UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun poses both benefits and risks to human health. While UV exposure is necessary for the production of vitamin D and can positively affect mood, excessive exposure can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The question arises: should you protect yourself against UV radiation all year round? Let’s delve into the considerations.
Year-Round UV Exposure
UV radiation is present throughout the year, regardless of the season or weather conditions. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through the atmosphere and reach the Earth’s surface. Additionally, UV levels can be higher at higher altitudes or closer to the equator. UVB rays are reduced in low-sun seasons or cloudy weather, however, UVA rays are consistent throughout the year. UVA rays pass freely through car and window glass, which are impermeable to UVB. This information is important to people with photodermatoses and/or taking photosensitizing drugs because UVA radiation is mostly responsible for these reactions. These people should use photoprotection at home or when driving. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays damaging DNA. Therefore, protecting oneself against UV radiation should not be limited to sunny days, warm weather, and summer only.
Cumulative Effects of UV Exposure
UV exposure is cumulative, meaning that the damage to the skin accumulates over time. Prolonged or repeated exposure to UV radiation can lead to sunburn, premature aging (such as wrinkles and age spots), and an increased risk of skin cancer. In winter, snow can act as a reflective surface, intensifying UV exposure. This effect, known as « snow blindness, » can lead to sunburned eyes and skin. Additionally, individuals engaging in winter activities, such as skiing or snowboarding, are at risk of increased UV exposure due to higher altitudes and snow reflection. A similar UV reflection can be caused by bright flat surfaces, like sand and water. Water itself has no protective properties because UVR penetrates to approximately 60 cm below its surface and affects the skin of people who are there, especially without wearing sunscreen. Protecting oneself against UV radiation consistently helps minimize the cumulative effects and reduces the risk of long-term skin damage and health issues.
Daily Routine
Polish Dermatological Society recommends daily photoprotection by three elements:
– avoiding excessive exposure to UV radiation, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
– use of protective clothing, including appropriate headgear and sunglasses,
– correct application of sunscreens containing UVA/UVB filters.
Sun protection applies to people of all ages. It is particularly important for children up to 14 years old, immunoincompetent people, as well as people with skin phototype I/II according to the Fitzpatrick scale (of all ages).
Incorporating sun protection into your daily routine ensures consistent safeguarding against UV damage. It is known that a sunscreen with SPF 15 protects the skin against UVB radiation by 93.3%, with SPF 30 by 96.7%, and with SPF 50 by 98.3%. While using sunscreen it is important to apply an adequate amount (2 mg of the product per one cm2 of the skin) to ensure the protection level labeled on the product. The layer should be evenly distributed and left to dry for around 20 minutes. Re-application is also important every two hours and after swimming/ toweling/ rubbing/ sweating/ contact with sand to ensure an effective shield from UV radiation.
Conclusion
Protecting yourself against UV radiation should be a year-round practice. UV exposure is not limited to sunny days or warm weather, and the cumulative effects of UV radiation pose risks to skin health. By consistently incorporating sun protection measures into your daily routine, you can minimize the risk of sun-related skin damage and severe health issues, ensuring healthier and happier skin throughout the year.
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