The British love talking about the weather, ranging from polite ice-breaking conversation, to in-depth discussions at the pub. Whatever the context, the subject is very much the same: where is the sun?
This is because everyone craves the warm, comforting feeling that the sun provides, whether it’s on a tropical beach or just outside Tesco. The decision to venture out into the sun or hide away in a darkened room will probably be determined by your skin type.
Skin types are graded from 1 to 5; 1 being very fair skinned with blue eyes and blonde or red hair, and 5 being very dark or black skin, with brown eyes and hair. If you’re (un)lucky enough to be nearer the pale end of the scale, you will be well aware of the sun’s devastating decision never to grant you a tan. But is a tan a fashion accessory or a warning sign of the sun’s damaging effects?
The sun’s rays are made up of two types of ultra violet (UV) light, UVA and UVB, both of which can cause damage. Our skin reacts to UV light by producing melanin, a dark pigment that helps absorb the harmful rays of light. It is the melanin that causes our skin to darken and produce the widely desired tanned skin. It is our bodies’ way of protecting the skin from sun burn. With excessive sun exposure you increase your chances of achieving an unattractive sun burn, premature ageing, and even your risk of skin cancer.
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and the dreaded melanoma. All of them are due to too much sun exposure. Basal cell carcinoma is very common on the head and shoulders; it does not spread, but erodes down through the skin. In comparison, a squamous cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of the body. Then you have the big daddy that is a melanoma, which is very serious and potentially fatal. Rates are increasing, especially in those of university age and people who chase the sun.
Sunburnt skin is red, sore and warm to the touch, but the effects aren’t immediate; it takes between 6 and 48 hours for it to show. After a few days, the skin will peel and you’re left with either a tan or the same pale skin you had originally. Dark skin can also burn and become damaged if exposed to enough UV light. However, because it contains more pigment, it can tolerate sunlight without burning for longer than paler skin.
Having said that, they are still at risk of skin cancer!
Protecting yourself in the sun is easy: sunscreen and more sunscreen, plus common sense. Staying out of the sun between the mid-day hours of 10am-3pm, when the sun’s rays are at their strongest is the general advice. If you find yourself without a watch don’t worry, a tip is to avoid the sun when your shadow is shorter than your height. Sunscreen comes in all shapes and sizes, but all of them will display a sun protection factor (SPF) number. This is how much protection it will provide you against UV light. Aim for one that protects against UVA and UVB light and has a SPF of 15 or more. Apply a thick layer and 30 minutes before going out in the sun to allow it to soak into your skin. Don’t be fooled by a cooling breeze, a cloudy sky or the false sense of security from being underwater. These all help to play down the fact that the sun is out there and sneakily damaging your skin.
So if you don’t want to end up looking like your granny at 40, or play skin cancer roulette, then enjoy the sun in moderation and apply a healthy amount of sun cream this summer.
Oh, and reapply it too!
Adam Jakes
4th year HYMS
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