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SUNSHINE
Surveys show that both people
who ill and those in good health report are
feeling better on sunny
days, and the tonic effects of a holiday in the sun are well
known. Doctors and psychologists now recognize a condition termed
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which affects some
people during periods of little natural daylight such as northern
winters. Sufferers become depressed, moody and lethargic at such
times, but return to normal once the days begin to lengthen.
In addition, sunshine
enables the body to manufacture vitamin D -important for the
prevention of rickets in children -but since this can also be
obtained from the diet, deficiencies seldom occur. More serious
are the risks of SUNBURN and skin CANCER
if overexposure to the sun occurs, particularly in those with fair
hair and skin. Wind the direction and speed of winds influences
the way in which sounds are carried or dispersed, and if
persistent the sound of the wind itself can cause irritation.
WHAT IS A TAN?
Basically, a tan is the body
's
natural protective reaction against danger.
The danger is,
of course, ultraviolet light, and tanning is a
mechanism that has been programmed into our skin cells to protect
us from these harmful rays. Bearing this in mind, many
dermatologists argue that the idea of a safe-tan is an anachronism
and that, by consciously sun-tanning or sun-bathing, all that we
are doing is triggering the skin?s in-built alarm system time and
time again.
But how do
we actually get a tan? When ultraviolet light hits our skin, it
triggers off a complex chain of chemical reactions that alter the
color or pigmentation of the skin. The pigment is produced by
cells called
Melanocytes,
which produce a dark brown to black pigment called melanin.
Sunlight increases the production of melanin, which is really the
body's own built-in sunscreen and protects the skin from further
damage.
SUNBURN
Prolonged or unaccustomed
exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in
sunlight produces this burning sensation of the skin. There are
three types of UV radiation: UVA is the gentlest;
while it may cause a suntan, it rarely burns. However, it does
penetrate deeply, and may contribute to premature ageing of the
skin and increased risk of skin CANCER. UVB
radiation is more dangerous; it tans and can cause severe burning.
UVC can cause ageing and skin cancer.
Minor sunburn causes red
skin, with tenderness and itching. This is followed a few days
later by a suntan, when more of the dark-brown to black pigment
called melanin is produced by the skin as protection against
further radiation. More severe sunburn can cause pain and
fluid-filled blisters, followed by peeling of the outer layer of
the skin.
Excessive exposure to any
form of UV radiation increases your risk of developing skin
cancer. In the United States there are 300,000-400,000 new cases
each year.
Choose sun lotions and
creams carefully, and read the information given on the pack
before buying; different products filter out different amounts of
radiation. The strongest protection comes from the opaque
'sunshade' creams containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which
block out most UVB and UVC, and much UVA radiation. They can be
messy to apply, so are best for small, sensitive areas such as the
nose and lips.
Sun-block and sunscreen
preparations which are graded in factors up to 20 or more
according to how much protection they supply. The amount of
sunlight you can take without burning is multiplied by the factor
of the cream, lotion or oil -for example, a factor three means
that you can take three times more than you could without
protection, while with one of factor 20 you can take 20 times as
much, provided you reapply the preparation regularly.
Your skin can never have
too much protection, and even those who want to tan should use a
sun block. Low factors are suitable only for easy tanners; higher
factors should be used for fair complexions which do not produce
as much melanin. If you simply want to protect your skin, avoid
lengthy exposure to strong sunlight as much as possible, wear
protective clothing and use a high-factor sun block whenever you
are in the sun. The best preparations are the rub-in lotions and
creams, which are said to remain on the skin longer than oils and
mousses.
Products designed to
promote tanning and creams which do not state a factor often offer
very little protection and should be avoided unless you are going
to be in the sun for only a short while or your skin is already
tanned.
Take extra care in the
mountains, for UV radiation is greater at high altitudes where the
thinner air filters out less sunlight. Be even more careful if you
ski. Snow reflects about 90 per cent of the light that falls on
it, so you will be getting nearly twice as much radiation. And the
reflected light from snow will affect unaccustomed areas of skin,
such as that under your chin, so take extra care over these areas.
Tropical and Mediterranean locations also call for extra
protection since sunlight is stronger nearer the Equator.
The skin of your lips is
very thin, with little melanin and few moisturizing glands, so it
is very vulnerable to UV radiation. Use a special lip screen to
prevent painful burning.
Remember that cold air,
especially winds, on your face and other exposed parts can
counteract any burning sensation and disguise the fact that you
are getting sun burnt.
SAFE
TANNING GUIDLINE
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Protect
your skin from inside and take a beta-carotene supplement at
least a week before and during your holiday. Beta-carotene is
thought to protect the skin from cancer.
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When sunbathing, consider the following points:
your location the sun's rays are most powerful close to the
equator; the time of day -fair skins should avoid sun between
11a.m. and 3 p.m.; and the
reflection of the sun's rays-ultraviolet bounces off sand,
water, shiny or white surfaces, so you can burn in the shade.
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Limit your time in the sun to 10-15 minutes on
the first day, increasing your exposure time by 10-15 minutes
each day. Even if you have naturally dark or black skin, you
should never sunbathe for more than one hour during the first
five days of your holiday.
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Use a water-resistant product while in the water
and remember to reapply your sun product immediately after
swimming. Towel dry skin and than smooth on an even layer.
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Always use an after sun cream or lotion to cool
skin and to
rebuilds skin's moisture barrier
after exposure.
Look out for those that contain soothing Aloe Vera and
anti-ageing Liposome.
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Protect ultra delicate areas, such as the ears,
lips, nose, eyelids and nipples
,
with a total block to avoid painful sunburn.
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Reapply your sun product regularly, ensuring you
have covered all areas evenly.
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