Safe sun - UV Protection in Spain

True or False

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:09:00 +0000

False	True
A sun tan is healthy.	There is no such thing as a ‘healthy’ tan. A tan is the body’s defense against further damage from UV radiation.
There is no need to ‘cover up’ on a cloudy day.	Up to 80% of solar UV radiation can penetrate light cloud cover.
You can’t get sun burnt whilst in the water.	Water offers only minimal protection from UV rays, and reflected UV radiation from the surface of the water can significantly increase your exposure.
The sun doesn’t feel hot so I will not get sun burnt.	UV radiation cannot be felt on the skin, the heat from the sun is produced by infrared rays, and therefore skin damage can occur without us being aware it is happening.
Windburn can cause skin to burn.	On a windy day you are probably feeling cooler and not so likely to consider protecting your skin from UV; what is often described as windburn is actually sunburn.
You will not burn if sitting in the shade of a tree or beach umbrella.	You may not be adequately protected; reflection and atmospheric scattering of UV mean if you can see a lot of open sky you still need to cover up.
I don’t need to be concerned with UV protection on a winter holiday.	Reflection from snow can double your overall UV exposure, especially at high altitude where the atmosphere is thinner and absorbs less UV radiation

Outdoor workers are 70% more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) than their colleagues who work indoors.
UV levels vary though the day. The higher the sun is in the sky the more intense the UV radiation; remember “short shadow - high UV”. If possible spend your time outdoors before 10am or after 4pm.
Sunscreen needs to be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure to allow the active ingredients time to adhere to the skin and form an effective barrier to UVR. It also needs to be re-applied often, especially after working, swimming or exercising.
Many surfaces reflect a high amount of UV; wearing a normal hat whilst kayaking, for example, will not stop the damage caused by UV reflecting off the water.
Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK. 2,500 people die every year in the UK from skin cancer.
For more information about the hazards of UV radiation go to the World Health Organisation website www.who.int

Other Skin Damage

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:57:00 +0000

Other UV-related skin disorders include actinic keratoses and premature aging of the skin. Actinic keratoses are skin growths that occur on body areas exposed to the sun. The face, hands, forearms, and the "V" of the neck are especially susceptible to this type of lesion. Although premalignant, actinic keratoses are a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma. Look for raised, reddish, rough-textured growths and seek prompt medical attention if you discover them. Chronic exposure to the sun also causes premature aging, which over time can make the skin become thick, wrinkled, and leathery. Since it occurs gradually, often manifesting itself many years after the majority of a person's sun exposure, premature aging is often regarded as an unavoidable, normal part of growing older. With proper protection from UV radiation, however, most premature aging of the skin can be avoided.

Skin Cancer - Are you at risk?

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:51:00 +0000

Skin Cancer can occur in any age group - it is the exposure that children and adolescents receive that causes the initial damage. People with fair skin who freckle or burn easily and never tan are in a high-risk group. Factors that determine high risk are occupation, family history, geographic location and lifestyle. In particular, people who have had a lot of sun exposure in their life are highly likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer in their later years.

If you live in high altitudes or near the equator your skin is exposed to higher levels of UVR. If any of the above is you consider a sun shirt and go to the adults or childrens products.

New Online UV Store launches in Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:11:00 +0000

www.minimimoda.com has launched it's online shopping site.

Packed full of beautiful designs, UV Swimwear and Beachwear for 0-7's and Free Shipping!

Call for Solarium Regulations

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:02:00 +0000

Solarium or sun bed tanning, which is the best and the quickest way to browning one’s skin for the ‘in’ look, now seems to be in the dock as latest research reveals alarming statistics, blaming the technique for at least 7 deaths and 51 cases of melanoma each year.

The study by researchers from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the Australian Radiationdefine Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, that got published this Saturday, in the Medical Journal of Australia, calls for tougher regulatory standards for the tanning industry nationwide.

It compared the amount of UV ray exposure from sun bed tanning and that from direct sun bathing by exposure in the sun. It was found that 3.6% of the total exposure the Victorians got to UV rays was from the solarium tanning.

