Dear Betty,
Okay, I know that tanning is bad for me. Why and what can I do?
—Sun Goddess in San Diego
Dear Sun Goddess,
The problem is that the UVA and UVB radiation that slips through the ever-shrinking ozone layer can cause skin disorders, skin cancer, cataracts, and other eye damage. While the sun's UV rays vary throughout the day, they are the most intense at noon in summer when they have the least amount of distance to travel. Snowboarders need to know that UV rays are stronger at altitude because there is less atmosphere to absorb the damaging rays. And surfer girls should note that cloud cover reduces these rays but does not eliminate them completely, which is why we need to wear sunscreen even on grey days. The sad truth is that we're more at risk for skin cancer simply because we spend a good number of hours outdoors. You are also at greater risk if you have fair skin and/or burn easily and all skin types are at risk of eye damage. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, begins as an uncontrolled growth in pigmented skin (moles or freckles). The good news is that if it's detected early, melanoma and other skin diseases are almost always curable. Be sure to keep an eye out for any changes on your skin and get a yearly mole check from a qualified dermatologist.
What you can do:
• Wear UVA and UVB sunscreen (be generous) and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Limit the amount of exposure to mid-day sun (10 AM to 4 PM).
• Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays (check label when purchasing).
• Wear a wide brimmed hat and full clothing whenever possible in the sun.
• Seek shade.
• Never fake bake at a tanning salon.
• Get an annual mole check by a dermatologist.
• Check the UV index. (EPA site)
For more information, check out the EPA's SunWise program and click here to find out how to detect melanoma .
Enjoy the ride,
Betty
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