My search for a sun shirt shone more light on sun protection than I had expected. There’s so much useful information about sunscreens, solar Ultra-Violet Index (UVI), and sun-related diseases that I wished I had bothered to read or researched much earlier instead of assuming I knew enough. I was smug. Why? I use sunscreen. I usually wear a sun shirt, albeit old and probably ineffective, and/or carry an umbrella. I have a cap on, and try to avoid the midday sun. I thought I had the sun protection Standard Operating Procedure or SOP in the bag. Little did I know I was doing it mostly wrong.

Sunscreen

The higher the sunscreen’s sun protection factor or SPF, the higher the protection offered. I usually look for SPF 30 or 50. SPF 30 means ‘a person who gets sunburnt after 30 minutes of sun exposure without sunscreen would not get sunburnt for 300 minutes using a sunscreen in high enough amounts with a sun protection factor of 30. However, it is best to only stay in the sun for up to 60% of this time…’[1]

Apply sunscreen generously or better yet as recommended on the respective product packaging. I have been underusing my sunscreen, and neglecting my ears and the back of my neck. The suggested amount is at least a teaspoon’s worth on the face, neck and ears, a teaspoon for each arm and leg, and a teaspoon each for the front and back of the body. That’s a lot of stickiness. I usually apply sunscreen just before I leave the house when I should have 20 minutes prior. And, reapply every two hours, which I haven’t in the past but plan to going forward.

Founder of Illuminate Skin Clinic, Dr Sophie Shotter says, ‘If you layer a good vitamin C serum beneath your sunscreen, it can make your sunscreen up to 4 times more effective. And, eat lots of tomatoes. They contain lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant, and it has been shown in studies to protect the skin against UV induced damage.[2]‘ Interesting.

Solar UV Index (UVI)

The solar UVI refers to the level of UV radiation at the earth’s surface. The higher the number, the more potential for damage to the skin and eyes, and in quicker time. The peak hours are from 10am to 4pm.

• Below 2 is low. No protection required. No damage is expected. You can safely stay outside.
• Moderate is 3-5. High is 6-7. Protection required. Some precaution needed for people with sensitive skin. Seek shade during midday hours. Put on a shirt, use sunscreen, and wear a hat.
• Very high is 8-10 and Extreme is 11+. Avoid unnecessary exposure especially during midday hours. Make sure you seek shade. Shirt, sunscreen, and a hat are a must[3].

In Kuala Lumpur, the solar UVI can reach high levels throughout the year, averaging between 8 and 10 (very high to extreme), which indicates the potential for sunburn and skin damage within minutes of exposure[4]. Ouch. I didn’t know that.

Also, an overcast day and/or clouds don’t necessarily stop you from getting burnt. UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and cause damage to skin and eyes, in hot or mild temperatures. Surfaces such as snow, water and sand reflect UV radiation. Snow reflects between 50 and 88% of UV radiation, sea surf (white foam) reflects 25 to 30% and dry beach sand reflects 15 to 18%. This means that UV radiation reaches you directly and indirectly.

Sun related diseases

Continued sun exposure or UV radiation can cause chronic health problems like skin cancer and cataracts. As a young person, I did so much sports in the sun. Athletics, netball, hockey, and badminton, yes, we had outdoor courts. At school, I didn’t know about sunscreen, and even if I did, I’m not sure if I could have afforded it. The first sunscreen brand I was exposed to was Coppertone, which had the image of the little child and dog. Prolonged exposure in my early years has actually made my skin sensitive to the sun. The upside, I had loads of vitamin D.

In Malaysia, the most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which are both non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is less common in Malaysia, but its incidence is increasing[5].

Annually, some 12 to 15 million people suffer blindness from cataracts worldwide. According to WHO estimates, up to 20% of these cases may be caused or enhanced by sun exposure, especially in countries close to the equator. Ouch again. UV radiation may also suppress the immune system, enhancing the risk of infectious disease and limit the efficacy of vaccinations[6]

My takeaway. Use approved sun protection products correctly, and try not to get sunburned.