As a result there was an estimated 294 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 51 cases of melanoma and 7 deaths in Victoria. However, this number was even greater in NSW and Queensland. While NSW had 12 deaths a year from the solarium exposure, there have been an estimated 14 deaths from the same reason in Queensland.

"There is a strong case for national regulation, notwithstanding the recognition that intentional sunbathing outdoors is a far greater behavioral problem than indoor tanning," the paper said.

According to the authors if the regulations came through, it would save the government an additional $3 million that it spends on healthcare and Medicare claims related to these problems.

Despite the alarming stats revealed by the research, the solarium industry denies any such health threats and believes that these are “just stats and not actual incidences,” according to Patrick Holly of the Australasian Solarium Association.

A solarium that uses electricity to produce concentrated form of artificial UV rays in order to tan the skin uniformly had become quite a rage amongst teenagers and young party goers who love the convenient and quick tanned effect and choose to ignore the side effects, which are far too dangerous.

The sun bed or sun panel exposure rapidly causes the skin cells to produce melanin, which is what gives the darker complexion. This, however, is considered unsafe as natural or artificial exposure to UV rays makes one more prone to skin cancerdefine.

And when the radiations one is exposing oneself to is five times stronger than the mid day summer sun, it is all the more better to stay away, as quite rightly said by one of the researchers, “no tan is worth dying for.”

What is Skin Cancer?

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:45:00 +0000

A skin cancer can be a spot that looks different from the other spots around it; a spot that has changed color, size or shape over the last few weeks or months or a flat spot that could be an early melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Remember that skin cancer is rarely painful and is not usually ugly in the early stages.

Current research indicates that 1 in 75 Americans will develop some form of skin cancer while the rate in Australia is 1 in 30. Most skin cancers are due to excessive sun exposure and can be prevented.

If detected and treated early most skin cancers can be cured.

Beach Lovers Sunscreen Damages Reef

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:25:00 +0000

SUNSCREEN lotions used by beach-going tourists worldwide are a major cause of coral bleaching, according to a new study commissioned by the European Commission.

In experiments, the cream-based ultra-violet (UV) filters - used to protect skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure - caused bleaching of coral reefs even in small quantities, the study found.
Coral reefs are among the most biologically productive and diverse of ecosystems, and directly sustain half a billion people. But some 60 per cent of these reef systems are threatened by a deadly combination of climate change, industrial pollution and excess UV radiation.

The new study, published in US journal Environmental Health Perspectives, has now added sunscreens to the list of damaging agents, and estimates that up to 10 per cent of the world's reefs are at risk of sunscreen-induced coral bleaching.

Chemical compounds in sunscreen and other personal skin care products have been detected near both sea and freshwater tourist areas. Previous research has shown that these chemicals can accumulate in aquatic animals, and biodegrade into toxic by-products.

Researchers led by Roberto Danovaro at the University of Pisa in Italy added controlled amounts of three brands of sunscreen to seawater surrounding coral reefs in Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand and Egypt.

Even small doses provoked large discharges of coral mucous - a clear sign of environmental stress - within 18 to 48 hours. Within 96 hours complete bleaching of corals had occurred.

Virus levels in seawater surrounding coral branches increased to 15 times the level found in control samples, suggesting that sunscreens might stimulate latent viral infections, the study found.

Pesticides, hydrocarbons and other contaminants have also been found to induce algae or coral to release viruses, hastening the bleaching process.

According to the World Trade Organisation, around 10 per cent of tourism takes place in tropical areas, with 78 million tourists visiting coral reefs each year.

An estimated 4000 to 6000 tonnes of sunscreen are released annually in reef areas, with 25 per cent of the sunscreen ingredients on skin released into water over the course of a 20 minute submersion.

Sunscreens are made of around 20 compounds acting as UV filters and preservatives. Seven were tested for the study, including parabens, cinnamates, benzophenones and camphor derivatives.

The Essence of Australian Beach Culture

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:04:00 +0000

Thinking of warm sunny days, bright skies and summer fun at the beach? Sun Emporium Pty Ltd captures the essence of Australian beach culture with an exciting range of children's UV swimwear.

