Summer is a time for fun and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors. But watch out - it's not all that fun. Although the sun gives us warmth, kills micro-organisms, and helps us produce vitamin D, it also has bad effects that include sunburn, photosensitivity, photo allergy, cataracts, premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer.
Although people with brown skin are generally not vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun, that doesn't mean they won't develop skin cancer later. Anyone can be affected regardless of their skin color. It all boils down to how much time you spend under the sun.
Others risk factors include a history of sunburns or skin cancer, living in a sunny or high-altitude climate, fragile skin, having lots of moles, age, exposure to chemicals, coal or arsenic, and radiation.
Those most likely to develop skin cancer are election campaigners, military and police personnel, athletes, drivers, farmers, beach lovers, and schoolchildren.
To avoid trouble, here are some practical ABCs to follow courtesy of Dermaxin, a popular anti-aging cream that helps fight wrinkles and restores your skin's natural beauty.
Be like a vampire. No, don't sleep in a coffin but avoid going out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are strong.
Make a fashion statement. Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and don't forget your umbrella. Long-sleeved clothes and long pants are fine provided they're made of a tightly woven material that blocks sunlight.
Protect your skin. Cover it with chemical and physical sunscreens, and forget what your mom or grandmother told you. Don't rely on folk remedies, baby oil and regular lotions. Vegetable or mineral oils won't protect you from sunburn.
While baby oil and other home remedies may feel good, they won't stop the sun's rays from burning you. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Select one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply it liberally on exposed parts of your skin, including your lips, the tips of your ears, and the backs of your hands and neck, and have fun in the sun.
"For the most protection, apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it every two hours throughout the day, as well as after swimming or exercising. Apply sunscreen to young children before they go outdoors, and teach older children and teens how to use sunscreen to protect themselves. Keep sunscreen in your car as well as with your gardening tools and sports and camping gear," said the Mayo Clinic.
So go ahead. Enjoy yourself but take care. You won't lose the fight against skin cancer if you follow these good sun protection habits.
Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine Check out for details on Dermaxin.
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