The Sun and Your Teenagers

Your Teenager's Health Series : The Sun and Your Teenagers

Only one third of teens questioned between the ages of 12-18 said they used a sunscreen when out in the sun. Neither were they concerned about the ultraviolet rays they are exposing themselves to on the beach or in a tanning bed. Many of these same teenagers admitted to getting a bad burn at least once in the previous year. They also said it was worth the burn to be able to get a tan after the burn healed.

Spending time is important because we valuable Vitamin D from the sun. It also causes premature aging, skin discoloration, sagging cheeks, and skin cell damage. It also causes one of the most deadly forms of cancer, Melanoma. This cancer has been linked to longtime sun exposure to teens and children. Over 8000 people died of skin cancer last year and the numbers are expected to rise each year.

Tans are a sign that your skin is being damaged by the UV radiation that is part of sunlight. Different skin types have various degrees of protection. Teens with blonde or red hair have the least protection; those with black hair and dark skin have the most natural sun protection. That doesn’t mean they can’t burn or they will avoid skin cancer.

What do we tell our teenagers about protecting their skin from the sun? First, we can keep them informed about what damage can be done by too much time in the sun. Tell them to treat the biggest organ of their body kindly. That will keep them looking healthier and more beautiful as the years go by.

What about fake tans? Fake tans that are skin dyes can be rubbed, or sprayed on the skin and they will last about three to six days after application. The uses of these agents to look tan have not been fully proved safe, so be careful about using them. If skin turns an ugly orange, it will stay that way for several days. Applying a fake tan is considered healthier than baking under a tanning bed or the sun.

Tanning beds are not considered safer than sunbathing on the shore. Tanning beds can, also damage anything the sun can damage. Most states have laws preventing young teenagers from using a tanning salon. Ultraviolet rays can also damage eyes while in a tanning bed. If you are tanning, please remember the importance of wearing the protective goggles. Never should anyone tan without eye protection!

Skin protection while out in the sun is important. One step is to stay out of the sunlight during peak hours of eleven in the morning until three in the afternoon. That’s when the sun’s rays can do the most damage to skin. Even hazy cool days where you don’t think you are getting sunrays are dangerous. Because it is cool, the temptation is to stay in the sun longer and use less protection. Even if you don’t feel hot, the sun can be causing damage to your skin.

If you are planning on being in the sun for a longtime, wear the right clothes. Long sleeves, long pants, and collars with a tight weave are the best protection. Wearing a hat will help the neck, ears, temples, nose, lips, and face. Those are the most common places to find skin cancer. Be sure the hat has a brim that goes all around the head. Wrap around sunglasses are important to protect the eyes and give the best protection.

Sunscreen is also important to help block out UV rays, but it won’t keep all the rays filtered out. Use an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 and use SPF 30 if you have fair skin. Most damage happens just by doing every day activities, like walking back and forth to your car or going to lunch. It’s important to wear sunscreen every day.

Carefully choose your sunscreen as some lotions and gels can dry out the skin and cause irritation. If you are going swimming, a waterproof sunscreen is important but should reapplied every two hours. Use a lot of sunscreen! It’s recommended you use about one teaspoon sunscreen for each limb and a half of teaspoon for the face, ears, and neck.

Apply sunscreen on clean, dry skin at least 20-30 minutes before sun exposure.