Fashion savvy parents in Europe seeking stylish sun protective swimwear for their children welcomed the arrival of Sun Emporium several years ago. The wait is now over for Spain with the launch of the Summer 2009 range.

Intelligent sun protection has never looked this good!

Original surf inspired graphics and printed fabrics ensure a fresh, distinctive look for Sun Emporium swimwear and co-ordinated accessories. Funky designs in a gorgeous colour palette bring fun back to sun protection.

There has been a dramatic rise in the general awareness of sun safe clothing worldwide with incidence of skin cancer increasing in every country. The use of sun screen is simply no longer effective in providing head to toe protection from UVA and UVB rays.

Soft, chemical free fabrics offer maximum UV sun protection for the most delicate young skin. The Summer 2009 collection combines fashion and function with great choices for babies and young children. Sizlu brings Australian UV style to Europe in a premium range that is certain to excite parents and sun smart retailers.

What is the UV Index

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:23:00 +0000

It's fun to play in the sun, but did you know that too much sun can be dangerous?

When you have too much exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV), the radiation can cause immediate effects such as sunburn which in turn can lead to long-term problems such as skin cancer. Medical research shows that the cause of Skin Cancer is nearly always overexposure to the suns harmful rays. Don't forget it's not just our skin, it's our eyes as well. Over exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to problems such as cataracts. The UV Index, which was developed by the National Weather Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides important information so that we can plan our outdoor activities and prevent overexposure to the sun's rays.

The UV Index provides a good indicator of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun on a daily basis. The Index measures UV intensity levels on a scale of 1 to 11+, where low indicates a minimal risk of overexposure and 11+ means an extreme risk. It also takes into account clouds and other local conditions that have an affect on the amount of UV radiation reaching the ground.

When outside remember that UV is reflected off light coloured surfaces such as water, sand and snow, and, this will increase it's strength. So, always ensure that you're covered up whilst sailing, skiing and take extra special care of children and babies playing on the beach or by the pool.

Live UV update for Europe

Whilst you should always take precautions against overexposure to the sun, please take special care to adopt the safeguards when the UV Index indicates levels of moderate or above. And don't forget, just because it's a cloudy day, you can still burn.

UV Protection for the family

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:23:00 +0000

We all love the sun, especially the kids. There's nothing better than a relaxing day on the beach, playing, swimming, snoozing, having a BBQ and so on, the list is endless!

The sun is essential to life and for lifting our spirits. Small amounts of UV rays are essential for the production of vitamin D. UV rays are even used to treat several diseases such as eczema, jaundice and rickets.

However, gone are the days of slapping on factor 2 and baking in the sun all day.

A tan is the result of the skin trying to prevent more skin damage. Although we often think that people look more healthy with a tan, the fact is, there's nothing whatsoever healthy about a tan.

Children have less of the skin's protective melanin pigment and so are at a higher risk of incurring skin damage from the sun. Just one sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of getting melanoma later in life; however, “later in life” is not the only time to be concerned.

More teenagers and young adults are being diagnosed with skin cancer than ever before, and the number of people with skin cancer in Europe has more than doubled since the early 80s. Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in the UK. Each year there are more than 65,000 new cases, and over 2000 deaths due to skin cancer each year.

Sun cream, unfortunately, cannot be relied upon. Even a typical sunscreen with a 30 SPF allows a lot of harmful UVA radiation through to the skin. Medical studies have also shown that most people apply less than half the recommended amount of sunscreen needed. And many fail to regularly reapply sunscreen even though they continue to stay in the sun. Sunscreen is essential, but is a far from perfect defense against the sun .

Dermatologists and doctors are in agreement that the most effective way of protecting our skin from the sun is by wearing properly designed sun protective clothing.

For more information on skin cancer from the WHO and other organizations please see our links page, or contact your family doctor.

