect you; SPF 30 filters approximately 98% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 filters approximately 98.8% beyond which there is a minimal increase in protection.

For best results, sunscreen should be worn 30 minutes before going out in the sun so that it can be fully absorbed into the skin and should be reapplied at least every two hours (even longer if you swim or sweat). According to Dr. Noor Almaani, a consulting dermatologist at King Edward VII Hospital in Windsor, two milligrams of sunscreen are required per square centimeter of skin – six teaspoons for an adult’s body and about three teaspoons for children. It is essential that sun protection is applied to all exposed parts of the body, including the ears and neck. However, the use of sunscreen should be avoided in children under the age of six, as their skin is too thin and sensitive to chemicals. Therefore, they should be kept out of the sun completely.

What else?

Also, extra precautions should be taken to stay safe in the sun. Seek shade as much as possible and avoid going outside between 10 am and 4 pm when UV rays are most intense. Be sure to wear loose, lightweight, protective clothing with a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible when you go outside. Also, protect your eyes by including sunglasses in your attraction to block approximately 99% of harmful UV rays and prevent them from reaching your retina. The intensity of the sun’s rays depends, for example, on the altitude of your location and the time of year. While UV rays are strongest during summers, they reflect off snow and water during winter months, increasing the chances of sunburn. Therefore, plan your activities accordingly.

As much as you want to enjoy the summer sun until it lasts, don’t forget to take care of your super skin! Stay safe in the sun and be sure to put on plenty of sunscreen. Keep a close eye on how you dress when you go out and limit your time in the sun! With this in mind, it is good that you value the well-being of the wonderful summer sun.