Ultraviolet (UV) radiation which is a component of sunlight, induces skin damage and comes in two forms- ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA).  The  UVA deeply get into the skin producing permanent skin defoliation that leads to wrinkled, leathery appearance of the skin.  The UVB are known as the "burning rays"  and responsible for skin sunburns.  In tropical countries like the Philippines,  the sun rays are strongest between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.  The blazing sun's radiation is worst between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. during the summer months.       

Sunscreen prevent sunburn, which is the most common skin disorder due to over exposure to the sun.  Sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and contributes significantly to wrinkles and other signs of aging.   It's no secret the sun is harmful to the skin.  Sun exposure may cause brown spots, spider veins, and discoloration. 

              Ultraviolet rays from the sun

There is a bright side to all this; studies suggest that if you avoid the sun, your skin may repair itself.  Seek out the shade, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or above everyday, and wear clothing with tight weave and a hat with at least a three-inch brim when you're in the sun.  It is recommended that one should put sunscreen thirty minutes before going out and it should be properly applied onto the skin. 

              It is advisable to apply sunscreen when your skin is expose to the sun

From Special Supplement Beat the Summer Heat article share natural medications for sunburn:

• Make a paste out of cornstarch and water to applied directly to affected areas.
• Apply tea bags soaked in cold water to burned eyelids or
• Place thin, cold, slices of raw cucumber, potatoes or apple on the burned areas.
• One should limit sun exposure to fifteen minutes the first day, to prevent sun-burns from occurring.
• Reapply waterproof sunscreen after swimming more than eighty minutes after toweling off.

Studies show if the skin is dry, hydrate it inside and out; drink plenty of water- at least eight-ounce glasses a day.  If your skin become flaky, mist your face with water frequently if you're very dehydrated.

We need a lot of direct sun exposure if we don't want to suffer from vitamin D deficiency?

Our bodies need vitamin D to maintain a normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.  In a sense, vitamin D helps in the formation of strong bones, because it promotes calcium absorption.  The absence of this vitamin can therefore lead to brittle, thin, or  misshapen bones.  According to the chairman of the department of dermatology, there seems to be an incorrect  perception that one has to intentionally seek the sun or an artificial source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, in order to get the health benefits that vitamin D may provide.  Numerous studies show that the safest way to obtain vitamin D is through oral supplementation or diet.  We do know that over exposure to ultraviolet radiation from either natural or artificial sources, causes skin cancer.  Brief exposure to ultraviolet radiation is enough to maximize production of Vitamin D.  The ultraviolet damages to DNA and other skin components.  Additional exposure will therefore increase your risk of developing premature and skin cancer.

Resource: Woman's home companion

                  Bato Balani