It Shot Me With Actinic Rays and Gave Me Cancer
By Kent Hull
The title isn't farfetched at all. "It" is the sun and actinic rays are ultraviolet (UV) radiation (light). We're supposed to wear sunglasses, hats and sunscreen to protect our eyes, face and scalp and skin respectively from UV radiation. The following is based primarily on my own rudimentary knowledge in the sciences, my experience, and reproachful remarks made to me by Dermatologists, Ophthalmologists and Internists & Family Practitioners (and my wife, too). It should be taken as a warning, as advice to protect yourself, and as a guide to when you should consult a Medical Professional. It is NOT competent medical advice.
Particles of shorter wave length light (photons that are more blue) are more energetic, generally penetrate deeper and can have more damaging effect on the molecules (particularly protein) that absorb them. Skin pigment can block or absorb the UV in sunlight. Skin pigment really only counts if it is fairly heavy and natural. Getting a tan (increasing pigment level) happens as a reaction to the absorption of damaging UV radiation. Having a tan is some protection against UV damage, but getting one means incurring damage.
- This is important: UV damage to skin (and eyes) is CUMULATIVE. -
You may peel from a sunburn and then tan underneath it, but the damage (increasing skin cancer risk) stays behind. Each time you get a little too much sun exposure, you add some more damage. Especially if you are fair skinned (blue or green eyes, light colored hair, don't tan easily) and in your youth got a deep tan each summer, you can plan on annual visits to a Dermatologist, starting in your later middle age, to have the current crop of pre-cancerous lesions burned off or cut out. Your eyes will have much greater chances of developing cataracts or macular degeneration (a progressive blindness). You will have greater chances of developing acne rosacea as well. If you have a ruddy complexion that on close examination is a web of tiny red surface blood vessels, you already have sun damage and need to take measures to prevent getting more. (Although a chronically red nose is stereotypically considered a sign of excessive drinking, it much more often is a sign of years of cumulative sun damage.)
If your skin has any signs of sun damage, see a Dermatologist! Regularly! Especially if you are fair skinned! (In California, it should be called unfair skin.)
So what should you do?
Especially if you already have some sun damage to your skin, you should routinely use sun screen, wear sunglasses when outside or driving, wear a hat, and wear long sleeved shirts. It's not a case of, "The damage is done, so why bother?" More damage is even more dangerous, so having some damage means you should take more precautions.
Proper use of sunscreen: Sunscreen is not sunblock. Sunblock is the white zinc oxide ointment that acts as a barrier (or a hat or parasol). Sunscreen works by penetrating the skin and acting to prevent damage when UV is absorbed. It doesn't block UV. This means it takes a while after sunscreen is applied until it is working. Its ingredients have to get down into the skin layers where UV damage would occur to prevent it. So, if you're outside and realize you've forgotten to put sunscreen on, should you just forget it? NO. Yes, you will get some damage, but you will prevent damage that would occur starting a few minutes after you finally put sunscreen on.
Does sunscreen rub off? No. It may be dissolved into body fluids that eventually become sweat and be swept out, it may be metabolized, and it may be used up in doing its job. If your skin gets wet, some water is absorbed and the water may "rinse out" non-waterproof sunscreen. So read the label and reapply it when indicated.
What about eye damage? As with skin damage, eye damage (to the lens and retina) is cumulative. Sunglasses (certified UV A and UV B protective) are your best protection. Outside, or when driving, you should wear them all of the time unless it is too dark. In particular, if it's bright enough that you tend to squint even a little, you should put sunglasses on.
So remember: Unless you take precautions, sunlight can kill you with skin cancer or blind you with cataracts or macular degeneration. It just takes a while. If you've been careless in the past about protecting yourself, you should take MORE care now and in the future because the hazard just keeps adding up.