Sun Protection
With blooming flowers and warmer temperatures comes the temptation to bask in the sun. But before getting out the lawn chair and tanning oil, remember that the sun’s UV rays can cause premature aging of the skin, skin cancer and sometimes even eye damage. Increased awareness and changing attitudes about tanning have brought about a slew of safe ways to guard you from UV exposure. Use the Web resources in this guide to learn about sun protection.
Expand All Guide SectionsThe Dangers of Sun Exposure
Though most everyone is aware that sun exposure can cause wrinkles and skin cancer, most people would find the actual statistics chilling. Up to 90 percent of skin changes commonly thought to be a part of aging are actually caused by the sun, and the sun is responsible for 90 percent of all skin cancers. Read on for Web sites offering straightforward facts on the dangers of sun exposure.
Insights for the Dangers of Sun Exposure
- Seasonal variations, varying weather conditions and ozone depletion all contribute to different amounts of UV radiation reaching the Earth on any given day. Take a look at the UV Index forecast map to see the level of solar UV radiation in your area, and be sure to protect yourself appropriately.
- According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. For a complete guide to skin cancer, including what causes it and how to prevent and treat it, see the findingDulcinea Skin Cancer Web Guide.
- There has been some debate in the media over the amount of UV exposure required for proper vitamin D production within the body. Be sure to see the “For information on Vitamin D” sites below to make an informed decision.
Top Sites for the Dangers of Sun Exposure
For an overview of the risks of sun exposure…
Sun Protection.net,
though sponsored by Coolibar, Inc., a manufacturer of sun protective products, provides a wealth of marketing-free information on the dangers of UV exposure. Learn the difference between UVA and UVB rays, and how quickly sunburn can happen. Also read why UV protection is so important.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
provides a summary of the risks of overexposure to the sun. Read how dangerous UV rays can cause a variety of health problems, including skin cancer, suppression of the immune system, premature aging of the skin and damage to the eyes.
For information on specific sun-related disorders …
The Skin Cancer Foundation
is the premier source of information on skin cancer. Get the lowdown on the dangers of tanning and learn to spot the different types of melanomas.
AgingSkinNet,
a Web site of the American Academy of Dermatology, presents photos taken with a UV-light camera that show patients how the sun has affected their skin. “A picture is worth a thousand words” certainly holds true as you’ll see how even a four year old shows signs of early sun damage.
WebMD's
article on “Sun-Sensitizing Drugs” covers the reactions that can occur when sun exposure is combined with certain medications. Learn what the main types of reactions are, and find a list of sun-sensitizing drugs.
For information on Vitamin D …
World Health Organization
points out that most people have normal vitamin D levels, but that 5–15 minutes of casual sun exposure a few times a week is enough to keep your vitamin D levels high.
American Academy of Dermatology's
“Vitamin D Fact Sheet” recommends avoiding sun exposure altogether and states that getting vitamin D from a healthy diet is a better alternative.
Who knew?
ScienceDaily
reported on yet another reason to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun: It may be addictive.
Sun Protection
There’s more to sun protection than wearing sunscreen. Use the Web sites in ... read more »
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