The sun, an underestimated foe

The sun, an underestimated foe

Like most people, you probably missed the sun this winter. To make up for lost time, you might be thinking about dozing under its warm rays in the hopes of getting a lovely, sun-kissed glow. But before you do, read this.

Tanned skin is injured skin

While the sun is marvellous, it still produces harmful, cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays. The first type penetrates the dermis – the skin’s deep layer – and damages its elastin fibres and collagen. As a result, UVA rays cause premature aging of the skin. The second type affects the top layers of the skin – the epidermis – causing sunburns. UVBs are recognized as the number one cause of skin cancer.

In other words, being tanned means that your skin cells have been damaged, which increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

Enjoy the summer minus the risk

You can still take full advantage of the summer season. You just need to adequately protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Here are a few tips:

  • Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Say goodbye to tanning oils. They offer little or no protection. Furthermore, according to the Association des dermatologistes du Québec, people with sensitive skin or those with a history of skin cancer should not expose themselves to the sun at all. If they do, they must use a product with an SPF of 30 or more.

     

  • Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours. Unfortunately, most people do not use enough sunscreen. Here’s a rule of thumb: you need an adult-size palm-full of product to adequately cover your entire body.

     

  • Wear sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays. Ultraviolet rays can cause damage to your eyes and increase your chances of developing cataracts.

     

  • Install a parasol or canopy to create shade where you spend time outdoors. You can also plant leaf-bearing trees to serve as natural sun barriers.

     

  • Wear a hat with a wide brim. This will protect your head, neck and ears from sunburns.

     

  • Choose long clothing made from tightly woven fibres. You can now get clothing with built-in sun protection. Some types can even be worn for swimming.

     

  • Limit your exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

     

  • Keep babies away from the sun, since their skin is extremely fragile. Also, sunscreen manufacturers do not recommend the use of their products on babies younger than 6 months old.

     

  • Ask your pharmacist if your medication increases photosensitivity. This is the case for certain antidepressants, antihistamines and antibiotics.

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