Summer is here so whether you chose a staycation or travel abroad, beware of and learn more about Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The following are bite size guides and we suggest you investigate more yourselves where necessary.

The image attached to this blog demonstrates how the sun affected the left hand side of a long distance lorry driver in the USA. Remember they drive on the right hand side in the USA.

Consider the following;

  • There are essentially 2 types of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. Both can cause skin cancer. UVA is associated with Aging, UVB is associated with sun burn. Both cause skin damage. You may hear of UVC, but this is entirely filtered out by the earth’s atmosphere.
  • Both UVA and UVB are closely linked to skin cancers. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, and accounts for 4% of all new cancer diagnoses.
  • UVA and UVB levels are the highest between 11am and 3pm. Minimise exposure during this time.
  • World UV app is free and gives real time information on daily UV levels in 10,000 locations around the world. It has been developed by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and the UK Met office
  • The UVA star system is guide to protection against UVA radiation.
  • SPF or Sun Protection Factor is a guide to protection against UVB, it is not a measure of protection against UVA.
  • UVA star system is 1-5 stars. One star will give 20-40% absorption. Five stars will give 90-100% absorption.
  • SPF has ratings from SPF2 to SPF100. SPF2 blocks 50% of UVB and SPF100 blocks 99% of UVB. But beware SPF30 blocks 97%. So, above SPF30 protection increases minimally.
  • There are essentially 2 types of sunscreen. ‘Chemical’ absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat, examples include octisalate. ‘Mineral’ reflect and scatter UV radiation. Examples include zinc oxide and titanium oxide.
  • Apply sunscreens 15-30 minutes before exposure to the sun.
  • Apply and apply again. Most people do not apply sufficient quantities of sunscreen. The amount of sunscreen for an average adult body is 35ml. Apply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming, perspiration.
  • ‘Water resistant’ maintains protection for 40 minutes of moderate activity in water, but this can be reduced dramatically if towel dried! So, re apply on each occasion.
  • Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.

 

Enjoy the sun and outdoor living, but take the right precautions. Live long and youthfully!