UVA and UVB rays are ultraviolet radiation. They are shorter than visible light which is why you can’t see them with the naked eye. UVB rays hit the skin’s surface causing superficial damage. (Turn you lobster red – OUCH!) UVA rays have longer wavelengths than UVB and can penetrate deeper into your skin, causing aging and long-term damage.
Melanin (pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes) provides some sun protection. An infant’s skin possesses little melanin, therefore making them more susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays.
Sun protection is even more important depending on the time and location when you are exposed. The sun’s harmful rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. When you are on a reflective surface such as water (beach, pool or lake), pavement or sand, you will get twice as much radiation exposure as the sun’s UVA and UVB rays will hit your skin from above and below.
Reduction in harmful UVA/UVB rays will help you avoid skin cancer.
Sun protection:
- Wear a hat and protective clothing (look for clothes with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or higher)
- Cover all exposed body areas with sunscreen. Use SPF of 30 or higher. Apply 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hrs or after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Keep Newborns in the shade or a sheltered area, use sunscreen on all babies > 6 mo.
- Avoid the sun’s strongest rays between 10 am and 4 pm
- Check the expiration date on your sunscreen to ensure it is not expired.
- Do not neglect protecting your ears, eyes (protective eyewear), lips and nose.
- UVA rays can penetrate clouds/fog and glass – so protect yourself on even on rainy days or when in the car (removable mesh window shields or UV window film works great).
- DO NOT BURN
- Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths
For more information on skin cancer go to www.skincancer.org
