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summer The Malta Independent on Sunday 7 JULY 2019

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SUNSCRE

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EEN explained S

unscreen use not only reduces the risk of skin cancer and sunburn, it also reduces the ageing effect of the sun. But whenever summer rolls around, it’s easy to forget the basics – like, how should I apply sunscreen? How long should I wait after applying it to go in the sun, and how long can I stay in the sun with it on? And how does it work anyway?

How does sunscreen work? There are two main parts to all sunscreens. The active ingredient and the emulsion. The active ingredient does the sun protection work. These come in two categories: UV absorbers and UV reflectors. UV absorbers are chemicals that absorb UV radiation and convert it to a very low level of heat. So low most don’t notice it, but a small proportion of people do report sunscreens make them feel uncomfortably warm.

UV absorber chemicals are also called “organic” because they contain carbon atoms, a basis for all organic matter.

Some absorb the UVB part of the spectrum, which is known to cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer risk. Others absorb the UVA part of the spectrum. Recent research suggests the longer UVA wavelengths not only penetrate to deeper layers of the skin but contribute to skin cancer through compromising immune response to DNA damage.

For that reason, sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” is recommended as it offers the best protection.

UV “reflectors” are mostly made up of oxides, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, that absorb and scatter UV radiation.

There is normally more than one and often up to six or more active ingredients in most sunscreens.

The emulsion – the lotion, milk, cream, oil, foam or gel – is what carries the active ingredient. It is usually made up of some combination of oil and water, plus other goodies. These are important as they preserve the product so it lasts on the shelf or in your cupboard. They also help with water resistance, influence how the sunscreen feels and smells, and how well it binds to the skin.

What does SPF mean and how is it measured? Sunscreen provides a screen, not a block. Think of a fly-screen door: air gets through but flies don’t. In the same way, the sun lotion or potion of your choice allows some small amount of UV radiation onto your skin.

SPF stands for sun protection factor.

It’s the measure of how much UV gets through the screen. The higher the number, the less UV passes through. An

SPF of 30 allows one-thirtieth or 3.3% of UV to reach your skin. This means it filters 96.7% of UV. With an SPF of 50, 98% is filtered and one-fiftieth or 2% gets through.

So while the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 sounds like a lot – it is a pretty modest (1.3%) - difference in protection.

Put another way, if your unprotected skin would take ten minutes to show signs of burning, then properly applying SPF 30 sunscreen would slow the rate of burning to the point where it would take 30 times longer, or 300 minutes in total.

SPF 15 would take 150 minutes, while SPF 50, 500 minutes.

But this is perfect world stuff. If you extend your stay in the sun for 500 minutes (over eight hours!) only relying on sunscreen, you will very likely still burn!

When and how do I put it on? At a microscopic level, the skin is a series of peaks and troughs. Layering on sunscreen around 20 minutes before going into the sun allows the product to flow into the troughs and bind properly to the skin.

Many sunscreens recommend reapplying every two hours. But another way to look at it is like painting a wall of your house. The first coat gets a reasonable coverage, but a reapplication 20-30 minutes after being in the sun – after the first coat has “dried” – gets you much more reliable coverage. And this will cover the bits you may have missed, or covered too thinly, on the first pass.

Also, use it generously. Most people use too little (between a quarter and three-quarters) of the amount of sunscreen necessary to achieve the sun protection claimed on the label. A teaspoon per limb is a good rule of thumb. Add another teaspoon for your face, front and back. This comes to seven teaspoons (35ml) in all if you are at the beach in board shorts or a bikini.

Layer it on and spread it around.

Reapply every two hours or more often if you are active (sweating, towelling off, skin making physical contact with anything that might rub it off), even if the bottle claims four-hour water resistance. And a good idea is to check if the lotion hasn’t passed its use-by date.

Use other things to protect your skin too. Hats, shade, clothing and even staying indoors at the highest UV periods. The closer to solar noon, usually between midday and 12.30pm, the higher the UV. The World Health Organisation recommends protecting skin from the sun when the UV Index is 3 or above.

