Exposure to harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays during monsoon can reduce immunity levels, cause sunburns, tanning, premature aging of skin, skin cancer, cataract and other eye problems, genetic damage and trigger mutations.
The UV radiation levels remain alarmingly high in the monsoon months i.e. between June and September. The radiation surge during the monsoon is caused by the washing away of the aerosol layer. The rain washes away this protective layer and UV radiation reach the earth’s surface with greater ease.
Noted dermatologist Dr Nitin Pandya informed this while addressing media persons here on Friday. He said, “During the monsoon, with the heat subsiding we tend to forget a very crucial element of skin care. India being a tropical country, we need to be especially mindful of the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. In the rainy season, the pollution level of most pollutants is usually low. However, there is UV radiation when the sun is out and it is the most hazardous time to be outdoors.”
Dr Pandya said Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause immediate effects such as sunburn and long-term problems such as skin cancer and cataracts. Exposure to sun for about an hour can cause sunburns. Therefore one should try to keep out of direct sunlight, use clothes that cover up whole body, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and wear sunglasses that have UVA/UVB protection.
He cautioned that while buying a sunscreen and skin care lotion with SPF you should look at list of chemical used in it. Homosalate is a widely used chemical in sunscreens and skin care products with SPF. It is a potential endocrine disruptor and studies in cells suggest it may impact hormones. This chemical may also enhance the absorption of pesticides in the body.