Many of us see the ultraviolet (UV) index on weather reports and read about UV alerts at particular times of the day. But do you know what it actually means and how it affects you?
There are two main types of UV rays and both cause damage to skin cells and contribute to skin cancer. Ultraviolet light is a form of radiation invisible to the human eye. Ultraviolet wavelengths of sunlight are made up of UVB, which has shorter wavelengths and higher energy, and UVA, which has longer wavelengths and lower energy.
This blog explores the reasons why despite the alarming increase in skin cancer rates the general public continue to expose their skin to the sun without protection. Reasons put forward include low levels of awareness of skin cancer, popular culture trends, the fact that we are living longer, spending more time outdoors, and concerns about Vitamin D.
This blog describes how sunscreen chemicals have adversely impacted the ecology of our oceans. Mineral based sunscreens are less impactful and are a better alternative. Dermatologists agree that UPF 50+ sun protective clothing is the best way to prevent sunburn, skin ageing and skin cancer without damaging the ocean.
This blog describes the features of a sun hat if you are looking to be protected from the sun, to prevent skin cancer, skin ageing and sunburn. The features of a sun hat which offer maximum sun protection include a UPF50+ rating, a broad brim and a neck flap. A UPF50+ broad brim sun hat is key to skin cancer prevention.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it needs the best protection against the harsh effects of the environment. Constant exposure to the sun’s ultra violet (UV) rays can lead to damage to your skin such as wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer. Sun damage is cumulative, which means that the damage to the skin caused by the sun’s UV rays all adds up.
This blog highlights that the primary cause of skin cancer is the cumulative exposure to the sun. Sun protective clothing with a high UPF rating provides consistent protection from UV radiation. Dermatologists outline in this blog why they prefer sun protection clothing with a UPF 50+ rating.
Over the coming weeks, we will be publishing some stories from the Solbari Community to help raise awareness about skin cancer, melanoma and sun protection.
If you are interested in sharing your story, please answer the following questions from the relevant questionnaire and send us a picture of yourself being sun safe in the outdoors.
I grew up thinking pale was beautiful till I started university in the mid 70s. Then I took a U turn and decided a tanned look would make me look more attractive. I went all out achieving a tanned look, lying out in the sun during the summer holidays, after my summer job hours and all weekends. That went on for many years.
