By: Jhanae Winter

The sun can be a great source of energy, vitamin D and for The Bahamas it is a tourist attraction because of the warm climate here. 

Bahamians are exposed to the sun’s powerful rays all year long but the intensity of its rays increase during the summer months. However, too much fun in the sun is cautioned because the exposure to the harmful invisible ultraviolet (UV) light can damage skin cells and contributes to skin cancer.

Professional Skin Specialist at Dermalogica Skin Centre, Sarah Beek told Bahamaslocal.com, she sees a lot of cases of Bahamians experiencing damage from the sun to their skin and one of the main reasons is bleaching. 

“A lot of Bahamians ‘bleach’ their skin. This causes trauma to the skin, and the skin becomes more sensitive to the sun, which causes the pigmentation to become worse. After damaging their skin from bleaching, the goal is to then treat and heal the skin, but this takes time,” Beek said.

Along with bleaching some Bahamians practice homemade remedies of acidic and harsh peels as a form of skincare to rid themselves of dark marks and even their skin tone. 

However if the skin is not properly protected after such act,  this can cause greater damage to the skin such as microtears, skin sensitivity and create darker marks.

One symptom Beek mentions is hyperpigmentation, which she calls “a major concern for Bahamian’s and their skin”.

In severe symptoms of sun damage like sunburns, Beek suggests increasing water intake and seeing a skin specialist to treat, help heal and nurture the damaged skin. At Dermalogica Skin Centre, such treatments and products are readily available to aid those experiencing such symptoms. 

Although skin cancer is not as common compared to other cancers, Bahamians should continue to be safe when out and about in the sun. Beeks warns of cancerous symptoms, Bahamians should know of. 

However it should not be taken lightly. It is very serious if one notices anything out of the normal on their body. Such as discolourations, that can be raised, flat or discoloured, Beet warned. When spotting any of these things, seeing a doctor is crucial. 

“Be aware if moles change size or appear different, or if a new dark spot appears. Especially if it is irregularly shaped,” she said.

Demythifying the narrative that only lighter complexions should be concerned about sun daming and skin cancers are imperative. 

Not only is it not true but also can create an issue for those of darker skin complexion to not be concerned about such effects. Beek clarifies that all skin complexions can experience sun damage from the sun if exposed to it for lengths of time, unprotected and hyperpigmentation from strong acidic peels done at home.

Regardless of skin tone, all should be protecting themselves from the sun's UV rays, whenever they are outside. 

“Everyone should wear an SPF on their face daily while living in high sunshine countries such as the Bahamas. If you are concerned about skin ageing or pigmentation of your skin, then an SPF used daily will help prevent both of these concerns. SPF’s come in two main types: chemical and physical. Knowing the right one to use on your skin is important,” she said.

All this talk about skin damage and sun burns might have some fretting but Beeks assure the sun has more benefits and positive contributions to Bahamians.  

“I actually believe that the sun is good for you, and a benefit of living in the Bahamas. It is not something to be scared of. It is important to get Vitamin D, and 20 minutes per day of direct sun exposure will help to keep your Vitamin D levels optimal,” the skin specialist said.

The important thing to note is wearing protective gear and sunscreen and to be educated on how to treat the skin. 

“As the weather gets hotter in the summer, and UV levels increase, it is important to drink a lot of water and stay hydrated. Also, wearing an SPF on your face and neck will prevent pigmentation and ageing. If you work all day in the sun, then wearing sun protection is important to prevent skin cancer, aging and pigmentation of the skin,” Beet said.

Be careful of home remedies and other skin care trends that damage the skin, weaken the skin cells and leave them vulnerable to UV rays exposure.

Prevention is better than a cure!