Facing the Sun in the Summer Heat
It is recognized that sunlight has a tonic effect and also enhances libido. But much misery, including sunburn, headaches, dehydration, fainting and, in extreme cases, heat exhaustion, is caused by over-enthusiastic exposure to a hotter-than-usual sun. Too much unprotected exposure can also lead to premature ageing of the skin and even skin cancer which can be fatal.
The best advice is to avoid long periods in the sun, but if you are determined to sunbathe take the following precautions. Prepare yourself by
sunbathing beforehand, or by using an ultra violet lamp or a cream which stimulates the production of protective melanin.
For the unprepared, the golden rule of safe tanning is no more than half an hour's exposure on the first day, roughly doubled for each consecutive day. Until you have acclimatized to the heat, which can take two weeks, you will sweat more than usual and so need to take extra fluids (not in the form of tea, coffee and alcohol) and add extra salt to meals. Fluid and salt replacement is particularly important if you are also exercising strenuously.
Sun barrier creams and lotions are essential for safe tanning. Choose a product which screens out UVA as well as UVB rays, and buy a water-resistant formulation if you're keen on water sports. If you are allergy-prone, opt for a hypo-allergenic range such as Roc. Sun protection factors, which dictate the time you can safely remain in the sun, range from two to 15. Opt for medium-to-high protection (depending on skin tone) in the early days, switching to low protection when you've acclimatized. Use a total sunblock on sensitive areas like lips and eyelids or burned parts you want to protect. Prolong your tan and counteract the sun's dehydrating effects - which can persist for weeks after exposure - with a rich after-sun moisturiser.
The elderly, the very young, the overweight and people with heart and skin complaints are particularly susceptible to heat disorders, including prickly heat. They need to keep as cool as possible, replace fluids regularly and wear light, loose cotton clothes to encourage sweat evaporation.
The best advice is to avoid long periods in the sun, but if you are determined to sunbathe take the following precautions. Prepare yourself by
sunbathing beforehand, or by using an ultra violet lamp or a cream which stimulates the production of protective melanin.
For the unprepared, the golden rule of safe tanning is no more than half an hour's exposure on the first day, roughly doubled for each consecutive day. Until you have acclimatized to the heat, which can take two weeks, you will sweat more than usual and so need to take extra fluids (not in the form of tea, coffee and alcohol) and add extra salt to meals. Fluid and salt replacement is particularly important if you are also exercising strenuously.
Sun barrier creams and lotions are essential for safe tanning. Choose a product which screens out UVA as well as UVB rays, and buy a water-resistant formulation if you're keen on water sports. If you are allergy-prone, opt for a hypo-allergenic range such as Roc. Sun protection factors, which dictate the time you can safely remain in the sun, range from two to 15. Opt for medium-to-high protection (depending on skin tone) in the early days, switching to low protection when you've acclimatized. Use a total sunblock on sensitive areas like lips and eyelids or burned parts you want to protect. Prolong your tan and counteract the sun's dehydrating effects - which can persist for weeks after exposure - with a rich after-sun moisturiser.
The elderly, the very young, the overweight and people with heart and skin complaints are particularly susceptible to heat disorders, including prickly heat. They need to keep as cool as possible, replace fluids regularly and wear light, loose cotton clothes to encourage sweat evaporation.