As the sun peeks through the clouds and the weather warms, many of us eagerly embrace its rays, relishing in the warmth and light it brings. However, while basking in the sun can uplift our spirits and provide essential vitamin D, it's crucial to understand the potential risks associated with intermittent sun exposure. Contrary to popular belief, even short periods of sun exposure can have long-term consequences for our skin health. Let's delve deeper into the hidden risks of intermittent sun exposure and how to protect ourselves effectively.
Understanding Intermittent Sun Exposure
Intermittent sun exposure refers to brief encounters with sunlight rather than prolonged periods of direct exposure. These instances commonly occur during everyday tasks such as running errands, walking outdoors, or commuting to work. While seemingly harmless, these moments can accumulate over time, impacting our skin health.
The Risks
- Premature Aging: Intermittent sun exposure can contribute to premature aging of the skin. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation may lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres, resulting in the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity over time.
- Uneven Pigmentation: Another consequence of intermittent sun exposure is the potential for uneven pigmentation. Sunspots or age spots may appear as a result of increased melanin production triggered by UV radiation. These patches of discoloration can become more noticeable with continued exposure.
- Increased Risk of Skin Cancer: While concerning, intermittent sun exposure can also elevate the risk of skin cancer development. Even brief periods of sun exposure can contribute to the formation of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In fact, a study published by the University of Melbourne revealed a significant increase in the risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) amongst individuals experiencing infrequent yet intense levels of UV radiation. Their data suggests there is a higher risk of BCC associated with intermittent sun exposure than with more frequent and consistent doses of UV radiation.* Early detection and preventive measures are crucial in minimizing this risk.
Protecting Your Skin
Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to protect your skin from the effects of intermittent sun exposure:
- Daily Sunscreen: Incorporate sunscreen into your daily skincare routine, regardless of the weather. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 or higher and remember to reapply every two hours, especially when spending time outdoors.
- Seek Shade: Whenever feasible, seek shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Utilise umbrellas, sun hats, and clothing with UPF50+ sun protection to provide additional protection from direct sunlight.
- Wear Sun Protective Clothing: Opt for UPF50+ sun protective clothing which provides maximum protection from UV radiation. High coverage is best – think lightweight, long-sleeved garments, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to shield exposed skin from UV radiation.
Our Mission to Protect
At Solbari we are working passionately to weave together a future focused on better skin health – one that embraces proactive prevention as the best cure against skin cancer. That’s why we created the world’s best sun protection, designed, tried and tested, under the powerful Australian sun. Our UPF products are a unique combination of gold-standard fibres and innovative production methods that ensures every Solbari product meets the most stringent safety standards in the world. In the last ten years, we’ve helped more than 300,000 people make better skin choices.
Explore our range of UPF50+ products today:
* Kricker, A, and Armstrong, BK, et al. "Does Intermittent Sun Exposure Cause Basal-Cell Carcinoma - A Case-Control Study in Western-Australia". International Journal of Cancer, vol.60,no.4, 1995, pp. 489-494. doi:10.1002/ijc.2910600411
