General Health
Sun Safety - Skin Care
By Teen Health Centre
Oct 29, 2004, 11:48

Want to get that beautiful sun tan this summer? If so there are a few things you should be aware of before basking in the sun.

SUN TANNING causes:

1. Early aging of the skin – that means WRINKLES at an earlier age.

2. Skin cancer - many skin cancers develop at sites that were sunburned years earlier.
                   - repeated burning of the same area increases the risk of cancer also.

The sun contains Ultra Violet Alpha rays ( UVA), and Ultra Violet Beta rays (UVB). UVA rays can damage layers of the skin, weaken the immune system, cause cataracts ( eye problems), allergic reactions and cancer. UVB rays burn the skin.

To protect against UVA and UVB rays, use a sunscreen that contains both PABA ( effective against those UVB rays) and a BENZONE COMPONENT (effective against UVA rays).

If you MUST tan
- Remember that sun reflected off of water and sand is more INTENSE.
- Stay out of the sun between 11:00 A.M and 3:00 P.M.
- Wear a hat to protect your face.
- Suntan with a buddy so you don’t fall asleep in the sun.
- Always use a sunscreen with at least 15 SPF and contains PABA and
  BENZONE compound.
- Use a lot of sunscreen and apply it 15 minutes before going in the sun.

SPF - What does it mean?

• Sun Protection Factor is the amount of time you can be in the sun before burning.

• For example, if you usually burn in 1 minute you wouldn’t start to burn for 15 minutes with an SPF of 15.

• WATERPROOF sunscreen means the product works for four 20 minute swims.

• WATER RESISTANT sunscreen means he product works for two 20 minute swims.

Are TANNING SALONS safer than the sun?
Unfortunately, tanning salons produce UVA rays so the early aging and possibility of cancer still exists with this type of tanning .

As you can see, sun safety is serious stuff. Be aware, protect yourself, and enjoy your summer!

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