Heightened awareness of the risks of UV exposure and skin cancer, not to mention premature aging, have been successful in sending many of us running for the sunscreen aisle, seeking out better, more effective sun protection products, and opting spray tans instead of the real thing.
But sexy swimsuits are still the hallmark for fun in the sun.
We are still bombarded by articles on the latest and greatest way to get that “bikini body”. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with bathing suits that bare nearly all, as long as you only wear them at night or indoors.
Sunscreen: Necessary, but Not Enough
The rule of thumb is that everyone should basically wear sunscreen every single day of the year. But, you should not rely on sunscreen to protect you from cancer-causing rays.
UVA and UVB rays both cause cancer. UVA rays don’t cause sunburn, so you may not even notice the exposure. These rays penetrate deeper causing wrinkled, leathery skin as well as skin cancer.
The effectiveness of sunscreen in preventing cancer is a controversial topic. While there is evidence that it can help, some studies have found that sunscreen does not prevent some types of skin cancer including melanoma, the deadliest type.
Bottom line? Sunscreen is the backup to protect you from unavoidable UV exposure. For real protection, nothing beats clothing and shade.
A Base Tan Won’t Protect You
The old thinking was that getting a “base tan” before jumping into long, intense sun exposure would protect you from sunburn and skin cancer. Now we know that’s dead wrong. A tan is sun damage. Period.
What About Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is absolutely essential. One way to get it is through sun exposure which triggers the production of Vitamin D in your body. But, it’s not simple. Where you live, the time of year, your skin tone, and how much of your skin you expose are just some of the factors that determine how much Vitamin D you will produce.
To ensure that you are getting adequate amounts, and to avoid skin cancer risks, it is better to take a Vitamin D supplement but always consult your doctor first.
Learn more about the Health Risks of Sun Exposure.
About Sandra Dalton
