|  Skin
cancer (non melanoma) is the most common cancer in the UK.
Unprotected
and continued exposure to the sun, increases exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays
and this can raise the risk of developing skin cancer. A
sunscreen prevents sunburn and skin damage, by absorbing UV rays while a sun block
works by deflecting all UV rays and prevents them reaching the skin. Sunscreens
use a sun protection factor (SPF) system to show how much protection they offer.
The SPF tells you how many times longer than normal you can spend in the sun.
So, if your skin would redden after 30 minutes if you didn’t use any sunscreen,
a SPF15 would allow you to stay in the sun for 300 minutes (5 hours) before you
redden. This
is the theory but sunscreen effectiveness will also depend on how thickly and
frequently you apply and if you swim or sweat a lot, the sunscreen will not last
as long. Dermatologists recommend you should use a SPF of 15 or more no matter
what your skin colour/type. A higher SPF does not give you higher protection,
it gives you longer protection from the effects of the sun. |
Even with
the protection of a sunscreen, it is advisable to stay out of the sun between
11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are at their most damaging. Apply any sunscreens,
at least 20 minutes before going out into the sun, don’t’ skimp on
the quantity, use a sunblock to areas such as nose and lips and apply again after
swimming even if the product is  waterproof.
A wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and light cotton shirt will provide the most effective
protection although they will not totally block out UV rays. Certainly
when the weather is good, most people feel better but remember you are putting
yourself at risk of skin damage, so if you are planning to go out into the sun
practising safe sun simply enables you to minimise the risk.
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