Soopa Facts About Sun Safety
- Dawn Johansson
- Dec 1
- 2 min read
UV rays are not all the same. When we talk about sun exposure, what we really mean is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV-A and UV-B are the types that most often penetrate the ozone layer to reach Earth. UV rays are stronger when ozone is low, when they are reflected off of sand, snow or water, and at high altitude.
There’s no such thing as a “safe” tan from UV light. Any time you have a tan, it means your skin is trying to protect itself from further damage by producing melanin. Tanning beds, which use UV-A rays, are especially dangerous. To date, at least 44 states and the District of Columbia regulate indoor tanning for minors, while 16 states ban the use of UV tanning devices by anyone under age 18. For a tanned look, tanning products are the way to go. Cosmetic bronzers wash off like regular makeup; sunless tanners temporarily stain the skin. But remember: The “tan” you get with these products does not provide UV protection.
Vitamin D doesn't have to come from the sun. For people with lupus, vitamin D is a real concern. To meet your daily vitamin D requirement without spending extra time in the sunlight, you can eat foods with vitamin D or take vitamin supplements. For most people, the National Institutes of Health recommends 600 international units (IUs) per day, though your doctor may recommend up to 1,000 IUs.
Effective sun protection requires more than sunscreen. The sun is the primary outdoor source of UV light, but UV rays can also affect you indoors and in cars. While glass does block UV-B transmission, most UV-A gets through. Other UV sources can be harder to spot. The new flat computer and television screens do not emit radiation, but older models do. The bigger concern is lighting such as halogen and fluorescent lights, which emit more radiation than incandescent lighting.
You can protect yourself best with a combination of:
Sun-protective clothing, including broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
Sunscreen used correctly and consistently.
Planning your outdoor activities for early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Be sure to carry your Soopa Skin HOCl Rescue Mist Daily with you to relieve your skin from photo damage - Think Frequency over Quantity.
