Summer is finally here – time for fun in the sun! But before you head out to the beach, pool, park or any of your favorite outdoor spots, it is important to protect yourself from the sun. Sunlight consists of two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are constant year-round and penetrate deeper into the skin, whereas UVB rays are more intense in the summer months. Although UVB rays are more intense, both types are equally harmful and can lead to sunburns, premature aging of the skin, and skin cancer.

The sun’s UV radiation can harm your skin any day of the year – not only in the summer. Everyday exposure counts – you don’t have to be actively sunbathing to get a damaging dose of the sun. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you shouldn’t rely on the temperature alone as an indication of how damaging the sun is – there are many factors that contribute to the intensity of the sun’s rays:

• Clouds: Although clouds block a lot of the sun’s heat, they only block about 20 percent of the harmful UV radiation. You can still get a sunburn on cloudy day.
  
• Latitude: The closer you are to the equator, the more potent the sun’s rays. If you live in southern latitudes – or vacation there – it is very important to be aware of the need for sun protection.
  
• Altitude: Because UV radiation increases four percent to five percent with every 1,000 feet above sea level, it is important for skiers, hikers and those living at high elevations to protect their skin year-round.
  
• Reflection: Water, sand, concrete and snow can bounce back as much as 90 percent of the sun’s rays.
  
• Photosensitive Reactions: Many common acne medications and antibiotics can make skin more susceptible to sunburn and sun damage. Other medications may cause skin rashes, redness, and swelling when in direct sunlight.

The more sun exposure you get, the better your likelihood of developing wrinkles or even skin cancer. According to Dr. James Spencer, a dermatologist at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and a spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology, even a few bad sunburns can increase the risk of developing melanoma – the most harmful form of skin cancer. Many sunburns don’t develop until 24 hours after exposure. There are two general types of sunburn: first-degree burns and second-degree burns. 

First-Degree Burns
The most common type of sunburn is a first-degree burn. These types of burns can cause redness and occasional peeling. These burns generally heal within a few days. Because they can be rather painful, it is best to treat first-degree burns with cool baths, moisturizers (without heavy perfumes or other harsh ingredients), or over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams. You can also take an aspirin to lessen the pain.

Second-Degree Burns
Second degree sunburns are more serious than first degree burns. These burns often blister and can be considered a medical emergency if a large area of skin is affected. The most severe burns are often accompanied by a fever, chills or a headache. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

To avoid getting a sunburn, there are multiple things you can do to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays. The American Academy of Dermatology offers these tips:

• Limit time in the sun: Avoid the sun during its peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when the rays are most intense. Also be sure to keep track of the time you spend in full sunlight – don’t stay in direct sunlight for long stretches of time.
• Use a sunscreen: Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and apply it liberally and evenly to all exposed skin. Reapply at least every two hours (more often if you are swimming or sweating heavily).
• Cover up: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants whenever possible. Tightly woven fabrics and dark colors offer more protection. A good rule of thumb: if you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through. Also be sure to wear a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Seek the shade: When outdoors, try to stay in shaded areas as much as possible. Since sunlight can bounce off reflective surfaces, it can still reach you even if you are under an umbrella or tree – so be sure to wear sunscreen!
• Stay away from tanning salons: There is no such thing as a healthy tan. The mixture of UVA and UVB radiation emitted by indoor tanning lamps is often more intense than natural sunlight.

Even if you rarely burn, chasing after that coveted summer glow can be just as harmful. A tan alone is a sign of damaged skin. When skin is penetrated by UV radiation, the skin senses that damage and immediately produces melanin (a brown pigment) to protect itself from more harm. The purpose of melanin is to block more UV radiation from entering the skin. The bottom line: In order to develop a tan, the skin has to be damaged first – there is no such thing as a healthy tan!

Sources: Skin Cancer Foundation, MSNBC, American Academy of Dermatology