By Leanna Coy, FNP-BC
Summer is in full swing, with the sun shining on your favorite hiking, boating, and beach activities. Sunny days can boost your mood and vitamin D, helping balance the many cloudy days we get in Tillamook County. But the sun’s benefits are limited. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun increases your risk of skin and eye damage, premature skin aging, and cancer. Protecting yourself and your family can help reduce these risks.
What is UV radiation?
UV rays are an invisible type of radiation from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. Two types, UVA and UVB, can cause damaging skin changes. UVA rays reduce skin elasticity, leading to aging and wrinkled skin. UVB rays are more concerning for skin cancer risk, and when combined with UVA, the risks of skin cancer and cataracts increase.
When UV rays contact your skin, they react with the melanin in the skin. Melanin absorbs UV rays, and your skin changes color by tanning. When the melanin in your skin cannot absorb any more of the rays, your skin begins to burn. Tanning does not prevent cancer, and getting a “base tan” does not protect against sunburns. Tanning is the first sign that your skin is injured. Over time, the damage to your skin’s cells can build up, and the damaged cells can become cancerous.
Protecting yourself
Protecting your skin from damaging UV rays is the best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Cover up with clothing to protect your skin. Look for tightly woven fabrics or clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF). Hats are part of covering up. Find one with a wide brim that covers your ears and shades your eyes.
Speaking of your eyes, they can get a painful burn similar to a sunburn. Wearing sunglasses labeled with UV protection helps protect your eyes from the sun and reduces the risk of cataracts. Try to find a pair that wraps around the sides.
Some medications can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Make sure to check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to see if any of your medications fall in this category.
Take extra caution around water and sand, as they can reflect damaging UV rays even under an umbrella. This can increase your risk of sunburn. Wear sunscreen when spending time outside, especially at the beach or in the water.
Sunscreen basics
Sunscreens work by absorbing and scattering UV light with ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These effects help keep your skin from absorbing UV rays. The level of protection is known as sun protection factor (SPF), and the higher the SPF, the longer it will protect you. Use at least SPF 30 sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours. If you are in the water, playing sports, or working outside, use one that is water-resistant and reapply after getting out of the water. Don’t forget lip balm. For this area of your skin, use at least SPF 15 for protection.
Many people don’t know that sunscreen has an expiration date. If your sunscreen is more than a year old, it’s best to replace it. Some people are sensitive to certain ingredients in sunscreen. You can apply a small amount to your wrist before applying it all over. If there is no adverse reaction, apply to all exposed skin areas, including the lips, ears, the back of the neck, the scalp (if you have thinning hair), and the tops of the feet. Stay careful to avoid the eyes when applying. Apply about 30 minutes before going outside.
Children and the sun
In summer, take extra care to protect children from the sun. Their skin is more sensitive and will burn more easily. Use all the same precautions to protect them from UV rays, with some additional tips from Doernbecher Children’s Hospital:
- Keep babies 6 months or younger in the shade and out of direct sunlight.
- Limit sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm when UV rays are at their strongest.
- Kids need to protect their eyes too. Give them sunglasses with UV protection.
Children can overheat and dehydrate much more quickly than adults. Dress them in loose, light-colored, lightweight clothing and a hat. Encourage them to drink plenty of water, even if they say they aren’t thirsty, and to take frequent breaks while playing.
Managing a sunburn
If you do get a sunburn, get out of the sun as quickly as you can. Treat mild sunburns at home with cool compresses, baths, or showers. Then apply a soothing cream or spray, such as aloe vera. Cold creams, like Noxzema, aren’t recommended for sunburns because they contain potentially irritating fragrances and oils that may trap heat.
Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can reduce discomfort and inflammation from the sunburn. If a burn is itchy, consider using a non-prescription 1% hydrocortisone cream. Stay out of the sun until redness resolves. If you feel unwell, if your skin swells, or if there are blisters, seek medical care.
