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Make sun protection a life-long habit
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Would you rather look 40 at age 60 or look 60 at age 40? It can happen either way. It all depends on your ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Avoid it and you can prevent premature wrinkling, aging spots and sun tumours.
By Dr. John E. Adam Sun protection is easy. Avoid the sun during peak times from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, if you are out during this time period, try to stay in the shade, wear a hat, sun protective clothing and sunscreen lotions. As well, wear sunglasses with UV block to protect your eyes.
Two types of UV rays cause the skin damage. UVB causes burning, sun-induced aging and skin cancer. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and accentuates the effects of UVB. Suntan parlours use UVA, so you won’t burn, but you could get wrinkled and skin damaged.
UV rays pass through clouds and can penetrate through one metre of water — so protect yourself.
People with fair skin are more prone to sun damage, but in those with darker skin it still occurs, just at a later age.
UV skin damage is called dermatoheliosis. It occurs in a variety of forms.
Early signs are:
• freckling;
• fine wrinkles especially on the temples (crow’s feet);
• large open blood vessels on exposed chest and sides of the neck;
• pigmented oval patches the size of a dime and up to a loonie begin on the hands, face, upper back and bald head.
Start early with sun protection.
Keep as much of you covered up as possible. Use a sunscreen cream that blocks both UVB and UVA. The minimum sun protective factor (SPF) you need is 15; 30 or higher is even better. An SPF of 15 blocks about 93% of UV rays. This still permits Vitamin D production by your body. Sunscreens contain mixtures of both chemical and physical blockers. Chemical sunblocks absorb UV rays while physical sunblocks reflect UV rays.
For those allergic to chemicals and for young children, I recommend pure physical non-chemical sunscreens; for swimmers and boaters, waterproof sunscreens; and for outdoor workers and athletes, sweat-proof sunscreens.
Sun-protective clothing should have a tight weave and be worn in a dark colour. A white cotton T-shirt has an SPF of 7 or 8, but denim blue jeans can have an SPF over 1,000. Hold clothing with a light behind. If a lot of light passes through, the cloth is not an effective sunblocker.
Remember, sun protection is easy, all you have to do is the SCHEGS — Sunblock, Clothes, Hat, Eye Glasses and Shade. If you “Do the SCHEGS” you will look good at 40 and beyond and still have fun in the sun.
Dr. John Adam is Professor of Medicine (Dermatology) University of Ottawa and Chair, Sunscreen Product Education Program for the Canadian Dermatology Association.
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