Travel Information

Every year, we can be exposed to thousands of hours of sunlight on beaches, playing sports & family fun. Being in the sun makes us feel warm and healthy. But if you are from a climate that is generally cold, too much exposure to sunlight can cause discomfort and skin problems. . By being aware on the cumulative effects of sun exposure and by following these simple guidelines you can continue to enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible fun in the sun!

What is Sunlight?

Sunlight is made up of invisible ultraviolet rays which are responsible for the tanning and burning effects on skin. According to the American Skin Cancer Foundation, sunlight is responsible for over 90% of all skin cancers.

What is Ultraviolet Radiation (UV)?

The sun is the energy source that sustains all life on earth. Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) is simply one form of energy coming from the sun. Eventhough you may have only just started hearing about UV and the effects is has on you, it is nothing new - in fact, UV is as old as the Earth itself. However, research over the years has helped us to understand better how this form of energy from the sun affects us.

Some of these ultraviolet rays stimulate a chemical in the skin called melanin to rise to the surface. Melanin is a darkening pigment and the closer it is to the surface of the skin, the more tanned you look.

UV rays are the sun's invisible "burning" rays - the ones that cause redding of the skin, sunburn and overexposure has been directly linked to premature wrinkling and skin cancer. There are three (3) types of ultraviolet rays:

UV-A. These rays of the sun maintain a relatively constant intensity throughout the year and also penetrate more deeply into the skin layers than UV-B rays. These rays contribute to premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, sunburn and even to skin cancer.
UV-B. These rays, which are stronger than UV-A, are more intense in summer months, at higher attitudes and closer to the equator. UV-B is the most common cause of sun burning, can contribute to the premature aging of the skin and can cause cataract - a permanent clouding of the eye which greatly reduces vision. The UV-B exposure we get over the course of our life can even cause skin cancer and alter your immune system.
UV-C. These rays, although the strongest and most dangerous, are normally filtered by the ozone layer and do not reach the Earth.

What is an Ozone Layer?

The earth's ozone layer is a protective shield of atmospheric gas that filters out certain wavelengths and affects the amount of ultraviolet radiation passing through the atmosphere. It prevents dangerous UV rays from reaching the earth.

Man-made chemicals believed to destroy ozone is called chloroflourocarbons, which are used in aerosols and refrigeration. Reduction in the ozone layer may lead to greater exposure to UV radiation. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a 5% decrease in the ozone layer could increase ultraviolet radiation by about 10%, which in turn, could increase the incidence of skin cancer by as much as 20 percent within the next two (2) decades.

Sunburn

What is Sunburn?

Sunburn is skin damage caused by overexposure to the sun. It is extremely common, but it is important to be able to recognize it and treat it properly. There are two (2) basic types of sunburn:

First Degree-Burn. Normally experienced as redness of the skin. Discomfort can usually be relieved with over-the-counter products such as lotions and analgesics.
Second Degree-Burn. Normally experienced as skin blisters and swelling. A person with this type of burn needs to seek the advice of doctor.

Symptoms of Sunburn

Just a few hours after being in the sun, the following may occur:

redness of skin
blistering, facial swelling
loss of fluids (dehydration)
general feeling of weakness and fatigue
pain
nausea and chills

If any of these conditions is sever, a doctor should be consulted.