Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter
WE WAIT for Summer-time all year. It's a time to let loose, fall in love and lie idly on the beach. It is also the time of year when the weather graces us with it bountiful heat rays.
Most black people, especially men, are of the belief that because of their naturally dark pigmentation they cannot get tanned or sunburnt. However, they can - just as Caucasians can. There is also the myth that a tan is healthy and protects you from sunburn. But, in actuality, a tan is a result of the body defending itself against further damage from ultra violet (UV) radiation. In fact, Dr. Dian Robinson, consultant dermatologist, points out that a tan is not good for the skin whether you are black or Caucasian. "When your skin gets a tan or sunburn it is actually the releasing of extra melanin to protect the skin. Also with the skin being tanned or burnt, eventually there will be changes in complexion. After extended tanning and burning the skin may break out in legions that can lead to skin cancer," said Dr. Robinson.
Also, the use of tanning beds and laying out in the sun results in long-term damage to the skin if done for several years (especially fair-skinned people). Some people are also of the notion that if the skin feels cool they will not get sunburnt easily.
Although a cool breeze, swimming, or cooler temperatures will make your skin feel more comfortable. It is, however, getting the same dose of UV radiation as when the wind, light and temperatures are hot. Some people make the mistake of staying out in the sun longer since they do not feel hot. Once inside, they realise they have overexposed themselves.
Some individuals will say they will not get sunburnt or tanned because they only go to the beach on an overcast day. Though the amount of UV rays reaching the surface on a partly cloudy day is reduced, the longer you stay outside the higher the risk of you getting sunburn.
Dr. Robinson advised that there are several ways to protect your skin from getting parched this summer.
If you burn easily, avoid sun exposure especially between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Use a sunblock lotion with 15 or more sun factor protection at least 20 to 30 minutes before going on the beach.
When you go into the water the sun lotion tends to lose its effectiveness so you should re-apply every two hours.
Clothes and wide brimmed hats help to protect the skin and face from the sun.
Men and children must also be protected too. Often men shy away from sunblock because it is greasy or leaves a white substance on the skin. But, the cosmetic industry has now incorporated sunblock into a lotion that is less oily and does not leave the white residue.
