Sun Safety Tips: How to Enjoy the Sun Safely
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Sun Safety Tips: How to
Enjoy the Sun Safely
A.J. Pike
USVI - In the USVI it’s pretty close to being summer 24/7/365. And no doubt Virgin Islanders have indeed learned many lessons on dealing with the beating down heat of the Sun, but along with the hurricane season, the really hot-hot weather is just around the corner during the July through September months. And good ol’ Sol has a bad habit of really bearing down on the islands during the coming months - the temperature can really start to cook!
So, let’s take a closer look at the highly technical, anatomical 911s of a human body’s exposure to the Sun:
When exposed to sunlight, the skin’s melanocytes (a cell in the skin and eyes that produces and contains the pigment melanin) produce extra melanin (a complex group of natural pigments that determine the color of human skin, hair and eyes) to help protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This natural defense mechanism causes the skin to darken or get a shade or two darker. While darker skin tones naturally have more built-in UV protection, they are still vulnerable to sun damage. People with darker skin tones can still get sunburned, though it requires more exposure.
Got it, so far?
A sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation that damages the DNA in your skin cells. Once damaged, cells self-destruct, triggering the release of immune cells and extra fluid, which causes your skin to become red, painful, and hot to the touch.
Okay, so given all the above science, the conclusion being: it is necessary to watch the time you spend outdoors and realize that whether you are walking, gardening, working or relaxing in the Sun at the beach, the Sun can be your friend or your enemy.
Here are a few simple reminder tips to help make your time outside both enjoyable and healthy:
Know that a tan is a sign of Sun exposure: Whether your skin burns or tans, changes in skin color mean your skin is responding to Sun exposure. Protecting your skin with sun tanning lotion or appropriate clothing can help reduce damage to your skin over time.
Choose sunscreen you’ll actually use: Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 or higher. Mineral and chemical sunscreens work differently, but the best sunscreen is the one you’ll apply consistently.
Reapply throughout the Day: Sunscreen does not last all day. Reapply about every two hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or spending extended time outdoors.
Plan around the Sun when you can: Try to spend time outside earlier in the morning or later in the day, when the Sun may be less intense. Finding shade, hats, wearing sunglasses and protective clothing can also help.
Check the UV index: Clouds and cooler weather do not always mean lower sun exposure. Checking the UV index can help you decide how much protection you may need. Note: The World Health Organization (WHO) considers a UV index of 0 to 2 (Low) to be acceptable for spending time outdoors without sun protection for most people. Any level of 3 or higher (Moderate to Extreme) requires sun protection - sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses - because the Sun is strong enough to cause skin damage.
Watch for changes in your skin: Pay attention to spots or growths that are new, changing, bleeding, itching or not healing. If something looks different or concerns you, talk with a healthcare professional.
Understand that skin cancer is a serious matter. Over 90% of all skin cancers are caused by overexposure to the Sun’s UV radiation, which damages the DNA in your skin cells and can cause them to grow out of control.
Now, who is up for a BBQ at the Beach?
Bring your protection, it’s going to be a scorcher!
