William Penn Life, 2005 (40. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2005-07-01 / 7. szám
HealthPage Sun Smarts A few tips on sunning and tanning safely this summer from the Food and Drug Administration S kin damage from sunlight builds up with continued exposure, whether sunburn occurs or not. In addition to skin cancer and sunburn, effects related to premature aging can include wrinkling, and in time, an almost leathery appearance of the skin. Research also suggests that excessive exposure to UV radiation may interfere with the body's immune system. Sunburn is associated with the shorter ultraviolet wavelengths, known as ultraviolet B (UVB). The longer wavelengths, known as ultraviolet A (UVA), however, can penetrate the skin and damage connective tissue at deeper levels, even if the skin's surface feels cool. It is important to limit exposure to both UVA and UVB. The following information on sunscreens, tanning products, and sun safety is intended to help you make informed decisions about sun protection and tanning. Sunscreens Sunscreens play an important role as one part of a total program to reduce the harmful effects of the sun, that first includes limiting sun exposure and wearing protective clothing. The FDA regulates sunscreens as over-the-counter (OTC) Health Links For more information about sun exposure, sunburn, skin cancer and other related topics, log onto the National Institutes of Health’s Medline Plus information page on “Sun Exposure” at: 3 www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ sunexposure.html drugs. Cosmetic products that are marketed with sun-protection claims are regulated as both drugs and cosmetics. To help consumers select products that best suit their needs, sunscreens are labeled with SPF numbers. SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor." The higher the SPF number, the more sunburn protection the product provides. Experts recommend using sunscreens with an SPF number of 15 or higher that also provide protection from UVA rays. Remember, sunscreen used alone will not prevent all of the possible harmful effects of the sun. The effectiveness of a sunscreen is reduced if it is not applied in adequate amounts or it is washed off, rubbed off, sweated off, or otherwise removed. For maximum effectiveness, apply a sunscreen liberally before going outside and reapply it frequently on all sun-exposed skin. Unless otherwise stated on the label, 30 minutes before going outside and at least every two hours thereafter is a general rule of thumb. About one ounce of sunscreen should be used per application on the average adult. Sunless tanners & bronzers Sunless tanners, sometimes referred to as self-tanners or tanning extenders, are promoted as a way to get tan without the sun. They produce a tanned appearance by interacting with amino acids on the skin's surface. The only color additive currently approved by FDA for this purpose is dihydroxy acetone (DHA). These products can be difficult to apply and the chemicals may react differently on various areas of your body, resulting in uneven coloring. The term "bronzer" refers to a variety of products used to achieve a temporary tanned appearance. Some are applied topically to stain the skin temporarily. Usually, soap and water will remove them. They may streak after application and, when wet, some may stain clothing. Among other products marketed as bronzers are tinted moisturizers and brush-on powders. These also produce a temporary effect, similar to other types of makeup. Still others are combination products that also contain DHA. Sunless tanners and bronzers may or may not contain sunscreen ingredients or be labeled with SPF numbers. You should read the labeling carefully to determine whether or not these products provide protection from the sun. More Sun-Safety Tips When at the beach or pool, cover exposed areas with tightly woven clothing and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and face. If you're a parent, protect your children's skin; research indicates that one or more severe, blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of skin cancer later in life. Remember that the sun's rays are the strongest from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, especially during the late spring and summer. Reflected glare from water and snow also can increase your exposure to UV radiation. It is equally important to protect your eyes from the sun. Too much UV radiation can damage the cornea and lead to cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye that can cause blindness. Not all tinted glasses—even very dark ones—protect against UV radiation. The UV filtration results from an invisible chemical applied to the sunglasses. Check the label when choosing sunglasses in order to make sure that they provide protection against UV radiation. |WPL| William Penn Life, July 2005 7
