How suntanning can cause more harm than good?

Well. Before you grab that suntan lotion and head towards the nearest beach or swimming pool, pause for a moment. Researchers found that just a walk to the nearest grocery store or super mart under the Sun is more than enough to obtain the amount of tan and vitamin D that the body required. Prolonged suntanning can lead to skin cancer, blistered skin, burnt skin, freckles, and wrinkles among others. Well, if you are caught in arranging a rendezvous with a bunch of Sun worshipers friends on the beach, you should take the following precautions:



Make sure the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. These types of sunscreens, called broad-spectrum sunscreens, contain more active ingredients. Ideally a sunscreen should also be hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic so it doesn't cause a rash or clog the pores, which can cause acne.

Sunscreen needs to be applied thickly enough to make a difference. People often do not put on enough sunscreen to get the full SPF protection. In case of uncertainty about how much product to use, or discomfort with the amount applied, switching to a sunscreen with a higher SPF may help.

Research has shown that the best protection is achieved by application 15 to 30 minutes before exposure, followed by one reapplication 15 to 30 minutes after the sun exposure begins. Further reapplication is only necessary after activities such as swimming, sweating, and rubbing.

The rays of the sun are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m (see http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/actionsteps.html), so frequent shade breaks are recommended during these hours. Sun rays are stronger at higher elevations (mountains) and lower latitudes (near the equator). One way to deal with time zones, daylight saving time (summer time) and latitude is to check shadow length. If a person's shadow is shorter than their actual height, the risk of sunburn is much higher.

Wear a hat with a brim and anti-UV sunglasses which can provide almost 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation entering the eyes.

Be aware that reflective surfaces like snow and water can greatly increase the amount of UV radiation to which the skin is exposed.





So, the ideal location is? Stay on the hammock under the shade! Or just give some well-prepared excuses to avoid the beach. "Maybe there are some great white shark waiting for its prey". For whatever things is, staying at home is the best!



Parts and snippet of the article is obtained from the wiki.