Sunbathe Safely
The sun and its effects on the skin
People with fair skin and light hair have a sensitive skin type and a high risk of sunburn, given the lack of skin pigmentation. In them, the occasional sunburn (skin crab) increase the risk of skin cancer. People whose skin is white must be more careful than people with dark skin.
The Australians had a public health campaign very simple and very successfully, which emphasized the need to include specific preventive measures such as use of sunscreen, shirt and hat for sun safety.
We all love the sun, but the reaction to the rays varies from one individual to another. The number of cases of skin cancer has doubled in the last 20 years, which is probably due to increasing hole the ozone layer, among other possible factors. So we must be careful when sunbathing.
However, we all have something in common: we wear brown in the sun. This is due to the presence in our skin of a substance called melanin, which is responsible for the skin to darken. It is regarded as self-protection of the skin against the sun. The speed with which we tan depends on both the speed with which the skin of each person is able to synthesize this substance.
However, the effect of solar radiation also depends on where we are, the intensity of the radiation and skin type you have. To take full advantage of the sun without getting burned and without increasing the risk of getting skin cancer later is better tan gradually. This is achieved by avoiding the midday sun (from 12 to 15 hours), being as long as possible in the shade and using a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15). In children, are also advised to wear light clothing and in children under 1 year discouraged their exposure to direct sunlight, even if they apply sunscreen.