In this blog we discuss how experiencing sunburn increases the chances of being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer later on in life. Brown University in the US undertook research monitoring 100,000 women who had been sunburnt to varying degrees over a 20 year period and measured their incidence rates of melanoma.
This blog explains that UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation like infrared and visible light. UVA, UVB and UVC are distinct in terms of where they sit on the electromagnetic spectrum but also their potential impact on humans. UVA and UVB are both responsible for skin cancer and melanoma.
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.
I guess as you get older you realise health is everything. Nowadays when we have the precious grandchildren I am the first to put hats on them and sunscreen. When I was, younger there was no awareness of skin cancers.
In my mid-twenties, I saw my darling grandmother lose large parts of her nose to skin cancer, which made me think more carefully about how much sun exposure I was receiving. I decided to start getting regular skin checks and encouraged my family to do so too.
I moved to Australia over 10 years ago. I grew up in northern Europe and it took me a few years to re-calibrate my inner compass and my approach to sun protection! At first I was not paying any attention to Australian sun at all. Once I learned about the risks, my attitude change 180 degrees.
Having sun sensitive skin, sun protection is very important as I noticed more and more moles appear in recent years in my neck and chest areas. I have to freeze some of them as they grow big with constant itchiness. I also developed chronic skin rash on leg areas which affect daily life badly.
I think that the sun is dangerous and that we need PPE (personal protective equipment) to protect ourselves from sun light. I feel annoyed that my parents lied to me and told me the sun is good for my health, and that they encouraged me to spend time in the sun which I now understand is dangerous. Now that I know this, I plan to always wear clothes which are UPF50+ or better with good sunglasses.
