Health City Blogs

It’s summertime. The days are longer and hotter, forcing a lot of people indoors and into the comfort of the central air. While we can sometimes retreat to much cooler homes and offices, we do have to take on the sun at some point, despite its scorching heat. During this time, the hotter temperatures prompt various questions about exposure to the sun’s UV rays. That’s because sun exposure can cause sunburn, skin aging, including wrinkles, as well as eye damage, and skin cancer.

How Much Sun Do You Really Need?

It’s a known fact that you need some sunshine to generate vitamin D. But how much sunshine is enough? And does everyone need the same amount? As most people are aware, there’s a balance to be struck when it comes to spending time out in the sun. While you want to get that Vitamin D benefit, you also want to make sure you are not being overly exposed to potentially harmful UV rays. So how much sun do you need while making sure your cancer risk is minimised? According to Dr Vikas Roshan, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist at Health City, this depends on your skin type.“For those persons with lighter skin tones, the average recommended time in the sun is approximately nine minutes, as they burn easier. Those with darker skin tones can get up to 25 minutes of exposure.” Dr Vikas emphasised that there was no ‘standard’ or ‘fixed’ amount of time, as this would vary from individual to individual.

Knowing When the Sun is Strongest

It can be confusing trying to figure out when the sun is at its hottest. One handy tip to use is called the ‘shadow rule’. When in the sun, if your shadow is shorter than your height this means that the sun’s UV rays are strong. It’s during this time that you are more likely to burn, so you should amp up your protection.

Risk Factors

The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of skin cancer. However, there are several risk factors that should be considered. These include:

• exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds;
•  a personal history of skin cancer;
•  skin that burns easily;
• lighter skin;
• certain types of moles, especially if there is a large number of them;
•  a family history of skin cancer; and
• older age.

Sun Safety Tips

There is a belief in some circles that all you need to do to protect yourself from the sun is dab on some sunblock. While sunblock is important, it cannot protect you from the sun on its own. Here are some useful tips to help protect yourself while in the sun.