Why Sun Exposure May Be Unhealthy For Your Skin

Too much sun exposure may damage your skin!

By Virgil Dugo
Editors: Cody George

Many Americans are obsessed with tanning. In fact, there are more than 1 million people in tanning salons on an average day according to the AAD, The American Academy of Dermatology. This fascination with tanning — coupled with misinformation on how tanning really effects your skin — may cause many future complications and issues, such as skin cancer, in many outdoor occupations where there is a high risk of sun exposure. Lifeguards should take careful precautions when on the job so they protect others and themselves.

When someone tans, cells in their skin break down and get damaged on the genetic level. The sun’s rays contain UV-A and B radiation that penetrates the skin and breaks down the DNA, or genetic code, in the cells. However, we have cells in our body called melanin which can absorb some of the sun’s rays and protect our skin. As we tan, the more cells in our body get broken down. Our body releases the melanin to protect us, which gives our skin a darker color, as reported by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, (NCBI).

Teenagers and young adults already have a higher risk for skin cancer because of poor sunscreen habits when compared to adults. Lifeguards that are in this category are at the highest risk for skin cancer. According to an article by the International Life Saving Federation called Sun Dangers for Lifeguards, lifeguarding is considered a very high risk occupation for skin cancer because of prolonged sun exposure. Skin cancer is common and can be cured when caught early, however, if untreated, it can prove to be fatal. As with anything, prevention is the best medicine.

Do you use sunscreen when you are subject to high sun exposure? Excess sun exposure can lead to faster aging, skin cancer, eye damage, and damaged skin. By using sunscreen, you can severely cut down the risk of sun exposure. The American Melanoma Foundation (AMF) has many recommendations on how to protect yourself from sun exposure. Using a sunscreen that contains a SPF 30 or higher, filters out 97% or more of the sun’s rays that can cause skin cancer, and make sure that your sunscreen covers both UVA and UVB spectrum’s. In addition, it is recommended that clothing be worn to cut down on skin exposure and to cover as much skin as possible. Items such as hats with a wide brim and wrap around polarized sunglasses are recommended.

Check out Body Therapeutics Sunscreen, which is SPF 35, covers UVA and UVB, paraben free, and is certified by the AMC Cancer Research Center! You can also check out eLifeguard.com‘s selection of hats, rash shirts, and other equipment designed for lifeguards, to help you stay healthy, stay safe, and keep guarding. ╚