For your information, there are three types of ultraviolet rays: UV-A, UV-B AND UV-C. UV-B rays penetrate the top layer of the skin while UV-A rays goes even deeper. Too much UV-A rays can cause wrinkles, skin discolouration, brown spots, loss of skin firmness and pre-mature skin aging. Too much UV-B rays on the other had can cause sunburn and some skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB rays can destroy vitamin A which may cause further damage. UV-C rays are the most dangerous but as long as it is blocked by the ozone layer around the earth we should be ok.

Let’s not forget that natural sunshine is the best way to get the much needed vitamin D which can protect us from some cancers. Vitamin D is also necessary for the absorption of calcium that protects our bones. In order to get this benefit, your skin has to be exposed to the sun. Sun exposure varies depending on the colour of your skin, your weight, the region you live in and your age. However, a daily dose of about fifteen minutes per day of unprotected sun exposure during the summer on your hands and the back of your neck is usually sufficient for most people to get all the vitamin D our body requires.

In 2009, the Canadian Dermatology Association estimates that more than 75, 000 Canadians will be diagnosed with skin cancer. Contrary to most cancers, skin cancer is preventable.

Lying in the sun for hours can be devastating.

Dermatologists recommend the following:

• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, which is also broad spectrum
  (Protection against UV-A&B).
• Use a water resistant, sweat resistant or sport sunscreen if we are involved in activities in water or will perspire a lot during the activity.
• Reapply the sunscreen after swimming, toweling or heavy perspiration.
• Apply an SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum lip balm.

The best way to avoid skin cancer is to keep your clothes on and cover the exposed areas.

Be sun safe!

For more information see: http://www.dermatology.ca