How long can I stay in the sun with

sunscreen on? It’s wise to stay in the sun no longer than is necessary to do your planned activity. Staying out longer just because you have the sunscreen “suit of armour” (which it is not) is a bad idea.

Even following all the best advice, the normal daily activity – wiping water from your eyes, scratching an itch, cuddling the kids, brushing against a tree or your best buddy – will remove sunscreen and diminish its performance.

And remember it is screening, not

blocking the sun.

And will you still get a tan if you put on sunscreen properly? Well, no. If sunscreen is properly applied to do its job of reducing UV radiation exposure, it prevents the biological process of tanning.

This feature ran in FIRST Magazine JUNE JULY ISSUE which will be out again this Thursday 11th with The Malta Business Weekly.

ACCORDING TO THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION ‘THE RISE IN THE INCIDENCE OF SKIN CANCERS OVER THE PAST DECADES IS STRONGLY RELATED TO INCREASINGLY POPULAR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND RECREATIONAL EXPOSURE. OVEREXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT IS WIDELY ACCEPTED AS THE UNDERLYING CAUSE FOR HARMFUL EFFECTS ON THE SKIN, EYE AND IMMUNE SYSTEM. EXPERTS BELIEVE THAT FOUR OUT OF FIVE CASES OF SKIN CANCER COULD BE PREVENTED, AS UV DAMAGE IS MOSTLY AVOIDABLE. THE SUN’S UV RAYS ARE THE STRONGEST BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, LIMIT EXPOSURE TO THE SUN DURING THESE HOURS. SEEK SHADE WHEN UV RAYS ARE THE MOST INTENSE, BUT KEEP IN MIND THAT SHADE STRUCTURES SUCH AS TREES, UMBRELLAS OR CANOPIES DO NOT OFFER COMPLETE SUN PROTECTION. REMEMBER THE SHADOW RULE: “WATCH YOUR SHADOW – SHORT SHADOW, SEEK SHADE!” SHADE, CLOTHING AND HATS PROVIDE THE BEST PROTECTION – APPLYING SUNSCREEN BECOMES NECESSARY ON THOSE PARTS OF THE BODY THAT REMAIN EXPOSED LIKE THE FACE AND HANDS. SUNSCREEN SHOULD NEVER BE USED TO PROLONG THE DURATION OF SUN EXPOSURE.’

Originally published on The Conversation. Terry Slevin is an Adjunct Professor, School of Psychology, Curtin University; Education and Research Director, Cancer Council WA; Chair, Occupational and Environmental Cancer Committee, Cancer Council Australia.

How does sunscreen work, what is SPF and can I still tan with it on? With summer hot on our heels, Terry Slevin explains. Photography by Ian Dooley.

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Courting In summer a courtyard is a real joy, large or small it can be adapted as a whole new outdoor room.

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pen to the sky, and at least partly surrounded by walls or rooms.

Courtyards have evolved over thousands of years as traditional and definite designs, with different uses according to where in the world they are built.

Historically they have been used, among other things, for cooking, sleeping and as a place to keep animals; many still are in some places.

Mostly they are used as a place to be outside as much as possible during our long, hot summers and on winter's milder days.

Our traditional courtyards are usually highly prized and deserve to be retained and maintained as carefully as possible, since they are a

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ATTRACTION significant part of the design and character of both country and original town houses.

The practice of roofing over courtyards which we so often see in house restorations and adaptations means future occupants will be missing all the charm and advantages they give to a home.

Courtyards offer homes natural protection from outside weather conditions. In summer, they bring cool air in and drive hot air out. And they provide occupants with sunlight and shelter from cold, dry winds in winter. They also provide all round ventilation and are useful for collecting rainwater. Ecologically they do much of what we expect from air-conditioning units and heating appliances, and at far less cost to our carbon footprint.

Well equipped courtyards make good, safe places for young children to play, for pets to be secure and for relaxing and entertaining at any time, according to how they are decorated and equipped.

The time of day when the courtyard is most sunny must be allowed for when planning how to make the best use of it.

