Protecting your skin from the harsh effects of UV rays, regardless of the season, should be everyone’s priority. Not only is the slightest tan a form of skin damage, but this damage can accumulate and cause health complications later in life. UV rays are considered one of the most potent triggers for melanoma. In this article, we explore the different ways of protecting against the rays of the sun.

1. Sun rays and UV radiation

To ensure the prevention of melanoma, avoiding UV rays, whether from the sun or any other source, is necessary. UV rays or ultraviolet rays are electromagnetic radiation given out by the sun and also from instruments such as sun lamps.

Exposing your skin to the sun, especially when the sun is at its peak, can be risky. It can expose the skin to UV rays, which can damage the skin. The UV rays are strong enough to penetrate the skin cells and damage DNA. This damage, in turn, leads to abnormal cell growth, causing cancer.

2. Protection from the sun and UV rays

Exposure to sunlight is needed for the body to get Vitamin D naturally. However, at the same time, proper protection from the harmful rays of the skin is necessary. The guidelines for protecting yourself from the sun’s rays are as follows:

• You need to use sunscreen whenever you go out in the sun. It is important to use sunscreen even on a cloudy day.
• Sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 must be used. When you buy sunscreen, look for a product that offers broad-spectrum protection. It means the sunscreen should protect your skin against the different types of UV rays. Broad-spectrum cosmetics may have sunscreen, look for the SPF number printed on the label.
• At least one ounce of sunscreen must be used and liberally applied on the arms, face, neck, legs, and any other body parts exposed to the sun.
• Sunscreen is effective only for around 3 to 4 hours. After this period, it needs to be reapplied, especially if you have gone swimming or have been sweating. Water-resistant sunscreen can be applied if you’re going swimming in an open pool.
• Wear protective clothing that shades you from the sun. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and proper clothing to protect against the sun. Look for UPF printed on the clothing products, which indicates that the clothes protect against ultraviolet rays.
• Avoid going out to the hot sun, especially between 10 am to 4 pm.
• To sum up, you can remember this mantra for protection against the sun – slip, slop, slap and wrap. Slip-on your clothing, slop sunscreen on the skin, slap on a hat on your head, and wrap sunglasses around your eyes.
• Also, some medications can make your skin sensitive. Make sure you take complete care. You can also visit a dermatologist in severe cases.
• It is very important to protect young children who love to play outdoors. Make sure they are protected as their young skin can be damaged quickly.
• Avoid tanning beds and UV lamps as these products have been found to cause cancer.

To ensure the prevention of melanoma one can follow the guidelines for protection against the sun and harmful UV rays mentioned in this article.