SUN PROTECTION

CATHERINE SABOGAL MORA

The exposure to the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) during childhood and adolescence plays an
important role in the development of skin cancer, since children properly protected from
UVR have 78% lower risk of developing skin cancer in their adult lives. Importantly
children are exposed to the sun three times more than adults, before they are 21 years
old, have received between 50 and 80% of sun radiation in their lives.
The sun protection has as an objective prevent damage occurring on our skin as a result
of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Strategies of sun protection are focused on reducing
the exposure time to sun especially in hours like noon, wearing adequate clothes, wearing
hats and put on sunscreen.
Skin cancer is the type of cancer whose incidence rate has increased the most in the
world. There are three ways: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (they are
curable) and melanoma that cancer is incurable and is too dangerous if it isnt detected in
time.
Ultraviolet radiation
There are three kind of UVR; UVA (320-400 nm), UVB (290-320 nm) and UVC (270-290
nm), UVC radiation doesnt through the ozone layer because that radiation is the most
dangerous, that radiation could burn us like French fries. UVA and UVB radiation are
associated with the skin cancer and appearance of wrinkles. UVA radiation through the
dermis (second skin layer) and breaks skins cells and produce premature aging also could
produce abolition of immune system; UVB radiation through just the epidermis (first skin
layer) and that radiation produce erythema and burns.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens are substance that soaks up and filters the UVR and that method is very
common for preventing skin cancer. Safety of sunscreen it is regulated by international and
national health authorities. Sunscreens should be used properly:
Apply at least twice a day.
Apply at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
If sweated, swam and dried with a towel, you should apply again.
FDA (Food and drug administration) established that sunscreens for children should be
with a SPF (sun protection factor) higher than 30 and are of wide spectrum (they protect
UVA and UVB radiation), because childrens skin is more delicate. When children are 6
month shouldnt be exposed to the sun, apply sunscreen either, because could be toxic.
Recommended clothes
People should try to use dark clothes and materials like nylon, wool, silk and polyester.
Also when we use hats it is a good physical screen for head and neck, it is depend the
size, is recommended wear hats with its brim wide (more than 7.5cm). It recommended to
use sunglasses but if they are of good quality, if they are of bad quality, it is worst for you.