Why do we need to protect ourselves from the sun?

Protecting ourselves from the sun is crucial to prevent skin and eye damage, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and maintain overall skin health.

What can we do to protect ourselves from the sun?

  • Limit sun exposure during midday hours.
  • Seek shade whenever it’s available.
  • Wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. If you’re wearing thin or sheer clothing, you’ll need to wear sunscreen underneath your clothes, too.
  • Protect your eyes with good-quality sunglasses (preferably ones with a wrap-around design).
  • Apply (and reapply every two hours) broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, to all exposed skin. Make sure it’s within its expiry date.

Where do we need to take extra care?

Sun protection is important wherever you are in the world, as sun damage can occur all year round, and even on cold or cloudy days. However, greater care is needed in certain places or situations.

Near the equator

The closer you are to the equator, the higher the UV index values throughout the year. This is because the sun’s rays are more direct, and have less distance to travel through the atmosphere. If you want to know the UV index of somewhere you’re visiting, check with the local meteorological service (before you travel and regularly while you’re there) so you can protect yourself effectively.

High altitudes

As altitude increases, UV radiation intensity rises significantly because the atmosphere thins, providing less f iltration for the rays. Studies show that radiation levels increase by between 4% and 10% for every 300 metres (1,000 feet) of elevation. This means that, whether you’re hiking, skiing, or simply spending time in high-altitude areas, you’ll need to take the right precautions against sun damage. On, or near, reflective surfaces UV rays reflect off certain surfaces, essentially hitting your skin twice: once directly and once indirectly. Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, making sun protection vital during skiing and snowy activities. Sand, water and hard surfaces like concrete contribute to increased exposure, meaning you should take precautions whether you’re at the beach or in an urban environment.

Near windows

Glass blocks UVB rays, but allows UVA rays (linked to aging and long-term skin damage) to pass through. This means sun protection is often necessary indoors, especially if you’re sitting near a sunny window (e.g., in a car or airplane window seat). Frequent flyers should protect themselves against the sun, as high altitudes and closer proximity to the ozone layer increase their exposure to UV radiation.

Most places during peak sun hours

In most places in the world, the middle of the day (when the sun is highest in the sky) is when the most UV radiation reaches the ground. Try to stay out of direct sun or double up on protection between 10am and 4pm.

References

https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/how-to-stay-safe-in-the-sun
https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/94a908ec-14ee-4bb4-84eb-ace483c9eb51/content
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-ultraviolet-(uv)-index
https://www.sciencealert.com/sunlight-can-still-damage-skin-through-a-closed-window-heres-how
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-ultraviolet-(uv)
https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/health-wellbeing/uv/uv-and-sun-health