In hot sunny days we all like spending time on the beach, around the pool, in the garden or just taking a nice walk outside. “Life is Great in the Sunshine State,” but do we really like how to enjoy it without suffering the harmful effects of sun exposure?


Skin Types
While some exposure to sunlight is beneficial, too much is definitely dangerous. It could be the cause for many short-term and long-term health problems like sunburn, fever, allergies, photo-aging, pigmentation disorders, cataracts, immune system suppression and skin cancer (melanoma and nonmelanoma). Tanning is actually the skin’s natural defense mechanism to protect itself from the harmful effects of the UV rays. Melanocytes are glands in the skin that produce melanin, the pigment that determines the color of the skin, eyes, and hair. When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light, either from a tanning bed or from the sun, it responds by producing more melanin giving the skin color and protection. Unfortunately, this “natural” protection is not sufficient to completely counteract the damage from the sun.


Understanding UV Radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation is the part of the light spectrum from the sun that reaches the Earth. It is classified into three types or bands—UVA, UVB, and UVC that differ in wavelengths and energy levels. UVA and UVB rays are those that penetrate the surface of the skin and may cause the adverse health effects listed above. UVC rays get filtered in the atmosphere.


  • UVA rays, with the longest wavelengths and less energy, penetrate deep into the skin causing sun allergy, premature aging, wrinkles and changes in our DNA that are a risk factor for developing skin cancer.
  • UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and higher energy. They affect the epidermis often causing sunburn, brown spots and, after repeated sun burn, skin cancer. If you have moles, it’s extremely important to check them on a regular basis. If any changes occur- increases in size, color, itchiness, etc., consult with your doctor.


Understanding SPF
Sunscreen is important and protecting your skin from the sun is essential to maintaining a glowing, healthy looking skin. The effectiveness of a sunscreen product is measured by the SFP. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, the higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers against UVA/UVB rays. The ADD recommends everyone use water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater. An interesting fact is that African-Americans and people with dark skin are lucky to have a natural UVB protection of between 13 and 16 SPF. That said, besides Sun Protection Factor, the protection from a particular product also depends on the skin phototype.


Understanding Skin Phototype
Skin phototype (SPT) is a classification scheme used to assess the reaction of the skin according to skin color and burning and tanning responses to sun light exposure. There are six skin types that represent the range of skin sensitivity to UV rays and the individual’s capacity to trigger a tan after sun exposure. The skin phototype is also used to determine the risk of developing skin cancer. Basically a low number means a higher risk.


Phototype I – Always burns, never tans. Milky skin, lots of freckles, blond or red hair, blue or green eyes. Extremely susceptible to skin damage as well as cancers, needs to use a sunscreen with SPF 50+ and clothing with UPF rating of 30 or higher.
Phototype II – Burns easily, tans minimally. Fair skin, lots of freckles, blond hair, blue or green eyes. At high risk for melanoma and carcinoma, needs to use a sunscreen with SPF 30+ and clothing with UPF rating of 30 or higher.
Phototype III – Burns moderately, tans gradually to light brown. Fair to matt skin, a few freckles, usually dark hair, and brown or blue eyes. Also at risk for melanoma, needs to use a sunscreen with an SPF 15+ every day, wear sun-protective clothing, and seek the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Phototype IV – Burns minimally, always tans well to moderately brown. Matt skin, no freckles, brown or black hair, brown eyes. At some risk, needs to use a sunscreen with an SPF 15+ and seek the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Phototype V – Rarely burns, tans profusely to dark. Dark skin, no freckles, brown or black hair, brown eyes. At risk of lentiginous melanoma, common among darker-skinned people. Wear SFP 15+ and seek the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Phototype VI – Never burns, deeply pigmented. Black skin, no freckles, black hair, brown eyes. Still at risk for skin cancers, and should wear sunscreen with a SPF of 15+.


Your prototype is not constant. Watch for any changes in moles and other skin lesions and immediately consult your doctor if you notice any. Take care of your skin and enjoy the summer! If you want to get healthy tan faster with minimum sun exposure and keep it for long


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Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/girl-in-white-shirt-lying-on-brown-textile-4004119/