In addition to regularly applying appropriate sunscreen for one's age and choice of activities, such as water resistant sunscreen for those intending to go swimming, it is important to wear both sun protection clothing and sunglasses to reduce the risks associated with sun exposure.
Safe Sun Clothing Helps Protect Against Sunburn
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, there are certain ways to maximise sun protection through wearing appropriate sun clothing. There is a simple way to discover whether a type of clothing is able to increase protection from the harmful affects of ultraviolet radiation. Hold the fabric up to either a light bulb or the sun and if the light intensity decreases then the clothing will also decrease the amount of ultraviolet radiation associated with sun exposure. Remember that wet T-shirts provide very limited protection, so when heading out to the beach or pool it is best to also pack a spare T-shirt to wear once dry. Darker coloured clothing such as purple, navy blue and black offer greater protection than lighter coloured garments.
Avoid working in the garden or outdoors without a shirt as this will significantly increase one's chances of getting sunburn which can lead to melanoma. Always wear a sun hat which is made from closed material as the face is most commonly burned without sun protection. Wearing loose-fitting linen trousers and shirts will help one feel cool and reduce the likelihood of sun damage.
Wear Sunglasses to Prevent Eye Damage
There is a recognised link between sun exposure and cataracts as well as retinal damage, making it vital for children from a young age to wear sunglasses which protect from both UVA and UVB radiation. As one type of melanoma also affects the eyes, known as ocular melanoma, failing to protect eyes from sun exposure is a real gamble with one's health. When purchasing a new pair of sunglasses always check that they are able to offer UVA and UVB radiation protections as many cosmetic sunglasses often only block around 20% of UVA rays and 70% of UVB rays.
In contrast to cosmetic sunglasses, prescription sunglasses typically block around 99% of UVB rays and at least 60% of UVA rays. It is important to remember that although the media and women's' magazines typically portray sunglasses to make a fashion statement they are actually primarily a key tool used in sun protection.
ABCs of Staying Safe in Summer
In Dr. Kenet's Saving Your Skin, there is a simple ABC style list to help remember key sun protection points to stay safe in the summer sunshine:
- A = Avoid unnecessary sun exposure at midday.
- B = Block sunlight with protective clothing, sun hats and sunglasses.
- C = Cover up using sunscreens when avoiding sun is not possible.
- D = Do not use tanning salons or sunbathe for long periods.
- E = Educate children on sun protection and regularly check skin for moles.
Another way to help children and adolescents remember to be careful in the sun includes the Australian "Slip, Slap, Slop Campaign." This is a practical way to remind people to slip on a T-shirt, slap on a sun hat and slop on some sunscreen.
As highlighted above, sun protection involves more than just applying sunscreen; it is also important to wear sun protection clothing, sun hat, sunglasses and avoid sun exposure where possible. These simple actions can make all the difference in reducing the risk of melanomas and other forms of skin cancer.
Source:
Kebert, B. & Lawler, P. (1994) Saving Your Skin London: Four Doors Eight Windows
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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