Wow! After all this unseasonably cold weather punctuated by a few warm (not hot) days, suddenly (like - overnight!) we are having a serious heat wave. A trip out to the coast to deliver soap and do chores today gave no relief, even the traditionally cool and foggy coast was in the 80's and 90's. And the coastal folks are not used to it.
Up in Arcata they used to have a bumper sticker that said "Arcatans don't tan, they rust". Presented with this unusual sun and heat, it seemed half the pale population was out in tank tops and shorts. From the look of it many of them will soon realize they have a serious case of sunburn. Oh dear.
It feels so good to finally get the chance to get outside and enjoy the sun... and then we are bombarded not just by the warmth and light, but by all the warnings about skin cancer and skin damage. What’s really happening and what should we do about it?
Well, first of all, relax. It’s not all bad news. That timeless adage “moderation in all things” pertains here as it does everywhere else.
Earth is habitable by humans and other life forms in large part because of it’s proximity to the sun. It is bathed in an invisible form of solar radiation called ultraviolet (UV) rays.
There are three types of UV rays: UVA; UVB; and UVC. UVA is the most abundant at earth’s surface level, and can penetrate below the top layer of skin. UVB rays are partially absorbed by the ozone layer, so are less abundant at the surface, and do not penetrate as deeply as UVA. UVB also stimulates the reaction that produces vitamin D, but UVB in excess causes sunburn and cell damage.
The most hazardous is UVC, but it is completely absorbed by earth’s stratospheric ozone layer. It’s the main reason we want to keep that ozone layer intact. Without it we fry.
After years of warning us to stay out of the sun or be covered with UV blocking sunscreen at all times, the medical community now is debating whether too little sun is as bad as too much. Not only does sunshine melt away the winter blues (seasonal affective disorder- SAD), it helps our bodies synthesize vitamin D. Current research shows many people are deficient in vitamin D and ongoing studies indicate the importance of vitamin D in preventing muscle and skeletal pain and a variety of cancers. This vitamin, which we require more of as we age, occurs naturally in salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish, but is difficult to get in high enough doses nutritionally or in supplements.
Hot off the Press: "UVB exposure triggers photosynthesis of vitamin D3 in the body. This form of vitamin D also is available through diet and supplements. Studies have shown an association between higher levels of vitamin D3 and a lower risk of cancers of the breast, colon, ovary, and kidney." It may help prevent Diabetes as well.
Nonetheless, too much sun has been shown not only to accelerate wrinkles and rough, dry skin through a process called photoaging, but is directly linked to skin cancer and associated with various eye conditions, including cataracts, not to mention the immediate pain of sunburn.
So where is the balance? It depends on your location (Canada, say, or Mexico, for instance), age, time of day and year, and skin type.
The evidence indicates that exposure when you are young may matter most. Your risk of melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, is greatest if you had too much sun before the age of 20. Adolescence is the most dangerous time to get a sunburn for this reason. While recent exposure to the sun doesn't seem to be a factor in basal cell carcinoma (the commonest and mildest form), cumulative exposure at all ages is strongly associated with the skin growths that are a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common and a more severe type of skin cancer.
Most medical professionals agree it is safe to sun 15 minutes at a time, a few times a week, without sunscreen. The rest of the time wear sunscreen with SPF15 or greater UVA and UVB protection, or light, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. You should always remember UV blocking sunglasses and wide brimmed hat. Try to avoid the most intense sun, from around 10a.m. to 4p.m., in the summer.
We carry UV Natural, a natural and effective sunscreen to help you maintain your sunshine balance. It rates in the top 5 of safest, most effective, sunscreens rated by the Environmental Working Group & Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
And, for burned or sun-dried skin, try our Simmons Cocoa Butter Creme. This all-natural basic balm for the body is formulated specifically to soften and soothe dry problem skin. Phenomenal for sunburn, it mosturizes & nourishes to help aid the skin's natural replenishing process.
By the way... Ever wondered exactly what SPF means? It is "Sun Protection Factor".
The SPF of a sunscreen refers to the strength of protection and the length of time a sun- screening product will allow your skin to be in the sun without burning, given that the average person can only remain in the sun for 10 to 15 minutes without burning.
Therefore, a SPF of 30 will provide about 300 minutes (5 hours) of sunburn protection.
What is your skin type?
I - Always burns, never tans, sensitive to sun
II - Burns easily, tans minimally
III - Burns moderately, tans gradually to light brown
IV - Burns minimally, always tans well to moderate brown
V - Rarely burns, tans readily to dark
VI - Never burns, deeply pigmented
While everyone is at risk with excessive sun exposure, skin types I & II are at the highest risk.
For more information, check out the following:
• Benefits of Sun Exposure
• About Vitamin D
• More on Vitamin D
For more on skin cancer:
The Skin Cancer Foundation
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