The sun, without interruption, emits radiation. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one portion of the electromagnetic spectrum of radiation that hits Earth from the sun. It is a form of light/radiant energy situated on the spectrum beyond visible light. UV radiation has beneficial and deleterious effects. When a person exposes their skin to sunlight, it triggers Vitamin D synthesis, which is required for healthy bones as well as muscles. In this article, we will delve into the risks linked with UV exposure and ways to protect oneself:
What are the Risks of UV Exposure?
Sunburn
Excessive exposure to UVB, and to a lesser extent UVA, can cause sunburn, leading to the following manifestations:
- Redness
- Pain
- Skin peeling
Sunburn is a visible indication of skin damage linked to an elevated probability of skin cancer.
Skin aging
UVA and UVB rays can gear up the skin’s aging process, causing the following:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Age spots
This premature aging, called photoaging, results from the skin’s breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers.
Damage to eyes
UV radiation can impair the eyes, leading to the development of cataracts and other eye conditions. For instance, skiers not wearing protective goggles at high altitudes risk painful UV burns to the cornea’s surface.
Long-term UV exposure to the eyes can also raise the risk of macular degeneration, a primary cause of vision loss in older adults.
Skin cancer
The most concerning risk of too much UV exposure is the increased probability of developing skin cancers comprising:
- Melanoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
UV radiation harms the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) within skin cells, potentially triggering mutations (alterations) that lead to cancerous growths.
Tips to protect yourself from UV radiation
Seek shade
An obvious but crucial way to limit exposure to UV light is to refrain from being outdoors in direct sunlight for too long. This is particularly crucial between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV light is prominent.
Shield skin with clothing
Clothes offer distinct levels of UV protection. Long-sleeved shirts, pants or skirts cover the majority of the skin and are the most protective. Dark colours usually offer more protection than light colours. A tightly woven fabric protects more than loosely woven clothing. Compared to wet fabric, dry fabric is typically more protective.
Wear a hat
A hat with a minimum 2-3-inch brim all around is suitable because it protects portions that are most often exposed to intense sun, like the ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
Utilise sunscreen
Sunscreen is a product that a person can apply to his/her skin to protect it from the sun’s UV rays. It is available in an array of forms, including lotions, creams, ointments, gels, sprays, wipes, and lip balms.
Wear sunglasses that block UV rays
UV-blocking sunglasses are crucial for protecting the delicate skin surrounding the eyes and the eyes themselves. Research has shown that spending long hours in the sun without protecting the eyes increases a person’s chances of developing certain eye diseases.
To summarize, sunburn indicates short-term overexposure, while premature aging along with skin cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure. Exposure to UV increases the likelihood of potentially blinding eye ailments if eye protection is not utilised. Too much exposure to UV radiation can lead to severe health issues, including cancer. Seeking shade, applying sunscreen, as well as wearing sun-protective clothing goes a long way in shielding a person’s skin from the sun’s harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays.
-Content partner Happiest Health
