New Delhi, June 10 (IANS). The Sun is the main source of life on Earth, providing light and energy. But, some of its rays can also be harmful for the skin. Staying in the hot sun for too long in summer causes problems like skin redness, burning sensation, swelling and pain, which is called sunburn. The question is why do the sun’s rays burn the skin?
The light emanating from the Sun is made up of different types of rays. Among these, infrared rays provide heat, visible light is visible to us, but the most dangerous are ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays are not visible to our eyes, but they have a lot of energy. When these rays fall on the skin, they damage the skin cells. Cells get damaged. The body reacts to this damage by causing swelling and pain, which results in a sunburn.
The special thing is that UV rays can bounce back not only in direct sunlight but also after colliding with water, snow, sand or concrete. These rays easily reach even beyond the clouds. Therefore, there is a risk of sunburn even while sitting under an umbrella or on a cloudy day. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can even cause skin cancer.
According to health experts, some simple measures can be adopted to prevent sunburn. Avoid exposure to sunlight between 10 am to 4 pm. Wear light-colored clothes that cover the entire body. Use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher all over the body and reapply every 3-4 hours. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
In case of sunburn, immediately soak the affected area with cold water. Apply moisturizer and if irritation is severe, consult a doctor. The sun provides vitamin D, which is important for bones, but it is important to consume sunlight in a balanced manner.
–IANS
MT/ABM