Protect Yourself from Sun Exposure

Exposure to the sun is essential for vitamin D production in the body, which supports calcium absorption for building strong and healthier bones. But have you ever wondered how sun exposure might negatively affect your health?

Our JHAH experts highlight the health issues related to sun exposure and how you can protect yourself from the damaging effect of sun rays.

Why is sun exposure harmful to your health?

Ultraviolet rays, or UV rays that come from the sun, are an invisible form of radiation. This can pass through your skin and damage skin cells. They can also cause eye problems, wrinkles, skin spots and skin cancer. Unexpectedly, this is not only limited to hot seasons or clear days.

What are the health issues related to UV rays exposure?

UV rays can affect your health in a variety of ways. It can cause skin damage during any season or at any temperature. Exposure to sun rays can also cause eye problems, premature skin aging, and weakening of the immune system. Furthermore, it can damage the skin and may even lead to skin cancer.

Effect of sun rays on the skin

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects us against heat, sunlight, injury and infection. It also helps regulate body temperature, stores water and fat, and produces vitamin D. Skin damage caused by sun exposure include:

• Skin cancer

• Premature skin aging

• The appearance of tiny blood vessels in the skin, especially on the face

• Thick skin

• Wrinkles

• Brown spots, such as “liver spots” or freckles

• Small white spots on legs, arms and back of the hands

Effect of sun rays on the eyes

Sun exposure can lead to the formation of eye cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. The clouded areas of the lens block some light from reaching the retina and reduce vision. The condition is common in older people. Sun exposure, however, is a leading cause of developing the condition at an early age.

Effect of sun rays on the immune system

Repeated exposure to UV radiation can also damage the body’s immune system. The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from germs and other foreign “invaders.” Sunburns can suppress immune functions in people of all skin types.

How to protect yourself from damage caused by sun rays?

Skin cancer and other health issues related to sun exposure are almost totally preventable. You can protect your skin from sun exposure by following these tips:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun if possible. If you must be in the sun, cover up with sun hats, long sleeves, sunscreen and sunglasses.

• Wear sunglasses that wrap around the face and provide 100 percent UV protection.

• Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.

• Choose a sunscreen that protects you from both UV-A and UV-B rays.

• Babies should never be exposed to direct sunlight. Teach your children to apply sunscreen before they go out to play.

• Whenever possible, people should avoid exposure to the midday sun, from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Avoid using sunlamps and tanning beds.

• Use extra care around water and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun. This can increase your chance of getting sunburns.