Summer Sun-Protection Tips from Ekendra

Sun Protection Tips

• Try and stay in the shade between 10 am and 4 pm.

• Use physical protection in the form of sunglasses, umbrellas, a wide-brimmed hat and appropriate clothing.

• Wear dark colors with long sleeves whenever possible, as dark color absorb UV Rays.

• Beware of reflective surfaces like sand, snow, concrete, water, clouds etc.

• Beware of Photosensitizing Drugs eg sulphonamides, tetracyclines etc.

• Use a good sunscreen which is broad spectrum with both UVA and UVB blockers.

• Sunscreens should be used every day of the year if you are going to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes.

• When applying sunscreen, pay particular attention to the face, hands and arms, and coat the skin liberally to cover the exposed areas of the body properly.

• Be careful to cover exposed areas completely.

• Don't forget to apply on the lips too.

• Swimming is also known to darken the skin, hence application of sunscreen before swimming minimizes darkening of the skin.

• This tip is available @ http://ekendra.blogspot.com/2005_05_01_archive.html

Be Sun smart

• SUN is known to provide light and warmth to mankind but is also responsible for the development of some disorders of skin and eyes.

• Sunlight is composed of various wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet light through infrared to visible light.

• Ultraviolet light is the most harmful to the skin and causes sunburn, ageing of the skin and over the long term, skin cancer,

• Ultraviolet light is made up of UVC, UVB and UVA. UVC being the shorter wavelength is filtered out by the ozone layer.

• UVB and UVA penetrate the ozone layer and reach the earth's surface and can cause us harm.

• This tip is available @ http://ekendra.blogspot.com/2005_05_01_archive.html

Some Sun Facts

• Anyone can get sunburn.

• Sun causes visible and invisible damage to the skin.

• UV Rays are more intense between 10 am to 2pm.

• There is more exposure of UV radiations in summer than in winter.

• There is more concentration in tropical locations near the equator.

• Harmful ultraviolet rays [UV] reflect off water, concrete, sand and snow. UV rays also reach below the surface of water.

• There is more radiation at high altitude like mountains.

• Even on a cloudy day 80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds.

• Prolonged unprotected exposure to sun speeds up aging and causes early appearance of wrinkles.

• Protecting skin from sun rays could prevent about 80% of skin cancers and premature ageing of skin.

• This tip is available @ http://ekendra.blogspot.com/2005_05_01_archive.html