Sunscreen creams are not enough to prevent skin cancer. Even in situations where you feel safe, you may be receiving an excess of UV radiation.
The strong solar radiation in summer has its light sides and its dark parts. Humans need a certain amount of sunlight to synthesize essential vitamin D.
It also stimulates immunity and improves mood. One of the best health tips to offer is to spend more time outdoors, if possible, in a natural setting. But it is also true that an excess of solar radiation is related to skin cancer.
Unexpected Solar Traps – Sunscreen
We can wear hats and natural sun creams, but the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach us in many unexpected places.
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1. Under The Umbrella
If you are under the umbrella in a park or on the beach, you can still receive up to 50% of UV radiation. The exact dose depends on the reflection of the ground and the UV permeability of the umbrella.
That is why you may burn even if you have been in the shade all the time. The shadow cast by a solid building, for example, is safer. In that case, you only receive the reflected light, which can be quite a bit.
2. Through Clothing
In summer we wear light clothes and light colors because we will be cooler and more protected. The truth is exactly the opposite. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the darker and denser the fabric, the less UV radiation can penetrate it.
That is why the nomads of the desert dress by wrapping themselves in thick black cloth. In contrast, with thin, white shirts, almost half of the radiation reaches the skin.
There are garments with a sun protection factor, but you must bear in mind that it is reduced with each wash.
3. Behind The Car Window
Most crystals allow only a small part of UVB rays to pass through and a little more UVA rays. This means that they reduce the risk of sunburn, and somewhat less the danger of aging and skin cancer.
Everything is a matter of hours. You can see this in veteran taxi drivers and truckers, who have older left arms than right. Tinted or foil-bonded glasses offer more protection than glasses without any treatment.
4. Through Sunglasses
Many cheap or counterfeit sunglasses do not provide UV protection and are more dangerous than not wearing them because darkening makes the pupils open more. UV rays can reach the inside of the eyes more easily.
This is especially a problem for young children who are not often bought expensive sunglasses. If you suspect your glasses, a good optician will tell you if it has protection or not.
5. Under Water
UVA and UVB rays reach up to a foot below the surface of the water. Therefore, when we swim, we remain exposed. However, many bathers are fresh in the water and believe they are protected.
Remember that for the good of marine ecosystems, it is better to bathe as soon as you reach the beach, dry off, and apply sunscreen.
If you first put on sun protection and then take a bath, you will be leaving part of the cream in the water, where it does no good, and it does not matter if it is a natural product with mineral filters or a conventional one with chemical filters.
Pay Special Attention To Children – Sunscreen
Children’s skin is significantly thinner. The amount of sunburn in childhood is closely related to an increased risk of skin cancer.
It is recommended that children protect themselves thoroughly with quality natural or organic cream and wear hats and suitable clothing. Babies should not be exposed to direct sun in the first year of life.