Houses with a courtyard in more than one part of the property have a real advantage here. But whatever size a courtyard is, clever design and imagination can turn it into a very special spot.

Furnishing the space depends on how it will be used. A family barbeque area, with a climbing wall, paddling pool and possibly pet quarters will require very different ideas from those of a Zen chill out

zone, or a plant-filled haven with hammocks and a water feature.

The trick is to make as much use as possible of natural stone niches and features, the well if there is one, climbing plants or trees, and any arches, door or window frames around the space.

The joy of decorating a courtyard is that there are so many themes and styles you can choose from. Rustic or slick modern, Moroccan or Italian influences can all be attractive.

What is important is to use the correct materials and make sure that drainage and lighting are safe and efficient.

Anyone who is used to a courtyard and could not imagine being without it will understand completely why in centuries-old India they were known as Brahma-sthals, the soul of a home.

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Beware of THE GLARE

Sunglasses are way more than a style statement. They are an important aide to healthy eyes.

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he sun's rays are as dangerous to our eyes as they are to our skin.

And this is worth remembering when you consider that, even in winter, the sun's light levels and potential damaging powers are very high in our part of the world.

Not everyone realises that approximately 20% of cataracts, where the lens of the eye clouds over giving the effect of being

nearly blind, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Eye protection could delay the progression of cataracts.

Another effect of UV rays is macular degeneration, that is light-sensitive nerve tissue in the eye, from damage to the retina which can destroy central vision, and pterygium which is a tissue growth on the surface of the white of the eye which can alter the curve of the eyeball,

causing astigmatism. Skin cancer is also a concern and the eyelids and surrounding skin need as much protection as you would give to all other areas; especially if there is a history of skin cancers.

And, let's not forget plain old squinting and screwing up the eyes against the sun will eventually lead to headaches and frown lines you will not want in later years.

Sunglasses should be a priority for drivers since they lessen the effect of reflections from bright sunlight, which might cause visual distortions and even serious accidents.

Also, if you drive with the car roof down or the windows open, and dry winds and dust partials are flying around, sunglasses will shield your eyes from these elements.

Meanwhile it should be remembered that while the point is to keep out foreign bodies, you should never choose a style that compromises your vision from any angle.

Ladies' fashion statement glasses are almost always guilty here. Perhaps have one pair for driving and one for just looking gorgeous?

It's good to note too that although many contact lenses have some degree of UV protection, it may not be enough on our glaring summer days. It would still be necessary to wear them sunglasses when driving.

Super sun protection It cannot be stressed hard enough that when it comes to sun glasses it is never wise to stint on the price, or put too much importance on shape and colour at the cost of efficiency.

Simply buy the best you afford.

You will find there are dozens of styles to choose from and, lovely as they may be, they do not have to be designer. When it comes to eye health the quality of the lenses counts more than anything.

What to look for Always choose polarized lenses as these reduce glare from reflective surfaces like glass, water, snow, shiny metals and surfaces. And make sure they will block at least 99% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Sunglasses with impact-resistant lenses made of polycarbonate are also a good choice. And, whatever look you are going for ensure they are a super-snug fit, to shield your eyes from all directions.

The colour code When it comes to choosing the lens colour there are plenty to pick from and if you have an eye condition that could be affected by what colour you

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choose your ophthalmologist or optician should advise you.

Darker glasses are not always necessary.

Mirrored lenses offer good protection against the sun and damaging rays. The tints applied to lenses help absorb light as it passes through.

Amber, neutral grey, brown or green shades are considered best. Grey lenses reduce brightness, but do not distort colour. While yellow lenses will sharpen images very well, but they cause more colour distortion.

Drivers need to know that blue glasses are not suitable for driving. Brown lenses reduce glare well enough, but they also absorb the blue frequency of light in the sun's rays, which can give the surrounding area a confusing haziness.

Little peepers Children are very susceptible to damage from UV rays, which can increase the risk or onset of macular degeneration, cataracts and surface eye diseases, just as in adults. Their vision especially needs protecting as they spend a lot of time outside and their eyes are still undeveloped. They need sunglasses that protect against 100% of UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy or overcast days, from two to three-yearsold.

