Protect yourself from ultraviolet rays

All the advice given here is even more important in the case of children and.

• Protect the skin from sun wearing long-sleeved sweaters, pants and a wide-brimmed hat. Polyester lets less ultraviolet rays pass through than cotton⁴.

  In sporting goods stores, you can find clothing specially designed to provide maximum protection against the sun, called UV clothing. They are made of special microfibers, have a tighter weave, etc. Their use may be justified in the case of people who spend several hours each day in the great outdoors, and in the case of people who have a disease which makes the skin very sensitive to UV rays (for example, lupus, albinism and porphyria);

• Search theombre and avoid exposing yourself to the sun without protection, especially when the sun is high. zenith. This precautionary measure also applies when the weather is cloudy, as the sun’s rays pass through the light layers of cloud. Before going out or spending part of the day outdoors, check with the weather services to find out theUV index ;
• Avoid frequenting tanning salons. Note that having a tanned complexion thanks to a tanning lamp before going on vacation to a sun destination does not protect the skin against the sun’s rays.⁵.

About sunscreens

• Dermatologists generally advise applying sunscreen with a protective coating to uncovered areas of skin. protection index (SPF) at least 30, and at most 50.

  Note. The SPF indicates protection against UVB rays only. For optimal protection, look for sunscreens that also protect against UVA rays. Several sun products offer this protection. Look for the words “protects against UVA and UVB” or “broad spectrum shield”;

   

• We recommend toapply sunscreens from 20 to 30 minutes before exposure to the sun, while the chemical ingredients are absorbed into the skin. However, some creams contain physical screens (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide), which protect the skin as soon as they are applied;
• The sun creams protect the skin more effectively than gels and vaporizers. Gels adhere less well to the skin than creams: they are therefore less resistant to sweat and water. As for the sprays, they apply less evenly to the skin;
• Sunscreens should be used in sufficient quantity. A person of average height who wants to coat their body with it will apply the equivalent of at least 2 tbsp. (30 mL) screen. In addition, about 1 tbsp should be put on the face. (5 ml) of protection. Generally, people do not apply enough cream;
• Reapply the solar product every 2 or 3 hours, after swimming or if you have sweated a lot;
• Do not expose to direct sunlight a child less than 3 years old;
• Avoid resorting to products here accelerate tanning (oils), even those that contain sun filters.

To find out more, see our Sun strategies: with and without cream.

Enough Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is synthesized by the skin under the action of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Some exposure to the sun is therefore necessary. From April to October, the body synthesizes and stores vitamin D for its winter needs. However, enough foods rich in vitamin D should be eaten at all times. More and more expert groups are recommending that Canadians take vitamin D supplements to meet their basic needs. For more information on vitamin D needs and sun exposure, see our Vitamin D sheet.

Note any change in the appearance of the skin

The earlier the cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. See a doctor right away if you notice any of the following signs.

• Un mole or actinic keratosis that changes shape, size or color. Actinic (or solar) keratoses are small, flat, rough lesions that are flesh-colored or pink in color. They appear mostly on the face, arms and hands of people who have been exposed to the sun often. They can turn into squamous cell carcinoma ;
• A new suspicious colored lesion on the skin: 8 out of 10 times, melanoma shows up as a new lesion, not a pre-existing lesion that changes in appearance¹² ;
• The appearance of a bump on or under the skin;
• A skin lesion that do not heal ;
• Any symptoms described in section Symptoms of the disease.

Learn about the photosensitizing effect of drugs and natural health products

Some pharmaceuticals are photosensitizers, i.e. they increase, among other things, the skin sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. This is the case, for example, of antibiotics (especially tetracyclines and quinolones), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, certain psychotropic drugs (drugs or substances acting on brain activity) and psoralens⁴(substances that contribute to the pigmentation of the skin).

Certain herbal medicine products and certain essential oils also have a photosensitizing effect. This is especially the case of those which are based on plants containing furocoumarins: celery, parsnip, parsley, fennel, angelica, dill, anise, coriander, bergamot, lemon and fig⁴.

For both drugs and natural health products, the magnitude of the photosensitizing effect depends on the dose administered. Check with a pharmacist, doctor or other trained health professional before consuming any new medication or natural health product.