As the sun grows stronger, what impact does it have on our health? Ultraviolet (UV) rays, designated as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO, can cause damage or lead to diseases in areas of the skin and eyes directly exposed to sunlight. Let's explore how to avoid UV rays and maintain our health based on this understanding.
Protecting the Skin
What happens when we expose our skin to UV rays? Short-term excessive exposure can damage skin cells and result in the secretion of inflammatory mediators. This can lead to symptoms like redness, swelling, and heat sensation. Failure to protect the skin can result in sunburns or sun allergies on the face. Particularly, skin cancer like melanoma may also occur.
What's the best way to protect the skin? Firstly, it's advisable to avoid going outside during the peak UV hours from 10 am to 3 pm. Additionally, when going out, cover the skin with a hat, long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses, and an umbrella. When choosing sunglasses, opt for those with over 90% UV blockage, and consider grey or brown lenses for eye health.
Preserving Eye Health
UV rays can also harm the eyes. Without proper protection from strong UV rays, acute photokeratitis can occur. This condition manifests as damage symptoms to the corneal epithelial cells, leading to itching, glare, and blurred vision. Prolonged exposure of the eyes to UV rays may also increase the risk of cataracts and pterygium.
What should we do for eye health? Wearing sunglasses during peak UV hours is crucial. Choose sunglasses with high UV protection to shield the eyes. Additionally, what you eat is important for eye health. Consume foods beneficial for eye health to maintain healthy eyes.
Proper Use of Sunscreen
What factors should be considered when choosing sunscreen? Firstly, check the PA and SPF ratings on the sunscreen label. PA indicates the level of protection against UVA rays, while SPF indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. Choose products with high ratings to protect the skin. Additionally, reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Select the appropriate product type, either mineral or organic sunscreen, suitable for your skin.
Establishing Habits to Protect Against UV Rays
Protecting against UV rays is our responsibility. Use sunscreen to maintain healthy skin and eyes, and develop habits to protect the skin during outdoor activities. Additionally, consume proper nutrition to maintain healthy eyes and skin. Let's create habits together to protect against UV rays and lead a healthier life.