Children who already wear glasses would benefit from having their prescription in a tinted version. Since so many celebrities and personalities, real or animated, wear shades, it should be easy enough to persuade them to join in.

Choose polycarbonate lenses, or you can get photochromic lenses that change from light to dark to avoid having to keep track of two pairs. And again, go for the very best you can afford. Cheap sun glasses can end up being worse than useless.

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SUMMER style

Nothing captures the mood of summer like lazing on a beach and eye-catching jewellery will certainly give your whole look a lift

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unbathing, swimming enjoying a lazy lunch, or a cool evening cocktail, there is always a place for jewellery on the beach. Styles and shapes are out there that will echo all moods and scenes from tropical desert island to hot beach club vibes.

Water, sun and sand do not make a good environment for heavy, metallic jewellery or valuable stones. But this summer there is a definite trend for layering specially selected pieces and the effect can striking.

Obviously you won’t want to risk getting anything precious damaged with the sand and salt water, or losing rings because sun tan lotion, sweat or cool water can make your fingers sweat so loose rings could fall off.

Platinum stands up to sea water but rose gold can be damaged because of its copper content; sea salt is very corrosive to copper.

Absorbent materials like coral or turquoise, can absorb the sea salt and air and may eventually rot.

Sand won’t hurt tougher stones

like a diamonds, sapphires, or rubies, but more fragile stones, like an amethyst, are more likely to be scratched.

If you are wearing large pieces pay attention while you are tanning, so you don’t get tidemarks. And remember the chlorine in pools and hot tubs can degrade some metals.

By far the best pieces of jewellery for the beach are made from acrylics, rope and wooden beads or shells. But whatever your choose make it something that stands out.

Take advantage of the OXFORD HOUSE SUMMER SALE For those that over a myriad of years have already experienced Oxford House, they can confirm that Oxford House represents solely reputable brands, where commitment to quality and genuine after-sales service are guaranteed.

or living rooms, halls, utility rooms and even bathrooms.

Bosch Appliances, a Foster Sink and a Grohe Mixer are also offered for Free with every Nobilia Kitchen.

Bosch appliances, well-known for optimal quality and performance, are further guaranteed through a 5 year warranty term on parts and labour by Oxford House.

Oxford House Showroom, located in Mdina Road, Mriehel, is open from Monday to Friday between 09:00hrs and 19:00hrs and on Saturday between 09:00hrs and 13:00hrs.

Follow Oxford House on Facebook or visit www.oxfordhouse.com.mt for more information.

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ummer months bring along different experiences, where for many, the much anticipated Oxford House Summer Sale, is an important annual calendar appointment that cannot go amiss.

Similar to previous years, Oxford House, is dedicating the full month of July for an extensive Summer Sale, where up to 30% discount is being offered.

7-Piece Appliance Package starting from €2,300 For those that are looking into appliances for a new home, or simply believe their home appliance range needs a revamp, Oxford House has the right answer for them; 7 Appliance Pieces can be all theirs for just €2,300! The offer includes a Bosch Built-In Electric Oven, a Built-In Gas Hob, a Wall-Mount Cooker Hood, a Built-In Fridge Freezer, a Built-In Dishwasher, a Foster Kitchen Sink and a

Grohe Kitchen Mixer.

Bosch, using technology competence to create products that spark enthusiasm, improve quality of life and help conserve natural resources, use processes that are aimed at surprising the end users with simple solutions through aesthetic and functional designs.

Nobilia Kitchens and Free Bosch Appliances Nobilia, offering distinguished German quality, provides each and every customer with a Kitchen that is absolutely unique and a perfect match for them, individually designed and made with the utmost precision and detail. Nobilia can also beautifully cater for adjoining dining

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Cool CATS...

And DOGS Every year these two most common pets are at risk from the heat.

While we can take our own precautions, dogs and cats rely on their owners and carers to stay safe in the heat.

