Have you packed these five items to stay safe from the sun?

WellbeingArticleJuly 6, 2021

Wallet – check. Keys – check. Phone – check. Sun protection kit – huh?

By Kate Cross

Most people don’t leave home without their essentials. But when the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels start to increase, a sun protection kit becomes the most essential of essentials.

At least, that’s what current skin cancer data suggests.

“Between 2 and 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO), adding “experts believe that four out of five cases of skin cancer could be prevented, as UV damage is mostly avoidable.”

So, what should your kit contain?

Heather Walker, Head of SunSmart, a skin cancer prevention program in Victoria, Australia, which has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, says every sun protection kit should include the following:

“Sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
“A broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen.
“A broad-brimmed hat.
“Portable shade options.
“Close-fitting wrap-around sunglasses.”

What is ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. According to the WHO, about 95 percent of the UV rays which reach our skin are UVA – all of the UVC and most of the UVB radiation is absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer.

“UVA radiation penetrates deep to damage skin cells. The skin tries to prevent further damage by darkening, resulting in a tan and causing premature aging,” explains Dr Sally Phillips, Chief Product and Proposition Officer at LiveWell, Zurich’s digital health solution.

UVB radiation is more intense than UVA but does not penetrate as deeply into the skin. It damages the outermost layers of your skin and is more likely to cause sunburn and blistering.

“Damage from both types of UV radiation is cumulative and increases your skin cancer risk over time, that’s why checking your skin regularly is so important,” adds Dr Phillips.

Timing is key

There’s no use having a kit if you’re not going to use it, but when to use it is also important.

Walker says a UV Index alert is an “essential” addition to your toolkit. It “tells you the times of day sun protection is required, helping to avoid getting caught out by UV rays.” Your alert might come in the form of an app, otherwise the UV Index is often reported with the local weather forecast – particularly during the summer. It doesn’t matter how you get your alerts, just as long as you know when UV levels reach dangerous levels.

“It’s also important to remember when traveling that the UV varies by location, so check the UV level for your destination,” adds Walker. “UV radiation cannot be seen or felt and can reach high levels even on cloudy, windy and overcast days. For this reason, you can’t depend on the temperature to determine when you need to use sun protection.”

Extra precautions

To ensure you are safe when the sun’s rays can do most damage, consider these tips from the WHO:

Limit time in the midday sun: The sun’s UV rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.
Watch for the UV Index (see box).
Seek shade when UV rays are most intense: Structures such as trees, umbrellas or canopies do not offer complete sun protection.
Wear protective clothing: A hat with a wide brim, sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB protection, and tightly woven, loose fitting clothes.
Use sunscreen and re-apply every two hours, or after working, swimming, playing or exercising outdoors.
Avoid sunlamps and tanning parlours. If you notice any unusual changes to your skin or have any concerns, consult an appropriate health professional.

What is the UV index (UVI)?

The UVI is a standardized international measure of UV radiation that alerts people about the need to use sun protection. The index ranges from zero to 11. The higher the UVI level, the greater potential for damage to the skin and eye, and the less time it takes for harm to occur.

UV Index	Advised Action
0 to 2	You can safely enjoy being outside.
3 to 7	Seek shade during midday hours. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.
8+	Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade! Shirt, sunscreen and hat are a must.

Source: WHO

Get checked

“While sun protection is vital, it’s also important to get to know your skin,” adds Dr Phillips.

“When caught and treated early, skin cancers are highly curable. If you notice anything new, changing or unusual then get it checked by a doctor or dermatologist right away. It could include a change in shape, color or size of existing spots, moles or growth. Early detection saves lives.”