Prevention

Doctors agree that 4 out of 5 cases of melanoma could have been prevented. Their advice is:

Parents must encourage their children to play in the shade.
Babies under 12 months should always be in the shade
Never fall asleep in the sun.
Wear sunglasses with high quality UV lenses. Encourage children, toddlers and even babies to do the same
Wear UPF50+ broad-brimmed hats (The Australian Cancer society recommends a brim of at least 4 inches all the way round), or a legionnaire style cap.
Regularly apply a high SPF waterproof sunscreen on all exposed areas, not forgetting tops of feet, backs of hands and necks, ear tips and noses.

UV swimwear doesn't towel off, you know exactly where it is, and it doesn't need re-applying!

More importantly, 50+ UPF fabrics block out 99% of UVA and UVB rays.

So BBQs and carefree playing doesn't have to stop. We can still relax and have fun in the sun, kids and adults alike!

Sunscreen

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:09:00 +0000

Do not rely upon sunscreens as your only form of skin protection. They should always be used in conjunction with natural protection ie. staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. Babies under 1 year should never be exposed to the Sun.

Sunscreens labelled " SPF 30+, broad spectrum (blocks out UVA and UVB) and water resistant " will provide the best protection. Water-resistant sunscreens should be used for swimming, outdoor activities and in humid climates.

Make sure a bottle of sunscreen is easily available all year round, it's not just for days at the beach.

It is vital to apply sunscreens to dry skin at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and to reapply after swimming. Leave a light film of sunscreen on the skin - don't rub it in.

Children and Sun Damage

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:15:00 +0000

It's viatal that we educate our children about damage the sun can do. Since children do not understand the dangers of UltraViolet Radiation they need protection. They need special care as they spend more time outdoors than adults and can burn more quickly as they have very little melanin (skin pigment) to protect them.

Australian research indicates that 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18. Babies - even when in the shade - can burn very quickly. Babies should have no exposure to the sun until at least 1 year old.

Alarmingly, as few as 6 childhood sunburns significantly increases the risk of melanoma cancer later in life. Started early and followed consistently sun wise behaviour will become a sound healthy habit - as routine as fastening seatbelts or brushing teeth!

Reduce UV Exposure - Play safe in the sun

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:38:00 +0000

Taking a few simple precautions can prevent damage from UV rays and make the time spent outdoors even more enjoyable ... reduce the worries of over exposure, follow these simple tips:

* Stay indoors/or in the shade between 12 and 4pm - when the UV radiation level is at its peak

* Ensure you and your family never burn

* Wear protective clothing whilst the UV Index is high. Wear a broad brimmed or legionnaire style hat to protect the eyes, face and neck - especially babies and children.

* Protect the eyes with sunglasses, preferably the wrap-around style - people underestimate the damage caused to eyes by the sun .. children should always wear glasses

* Use and reapply broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least factor (SPF) 15+. Apply liberally to skin not covered by clothing. Babies and children should wear a factor of at least (SPF) 30+

* Remember if the temperature drops it does not mean the UV radiation level has decreased and beware of cool breezes, these are very deceptive

* Protect young children, with shade, sun-protective clothing, sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. They are unaware of the dangers and it means you can relax

* Use pram cover and shade for babies. It is recommended that babies under the age of one should stay completely out of the sun. Use protective clothing/pram cover and shade even on a cloudy day

* Parents should model behaviour for children.

We need to be particularly careful with children. According to the World Health Organisation “frequent sun exposure and sunburn in childhood appears to set the stage for higher rates of melanoma (skin cancer) in later life“.

Furthermore we get about 80% of our UV exposure by the time we are 21 years.

For more information about the risks of overexposure to UV please refer to the following site:

World Health Organisation
Ultraviolet Radiation: Global Solar UV Index
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs271/en/

Welcome to the Safe Sun Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Euroresidentes-Sizlu) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:08:00 +0000

You've reached the safe sun blog where we'll be regularly posting articles to help you protect yourself from the suns harmful rays.

Keep a look out for the live UV Index link which will be coming soon ... this will give you an on the spot indication of how strong the sun is in Spain and Europe, LIVE !

We'll be covering lots of hot topics and giving out lots of hints and tips ... so, please bookmark this page and come back soon.

Kind Wishes
Jos and the Sizlu Team