Can the sun damage my skin?

The sun can be a good and a bad thing for your skin, the good being that it provides the skin with vitamin D, yet it can be dangerous.

Many people spend their time working outdoors, children play outside and get exposed to the sun without any skin protection and they are not aware of the sun’s effects.

“I do not know anything about the sun and the dangers it causes, I just do my work even though it is hot,” said Thabita Masango, a resident of Soshanguve.

The most unpleasant being over exposure to the sun by the clothing choices for example shorts, sleeveless tops. It’s a fact that the sun can damage your skin.

Just because your skin does not burn easily, does not mean that you are not harming it by exposing it to the sun.

Have you wondered how that was possible?

Skin damage is caused by an over-exposure to the sun’s invisible ultraviolet rays.

When this ultraviolet energy enters the skin they damage the skin cells, causing injuries.

“It can cause dryness, premature ageing and loss of elasticity, rashes, itchiness, damage to the eyes, Sunburn and Skin cancer,” said Sister Ndlovu of Soshanguve clinic 2

The good news is that it can be prevented. “It can be prevented by avoiding the sun during certain hours of the day mostly between 11:00 and 4:00,” she said, “By also wearing appropriate clothing and a good hat. Make sure you apply sun screen every time you go out,” said sister Ndlovu.

 Prevention is better than cure looking after your skin can save your life. Also remember to   drink eight glasses of water per day to stay hydrated.