When you stay outdoors, you are actually risking yourself to sunburn. Even though you think you have given yourself a layer of protection with sunscreen, however beware that these chemicals can also increase your skin’s sensitivity to the ultraviolet light. This can happen since certain drugs and other substances can cause the skin to burn at a lower intensity of sunlight or to burn in less time than it normally should.
A known risk factor in skin cancer is exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet. Since 1973, the death rate caused by skin cancer has increased to 50%. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and 59,940 new cases was reported in 2007.
How to stay safe under the sun? Let’s see what is hidden inside the sunscreen that may heighten your risk when you stay under the UV sunlight.
The 7 Leading Nemesis
1. Skin care products. These products are used to minimize wrinkles and improve skin tone. The skin will be more susceptible to sun damage when using these products that has retin-A, alpha hydroxy acid, and microdermabrasion as their ingredients.
2. Antibiotics. Tetracycline drugs. This includes Sumycin, Tetracyn and Vibramycin which are used to treat bacterial infections; also in the list are Quinolone drugs like Cipro and sulfa drugs like Bactrim. Often used to treat urinary tract infections, Cipro and Bactrim are antibiotics which can also heighten the skin’s sensitivity. Instead of using drugs, use UTI-Clear, a natural remedy for complete urinary tract and bladder wellness.
3. Diuretics. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a commonly used diuretic or also known as the water pill. It is commonly used to treat high blood pressure. Some combination drugs like Maxide, Dyazide, Hyzaar, and Zestoretic also contains HCTZ. Instead of the drugs, use High-Rite, a natural remedy to maintain normal blood pressure ranges and support circulatory system health.
4. Balsam of Peru. Ingredient often used in perfumed products and aftershave lotions.
5. Diabetes medications. Glipizide. Also sold as Glucotrol, an oral medication for type 2 diabetes. Other related drugs include Amaryl and glyburide. Avoid these drugs and use natural diabetes health supplement by Optimum Diabetics
6. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain drugs). These are pain relievers. This includes Advil, Aleve, Motrin and also Celebrex. Instead of using drugs, use Eazol, a natural pain relief.
7. Heart medications. Amiodarone, which is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. It is marketed under the brand name Cordarone.
UV Rays Explained
When ultraviolet rays interact with certain chemicals a phototoxic reaction occurs. This reaction heightened the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. The chemicals can remain inside our system from one to five days depending on the drug types and the duration of the medication being taken. To get accurate information, check with the pharmacist with regards to the medications effects when exposed under the sun.
To experience the complications of the medications, one does not need to go out in the sun. Tanning booths emit UVA ray and you will easily gets sunburned with a visit. Besides tanning salon, UV rays penetrate water. This little known fact make us unaware we are exposed to sunburned under water as the water reflects the UV rays.
SPF, UVA and UVB
Sunscreens with SPF15 rating is recommended if one decides to layer themselves with the lotions or creams. Often, stronger sunscreens are chosen by people but however this is not true sometimes. SPF 15 blocks 92% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97%.
SPF15 is sufficient enough but for longer sun exposure or if under medications, take SPF30 instead. Sunscreens with SPF15-45 ratings protect you from the UVB rays. What about UVA rays? For UVA rays, you need a product that contains any of these ingredients; zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone (Parsol 1789). However, these ingredients aren’t stable for a period of time.
Thankfully, there’s ArizonaSun Oil-Free Sunscreen. This oil-free SPF 30 sunscreen is greaseless and allows you more time in the sun, while permitting a gentle tan.
This creamy sunscreen is a unique blend of native Arizona cacti, plants and sun protectants. Suntan lotion with a wonderful fragrance that keeps your skin soft and protected.
Protect Yourselves
To benefit from sunscreen, reapply it as often as you can. To make it effective, it is recommended to apply a sufficient amount every couple of hours. It won’t do much if the layer is too thin. How do you measure this? A palm full of sunscreen to cover the arms, legs, feet, neck and face should do the trick for average adults.
Why do we need to reapply it so often? This is because sunscreen wears off when we sweat or in contact with water. But sunscreen alone does not give you the full protection under the UV. Stay out of the sun from 10am to 3pm. Avoid reflected rays from sand, concrete and metal. Even if you’ve blocked the sun with an umbrella, it may still reach you. Last advice, wear a hat and cover up.
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