Safe Sunbathing for Sun Worshipers

Sunbathing and skin protection tips for adults and children

© John Howe

Sun hat for kids, Incie Wincie

Sunbathing risks your health, so safe sunbathing is essential for both adults and children; here are some sun protection guidelines for holidaymakers and sun worshipers.

Nothing is better than relaxing on a tropical beach soaking up the sun’s rays. When you get home you just can’t wait to show the folks that deep brown healthy tan you acquired and at some expense.

You’ve been sensible by applying a sun block and before you left for your two weeks at the beach resort you became acclimatised to ultra violet (UV) rays. “No problem” you think; well, think again.

For many years people considered a suntan as a healthy and relaxing activity but now it seems this is wrong. Even on cloudy days the sun’s rays will damage skin and other body structures.

The effects are varied: sunburn, sun stroke, impairment to your immune system, development of cataracts and various skin cancers, the most deadly being malignant melanoma. And if this does not convince you about the adverse affects of the sun, then sun bathing prematurely wrinkles and ages the skin.

But you have not booked that expensive resort holiday just to return home as white as you left, and there are some sensible precautions you can take to reduce the potential sun damage.

Sunglasses

Wear wrap around sunglasses with brown, amber, green or grey coloured lens. They should also block 99-100% UV rays.

Shade

Seeking the shade is better than sitting in full sun but UV rays will reflect from light reflecting surfaces like sand and water and is nearly as damaging as is direct sunlight.

It’s common sense not to lie on the beach during the hottest time of the day, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Before and after these times bathe for only 30 minutes, increasing the time gradually and never fall asleep in the sun.

Sun Blockers

Use a sun block cream at least 15 SunProtection Factor (SPF) and apply it 20 minutes before you go into the sun. Water and sweat reduce the efficiency of sun blockers (even water resistant ones) so re-apply often. When walking or just lazing wear clothes that have a tight weave with long sleeves and legs. It is a good idea to wear a hat or cap.

Young people

Youngsters need protection from the sun; it has been reckoned that a total of half a lifetime’s exposure is acquired before the age of twenty. Just applying sun blockers is not sufficient protection for children. Arms, legs, heads and necks should be covered

Protect children from sunburn and ultraviolet rays always use a high factor sun blocker and cover up as much as possible.

Take these simple precautions and you can acquire a tan and remain healthy in the process:


The copyright of the article Safe Sunbathing for Sun Worshipers in Public Healthcare Issues is owned by John Howe. Permission to republish Safe Sunbathing for Sun Worshipers must be granted by the author in writing.


Sunburn, Wikipedia
Sun hat for kids, Incie Wincie
     


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