More than one reason to protect your skin from the sun

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When we think of sun damage and protecting ourselves, what is the first thing you think of? Most people think of protecting themselves from sunburn. We certainly pay attention when someone gives us a good pat on the back when we have a sunburn, because it hurts! That’s usually the reason why most of us even apply sun screen or wear sun protective clothing is to avoid getting a sunburn. That shouldn't be the only reason. It might not be easy to consider all the time, but the sun's UV Rays are very dangerous. They will cause damage to you and everyone around you at some point in time. It's imperative you protective yourself, and the best thing you can do is be informed.


So, what about the “other reasons” we should be thinking about when we talk about protecting our skin. We are going to talk about this in detail, therefore we decided to take this particular article in 3 parts.

Part I

Skin Cancer
Premature Aging
Medications & Skin Allergie

Part II
Sun Tanning & Tanning Beds
Eye Damage

Part III
Where You Live
Year Round Sun Protection
Best Practices

PART I
SKIN CANCER

Skin cancer cell
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Skin cancer of course is a no brainer. However, there are staggering facts about skin cancer that may just surprise you. More than a million cases are diagnosed each year, with 10,590 being fatal. Each year more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, 1 American dies per hour from skin cancer.

There are three different types of skin cancer that exist: Basal, squanmous and melanoma. Basal and squamous cancer are usually linked with long term exposure to the sun, and are rarely fatal if they are treated early on. Melanoma is the most fatal of all the skin cancers. More than 70% of the deaths from skin cancer are a result of Melanoma. Lastly, according to the EPA – Unprotected exposure to UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.

PREMATURE AGING

Another fact we all face in life is aging, but did you know that sun exposure is directly linked to premature aging? Your face, neck and shoulders are some of the most susceptible areas of your body that consistently are at risk of overexposure. How often do you apply sunscreen, wear sun protective clothing and a hat to protect yourself from the sun? How often does it cross your mind on a cool summer day or a cold winter day? It’s important, just because you can’t feel the heat from the sun, does not mean it’s not doing damage to your skin. When you see sagging, wrinkles, or have skin that feels leathery, you are looking at sun damage. The longer you expose your skin to the sun, the worse it gets. Sun exposure is linked to your body creating free radicals, which are unstable cells have split and are missing a molecule. They attack healthy cells to regain that molecule. By doing so, they damage the other cell, which in turns damages the DNA. This is how diseases start, free radicals are the start of most, if not all known diseases and ailments.

MEDICATION & ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Watch what's in your medicine cabinet
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Did you know that what is in your medicine cabinet could cause you to be more sensitive to the sun? You might be surprised to know that some drugs can cause you to have skin eruptions, blisters, sores, breakouts, and severe sunburn. You might even be buying some of these medications over the counter.




Medicated soaps, facial treatments and soap that have anti-bacterial agents, acne treatments, antihistamines and laxatives are some of the over the counter medications that can cause extra sensitivity to the sun. Some prescriptions you may have to be wary about are antidepressants, tranquilizers, antibiotics, and anti-hypertension drugs. When using any of these drugs, SPF recommends you be aware and consult with your physicians about your medications and what extra precautions you may need to take in protecting your skin from the sun.

Be wary of what you put on your skin
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Others may have a disease, genetic sensitivity or allergic reaction that makes them sensitive to the sun. People with an allergy usually notice red patchy skin after sun exposure. Try using hypoallergenic make-up (the less the better), a natural oil perfume for fragrance, and stay away from suntan lotions. Those who have diseases and genetic disorders (who may be taking medication) should be especially cautious. Sun exposure can be very harmful, people with lupus, tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases, metabolism problems and other skin diseases should consult with their doctor in regards to healthy skin care practices and protecting measures. Wearing sun protective clothing is always the first line of defense against protecting your skin from the sun without having to worry about reapplying sun block over and over again. It is highly recommended for those with skin disorders to wear sun protective clothing with a UPF factor.

Stay tuned for Part II


Source:http://www.epa.gove/sunwise/uvandhealth.html
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5550.html