Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy the comes from the sun and some artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer and also causes sunburn and eye damage. It’s just smart to take good care of your skin. The need to protect your skin from the sun has become obvious over the years, supported by several studies linking overexposure to the sun with skin cancer. In addition, the harmful ultraviolet rays from both the sun and indoor tanning “sunlamps” can cause many other complications besides skin cancer – such as eye problems, a weakened immune system, age spots, wrinkles, and leathery skin. How to protect your skinSimple, everyday steps you can take to safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun.
When to protect your skinUV rays are their strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seek shade during those times to ensure the least amount of harmful UV radiation exposure. When applying sunscreen, be sure to reapply to all exposed skin for at least 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating. Protecting your eyesUV rays can also penetrate the structures of your eyes and cause cell damage. According to the CDC, some of the more common sun-related vision problems include cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium (non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva that can obstruct vision).
Using the UV indexWhen planning your outdoor activities, you can decide how much sun protection you need by checking the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) UV index. The UV Index is an international standard measurement of the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet radiation at a particular place. This index measures the daily intensity of UV rays from the sun on a scale of 1 to 11. A low UV index requires the minimal protection, whereas a high UV index requires maximum protection. About Dermatology at Boulder Medical CenterThe Dermatology Department at Boulder Medical Center addresses the prevention and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders for adults and children. Our caring group of providers treats a full range of skin-related problems, including medical, surgical, and cosmetic concerns. For more information about our Dermatology team and the services we provide, please click here. What protect skin from UV light?Sunscreen. Put on broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. Don't forget to put a thick layer on all exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back.
What material can block ultraviolet light?Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide prevent UV rays from penetrating by scattering them. But the problem with the metal oxides is that they also scatter visible light, which means they appear white when applied to the skin.
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