Dr Lalitha Badul
Sun exposure causes most of the skin changes that we think of as a normal part of aging. Over time, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light damages the fibres in the skin called elastin.
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When these fibres break down, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back into place after stretching. It is important to use sunscreen every day, even if it’s cloudy.
• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Make sure it is water resistant and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Other types of sunscreen may help prevent sunburn, but they will not protect against skin cancer.
• Use a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
• Apply at least one ounce of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. One ounce is enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass.
Other sun protection tips
• Limit sun exposure between 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are the most intense. Practice the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you, you should find shade.
• Be careful around water, snow, or sand. These surfaces reflect the damaging rays of the sun, increasing your risk of getting sunburned.
• Wear sunglasses with 99 percent to 100 percent UV absorption. They will provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.
• Be even more cautious if you are taking medications that may make you more sensitive to the sun. These include specific types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antifungals, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapies.
• Keep babies younger than six-months-old completely covered and in the shade.
• Avoid recreational sunbathing.
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