Prevention - Sun

Stay sun smart in winter too

The skin’s elasticity and collagen is damaged mainly from the UVA and UVB rays, the latter being responsible for melanin production. UVA penetrates beyond the top layer of human skin. Scientists believe that UVA radiation can cause damage to connective tissue and increase a person's risk for developing skin cancer.  UVB rays penetrate less deeply into the skin than do UVA rays, but also can be damaging.

Although everyone faces the risk of developing skin cancer, some individuals are at greater risk than others:

• Light skin color
• Family history of skin cancer
• Personal history of skin cancer
• Chronic exposure to the sun
• History of sunburns early in life
• Certain types and a large number of moles
• Freckles as an indicator of sun sensibility
• Sun damage

Relatively speaking, the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during daylight are the most hazardous for UV exposure in Cyprus.  For eye protection, wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection, and a hat. Always wear sunscreen protection against both UVA and UVB rays and lipscreen with at least SPF 15. Remember to reapply as indicated by the manufacturer's directions.  Also, check the sunscreen’s expiration date, it can last no more than three years. Exposure to extreme temperatures can shorten the expiration date or shelf life of sunscreen.

A new study published in the Archives of dermatology, at the Comprehensive Cancer Research Center of Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Australia, suggested that by applying sunscreen every day even on days that you are not planning to spend time in the sun reduces the formation of Actinic Keratoses, a potential precursor to skin cancer.  Actinic Keratoses is described as small, scaly patches that develop when the skin has burned, most frequently on the face. 

DON’T FORGET YOUR SUNSCREEN especially in areas where the sun is intense.