SUN SMART

We all need sunlight to stay healthy, vibrant and in good spirits. What happens though, when we get too much of it? What is a UV index and how can we protect ourselves from skin damage?

Most of us know the feeling that hits us with the arrival of spring. We feel re-energized as the sunny side of life comes back to warm our body and soul.

Especially after a long and cold winter, we feel the desire to spend time in the outdoors, relax in the sun and get a good and healthy tan. Healthy? Isn’t that the perception we have of someone who is well tanned? Sure, every now and then we have to pay the prize for our love of the sun and nurse a little sunburn. And then there are these dermatologists and health fanatics who always know better, telling us about dreadful diseases like skin cancer that might be promoted by overexposure to sunlight.

Ethnicity and sun

Before turning the scientific corner, allow me a cultural observation. During years of travel, I have observed a very strong correlation between ethnicity and the relation different cultures have to the sun. While most Caucasians tend to worship the sun, regardless of their geographic location, the overwhelming majority of Asians and Africans try to stay out of it as much as possible. Allover India, mothers keep their children in the shade. Chinese women walk through the sun-filled streets of Beijing covered and shielded by umbrellas while the beaches of California and Mexico are mainly populated with sun-hungry white people. Well tanned Caucasians are perceived as healthy, successful and more attractive. The opposite is the case in India or China: Pale skin is strongly associated with beauty, noblesse and sophistication. Who is smarter?

Only 40 years ago, it was a luxury for the rich and famous to afford travel to sunny destinations. Today, most of us have the time and financial means to spend considerably more leisure time in sunny locations. Unfortunately, these changing habits seem to have an adverse effect on our skin condition. Over-exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the leading cause of

-      Premature ageing,

-      Diseases of the eye (cataracts) and

-      Skin cancer[1].

Scientists have also found that sunburn can alter the distribution and function of disease-fighting white blood cells for up to 24 hours after exposure to the sun. Repeated exposure to UV radiation might cause long-lasting damage to the body’s immune system.[2]

Like with most other forms of serious disease, it takes decades for the causes to wear down our skin cells integrity and defense mechanism. 

A glance at the statistics of Australia – the continent with most extreme levels of UV radiation - reveals the brutal truth about the damaging effects of too much sun: One out of every two Australians will develop skin cancer at some stage during their lives. 80% of all visible signs of ageing - wrinkles, blotchiness and sagging skin – have been found to be caused by exposure to UV radiation. In spite of these alarming facts and a massive public PR campaign by the Australian Ministry of Health, an estimated 40 % of Australians still get sunburned every summer.[3]   

UV radiation is composed of A, B and C rays. While C rays are readily absorbed by the ozone layer, UVA rays are responsible for the initial stages of tanning. They have a long wavelength and penetrate furthest into the skin. The tan is caused by production of a pigment called melanin. Its production in your epidermis (outer skin layers) is stimulated by UV. UVB are the ‘wrinkle-rays’ and are mostly responsible for premature skin ageing, sunburn and skin cancer. The risk of developing skin cancer increases dramatically, if a person was subject to excessive sun exposure as an infant. A recent survey sponsored by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that approximately 43% of white children under age 12 had at least one sunburn during the past year.

Sunscreens and after-sun lotions

The majority of us use sunscreens as a main protection method from sunburn and sun damage. Depending on the ray-diffusing ingredients, a sunscreen cream is classified by SPF - sun protection factor. For example, an SPF 12 would provide you with 12 times more protection than if you were to go out without sunscreen. However, the UV index and your skin type will affect your level of protection. The UV index reaches from 0 (minimal) to 10+ (high). It typically shows highest levels in summer from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

No sunscreen offers 100% protection. An SPF 30+ will block out 96 % of UV. Some of the commonly used ingredients in sunscreens are potentially harmful. Benzophenone is a frequently used chemical that generates free radicals. Activated by UV, this sets up an ideal scenario for skin cancer to develop. Other side effects are skin irritation and allergic reactions. Research has also demonstrated that alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) can increase your skin’s photosensitivity. AHA is a popular cosmetic ingredient in anti-ageing creams and after-sun lotions. [4]

The group of Parsols are the best screening agents as they provide photstable UVA and UVB protection, while being very gentle. Their skin tolerance is outstanding and toxicology very low. 

In view of all this, what can we do to not just appear healthy, but also to minimize health risk over time?

Action Steps for Sun Protection and Healthy Skin[5]

1. Limit time in the midday sun as much as possible
2. Watch for the UV index. Never expose your skin unprotected if the index shows values greater than four.
3. Wear a hat with a wide brim.
4. Seek shade whenever possible.
5. Protect other areas of your body with clothing during prolonged periods of sun.
6. Always use a sunscreen when outside during midday hours.
7. Use chemical-free sunscreens.
8. Avoid sunlamps and tanning salons.
9. Use a chemical- and AHA-free after-sun lotion to provide moisture and soothing properties for your stressed skin.
10. Expose your skin to early morning or late afternoon sun for 15-60 minutes to encourage melanin production and thus pigmentation. Recommended time frame: Before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
11. Use skin healers such as aloe vera gel, calendula and vitamin E to aide your skin’s recovery process.

We can turn the sun into a strong ally if we follow these basic guidelines. The right dosage of sun contributes to vitamin D synthesis, higher (mood enhancing) serotonin levels, more creativity and enthusiasm. Sun smart and your skin will be grateful.

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Health in balance with nature