Part 19 - Safe in the Sun
Here comes the summer sun and some wise words from a wise Scot. No it's not Sharlene Spiteri and Texas but it is our resident health expert James McDonald. He reports on what's good and what's bad for your skin when you strip off to soak up some rays.
Story Highlights
- Responsible Tanning
- The Risk Of Skin Cancer
- Sun Beds
- How To Get The Tan Without The Risks
Responsible Tanning
Hopefully those of us living in the UK will manage to find a little bit of time to bask in the sun, despite the constant downpour of rain this summer. However it's important to remember that when we do get a chance to enjoy the sun, we have to do it responsibly.
While the desire for a: “healthy” look and an all over tan is more popular than ever, it is worth noting that a tan is a sign your body is responding to damage from the sun.
For those of us travelling, there's nothing that can ruin a holiday quite like a bad sunburn. Often those of us on short trips expect items like sunscreen to do all the work, rather than wearing protective sun clothing and reducing sun exposure to a minimum.
The Risk Of Skin Cancer
Short term sun burns and a ruined vacation are not the only worries. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of people who develop this is increasing. Most skin cancers are caused by damage from UV (ultraviolet) rays in sunlight. Despite the preventability of most causes of skin cancer, malignant melanomas killed 170 people, aged between 15 and 44 in England and Wales last year. In addition to that there are 75,000 new cases of skin cancer every year. This represents a serious source of preventable and premature deaths. In fact there are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease.
Sun Beds
The alternative of using a sun bed is not a safer option. Young people appear to be particularly at risk and the chances of developing a tumour increase by up to 20%, per decade of sun bed use, before the age of 56.
The simple truth is that a suntan fades, but skin damage from tanning does not.
The most important thing to remember about being safe in the sun is that a suntan is the skin's response to damage from UV radiation - from sunlight or sun beds. Regular exposure to UV radiation is known to age the skin, causing sagging and wrinkles. It also increases the risk of skin cancer in the long term.
How To Get The Tan Without The Risks
The simple truth is that a suntan fades, but skin damage from tanning does not. Here are some top pointers to help you reduce the risks.
- Use artificial tanning lotions if you really want that summer tan look.
- Reduce your exposure to the sun during the middle period of the day when it is at its strongest.
- Reduce exposure and burning for children as they are much more vulnerable to long term damage.
- Use a combination of proper clothing and high strength sun block to protect yourself.
- Most importantly, just have fun, in the sun or out of it.
If there are any topics on health, nutrition and fitness that you would like to see addressed or you have any questions please contact me at healthy.living@st-christophers.co.uk or go to www.fireinsidefitness.com.
James
James McDonald is a St Christopher's Manager and fully certified personal trainer, working in Edinburgh.
