Sun
What effect does sun have on skin?
When you expose your skin to sunlight, It either goes red, burns and blisters, or it tans to a darker colour, depending on your skin type.
Sunlight also gradually damages your skin. Long-term damage includes: brown 'ageing' spots; small, crusty, roughened areas; and skin cancers. The risk of developing skin cancer depends on your skin type and the amount of exposure to sunlight (not necessarily through sunbathing) during your life.
Sunlight is also Involved In the development of melanoma, a type of skin cancer in which your skin changes colour, although the way that this happens is not yet fully understood.
Some people develop a red, itchy rash after being in the sun. This is often worse early in the summer, and settles as your skin gets used to the sun. Sunlight combined with some plant juices, which can get onto your skin in the garden, can cause a similar rash.
Some medicines can make your skin sensitive to the sun, causing a red, itchy rash. Ask your doctor if you develop a rash and are taking medicines. If this happens, use a total sunblock on all exposed parts of your body whenever you are outside during the summer.
Who is most at risk?
The people most at risk of damage from sunlight include children, people with pale or freckly skins, people with ginger hair, and people with lots of moles. Everyone is at risk of damage if they spend a lot of time - in the sun, year after year.
What are the benefits of sunlight?
Sunlight can Improve some skin conditions, such as psoriasis or acne, In some people. Sunlight also seems to improve people's mood and make them feel better.
Use a good sun protection cream on exposed skin whenever you are outside in the summer. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) numbers are a measure of protection from UVB rays in sunlight (see box on types of sunlight). They tell you how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning than you could without any protection. So, if you could normally stay in the sun for 10 minutes without burning, an SPF factor 10 cream should protect you for up to 100 minutes.
Some products also have a star rating showing how much protection they provide against UVA light. Four star products provide most protection against UVA light. One-star products provide least protection.
What is the best treatment for sunburn and sunstroke?
Preventing sun damage is better than treating it. Always follow the help-yourself advice given below.
Sunburn usually develops several hours after being in the sun. The skin feels hot and sore, and looks very red. Taking a cool shower, and applying a soothing after sun' cream may help make the skin feel better. If your skin has blistered, consult your doctor as you may need to cover the blisters with special dressings until they settle. Sunstroke usually causes a headache, dizziness, fever and vomiting. Take a cool shower, lie down indoors in a cool place, drink plenty of cool drinks, and take some Paracetamol (or aspirin in adults).
Types of sunlight
There are two main types of sunlight, UVA and UVB:
- UVA is responsible for ageing and wrinkles causes damage deep in the skin is present all year round.
- UVB is responsible for burning and tanning causes damage to the surface of the skin may cause skin cancers is present mainly in the summer.
Help Yourself
- The sun is at its strongest between l0am and 2pm. Try to stay indoors between these times.
- Children are especially at risk from sun damage. A hat can help protect the face and neck, and T-shirt and shorts help protect the body. All exposed skin should be protected with a sun protection cream with a high SPF (15 or more).
- Sun can burn your skin even when you are walking around or are in the shade. The sun can penetrate cloud and even lightweight clothing. Use a good sun protection cream on exposed areas whenever you are outside in the summer.
- If you are going to be in water, use a waterproof sun cream, or reapply the cream when you get out.