Facts About Sunshine and Ultraviolet Radiation
- Suntan is NOT a sign of health. It is your skin's response to ultraviolet (UV) damage.
- The UV portion of sunlight causes many skin cancers. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt. It can damage your skin by penetrating the cells and changing them.
- There are two types of ultraviolet light from the sun - UVA and UVB. UVA damages the deeper layers of your skin. UVB damages the top layer of your skin. Both UVA and UVB can cause reddening and burning. Sunscreens absorb or reflect the sun's burning rays. When you shop for sunscreens, read the labels carefully, and look for sunscreens with at least an SPF 15.
- Ultraviolet rays reflect off water, cement, sand and snow. They can damage your skin on cloudy days, under water, and through car windows. Even under a hat, beach umbrella or a shade tree, you still need sunscreen.
- Remember to protect your ears, lips, the back of your neck, your throat, the backs of your hands and the tops of your feet. (Don't forget any balding spots.)
- Some antihistamines, antibiotics and other medicines can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Check the label, or ask your pharmacist or doctor.
For more information ...
 |
Call the Arizona Sun Awareness Project, a skin cancer prevention and early detection project of the Arizona Cancer Center, at (520) 694-2873 in Tucson or 1-520-626-6044 elsewhere in the U.S.;
|
|
Consult a dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin diseases;
|
|
Contact the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER; or
|
|
Contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
|
|