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hade, cool surfaces to rest on and continual fresh water are obvious necessities for all furry pets. But as a cat has higher normal body temperature than a human's it is harder for them to cool down.

They must lick themselves so their saliva can cool them down and they can only sweat through their paw pads.

Some extra tips for protecting cats from the heat include using fans or air conditioning, keeping blinds and curtains drawn, feeding them at cooler times of day and encouraging them to drink plenty of water.

Cats will often do this if they

can play with moving or running water or even ice cubes.

A cat's coat protects their skin from sunburn. And owners can help it maintain a healthy insulating factor with frequent brushing, to add to the cat's usual self grooming habits, and eliminate dead hair. For very long-haired breeds professional clipping might keep cats more comfortable. But never should a trim be so close that the skin shows through. Fur is also a protection It your cat objects to a bath it may accept a cool wet towel or brush, stroked down its back from neck to tail. The water will

simulate its saliva and the cat will feel fresher as it evaporates from its body.

High temperatures and sun exposure can cause heatstroke, which is extreme serious. The symptoms are heavy breathing, loss of appetite, restlessness and lethargy, along with wheezing, breathing difficulties, intense red discoloration of the mucous membranes, fever, vomiting, haemorrhage and shock. Any of these symptoms needs veterinarian attention immediately.

Cats can also be in danger of sunburn, particularly on their on their noses and ears.

Symptoms of sunburn include: reddening and/or thickening of the skin, pain, itching, fur loss and further signs of skin irritations.

If you believe your cat is suffering from sunburn, consult your veterinarian. Treatment will usually include topical or oral steroids anti inflammatories, and antibiotics for severe cases.

Another way to keep your cat cool is a raised bed made from a fabric-covered plastic frame on short legs to allow air to circulate around it.

Dogs, who take part in most of their humans' activities like walks, swimming and so on, have all the needs of cats plus the supervision needed for walks, car trips, beach trips etc.

It is amazing to hear that there are still people who will leave a dog in a car with five centimetres of window open,

and a pool of shade which could well be gone within 10 minutes, while they pop off on some errand. A dog can die in a hot car within 10 minutes. Still, not enough people know that.

Never take a dog out without plenty of water and a drinking bowl. However much a dog loves to swim it's best to keep it on a harness and lead in the sea, especially if could get out of its depth.

After the cool, tiled floors of home, our sizzling hot roads and pavements can be agony for a dog who has very little fur between its toes and pads. If your dog is behaving more like a cat on a hot tin roof it needs some special boots to protect its feet.

Most dogs will happily drink as much water as they need but treats like frozen gravy, or carrot juice ice lollies, paddling pools to laze in and special cooling bed cushions, for a good night's sleep.

Grooming is more important than ever. And, whatever the neighbours are doing consider your dog's breed requirements and what nature has already given it regarding temperature control methods before considering anything more than a trim.

Snub-nosed dogs will have more trouble regulating their temperatures because of their shorter nasal passages than anything to do with the length of their coats. And for dogs with longer, thicker coats, the growth cycle of the longer fur is

different from that of the inner insulation hairs, which will be lost and easily brushed out during the natural moulting process.

It's tragic to see how many dogs suffer from over-zealous trimming and even shaving ordered by owners who think they are doing them a favour.

Everyone should consider how the problems of insulation, less protection from the sun, pests and light injuries will affect a dog after such treatment.

In all dogs the obvious signs of heat problems are a high temperature, heavy panting, salivating and thick saliva, tiredness and being unwilling to play, tremors and staggering.

Cool your dog down slowly with wet towels and call a vet if these symptoms appear.

Signs of dehydration in dogs are not always easy to detect but if a dog has sunken eyes, lethargy, dry mouth and depression; and a soft pinch of skin at the top of the neck does not immediately go back into place it could well be dehydrated. If it as not happy to drink, even a little at a time, this could be serious and a vet needs to be consulted.

Keeping pets cool in summer may not be easy, running fans and ACs is costly. But for owners with furry friends nothing should be too inconvenient if it keeps them happy and comfortable. And if it takes a bit of extra time and effort in summer, remember, they're worth it.