Summer Sun Skin Care Tips

With Summer now officially declared here in the Philippines, there are many people both locals and tourists alike that are getting ready to head off to the land of sun and sea. Many are so eager to get wet and tanned and party out like there is no tomorrow. But the question that most people seem to forget to ask is whether they are packing enough to be prepared for the modern day sun and its rather potent UV Rays.

A lot of people like getting a tan for many reasons though most of which are for aesthetics. Many feel that a tan makes them feel and look healthier, or sexier, some would even go through time consuming efforts to get a tan such as lying at the beach or pool for hours.  For whatever the reason, one has to understand that extensive exposure to the sun can result in more than just a nice tan.

The science behind the reason why people get tanned when exposed to sunlight constantly is that tanning is a result of the skin reacting to potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The change in skin color is caused by the production of additional pigmentation in an effort to protect itself from the sun. Repeated exposure to UV radiation either from the natural sun or from exposure to sun lamps in tanning salons, increases the risk of premature aging and skin cancer, but also increases risk of getting sunburns which is quite painful. 

A sunburn is a burn from the UV radiation of the sun. It is considered mostly as a first degree burn which if occurs to more than enough area on your skin could be quite life threatening if left unattended.

There are different types of UV wavelengths in the light spectrum — UV-A and UV-B. Both are damaging to the skin. UV-B damages the outer layer or skin while UV-A rays penetrate the deeper layers of skin. Both UV-A and UV-B are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles and sunburns which is what most people are trying to avoid especially when they get much older. 

It is important to take precautions against sunburns. There are also a particular demographic type of people that need to be more careful when it comes to sun exposure. These people are:

• Caucasian type skin or white/pale skinned individuals
• Those who have been treated for skin cancer or have a family history of skin cancer
• Who are on medications- Some prescription drugs and skin products can cause sensitivity to the sun. make sure to check the prescription labels for side effects and check with your physician or pharmacist

Tips to protect yourself from the Sun's harmful UV radiation

Use Sunscreen

• Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are good for water sports because they last longer.
• SPF (sun protection factor) or at least 15. SPF refers to the degree of protection. The higher the number the better the protection.
• Broad spectrum protection- protects against both UV-A and UV-B
• Water-resistant sunscreens hold up better and last longer. However, these products still need to be reapplied regularly.

Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after you go in the water or sweat. Even with sunscreen it is still possible for people to get a tan.

Reduce Your Time in the Sun

UV rays are at its strongest and most dangerous during midday hours, especially from 10am to 4pm. Stay in the shade as much as possible during these hours, even on cloudy days as the cloud only tends to block off roughly about 17% of the sun's radiation. It’s still possible to get sunburn when it’s overcast outside. 

Dress Appropriately and Bring Necessary Accessories 
Use your favorite caps, hats and umbrella next time you hit the beach. It’s important to wear clothes that protect your body to avoid sunburn. Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a hat with larger brim or long sleeves and pants to protect yourself.

Check Yourself

Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer. It is best to be on the look out for new moles, spots or sores. Look for changes in the size, shape or color of existing birthmarks and moles especially irregularly shaped moles.

Long-term consequences of overexposure to the sun are significant. Just one blistering sunburn doubles your chances of developing malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Skin cancer is directly related to the amount of sun exposure you have had. This is determined by skin pigmentation and hours in the sun. 

Exposure over a long period of time can cause premature wrinkling, aging of the skin, and age spots.

Make sure to speak with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding your skin. You can still have fun in the sun without compromising your health.

Overall, it is quite important to be very careful about how much exposure you would want to have under the sun's powerful rays most especially at the beach as many would tend to over look it once they hit the cool waters and soothing breeze.

Have lots of fun this summer. Till Next Time...

-Metz-