Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 55, is a non-greasy formula ideal for oily skin. The Age Shield sunblock protects six layers of your skin from the sun's rays, thus protecting it from aging. Various types of sunscreen, shot at The Gleaner's studio on Thursday, March 8, 2007. -Andrew Smith/Photography Editor

Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

Cricket! Lovely cricket! Cricket fever is in the air and many fans will be going to the various venues to watch their favourite teams play and hopefully, win.

And while you will be jumping in the stands and screaming, the last thing on your mind may be protecting yourself from sunburn.

Sunburn is caused by overexposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

While the symptoms are temporary, let's face it, it can become a nuisance. But one needs to be aware of some of the myths surrounding who gets sunburn.

According to dermatologist Dr. Patricia Yap both light and dark- skinned persons persons are susceptible to burn from the sun's rays.

"If you have a group of people in the sun for one hour, you will find that the lightest person will get the worst sunburn but the darkest person will still be sunburnt," she explained.

"The difference is that the lighter-skinned person's skin will appear red, while the darker- skinned person may look darker and experience some tenderness and peeling a week later," she added.

Preventing sunburn

So, here is how to prevent sunburn: Dr. Yap says applying sunscreen lotion, wearing a broad-brimmed hat (four inches wide) and a pair of shades, offers a great deal of protection from the sun.

Here are a few tips about applying sunscreen:

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure to sun.

Apply sunscreen liberally as a lotion over your entire body.

Reapply every one-two hours so that it cankeep working if there is excessive sweating.

If you do get sunburnt, natural aloe vera applied hourly will help to soothe the burn. If you don't have access to the real thing, aloe vera gel can help. Applying a moisturising cream also helps to heal the skin.

So, which sunblock should you buy?

Sun protective factor (SPF) numbers indicate the length of time one can spend in the sun without risk of burning. The higher the SPF, the stronger the protection.

Buy sunblock based on your skin type. Persons with oily skin should choose SPF55 because it is less oily. Individuals with dry skin should choose SPF30 as it is more moisturising.

Always choose a sunblock that is broad spectrum, meaning it protects you from both UVA and UVD sun rays.

Bear in mind that the sun's rays are strongest between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., so don't forget to protect your beautiful skin. Ever wondered what the white block over a cricketers nose is for?

Well as Dr. Yap explains, it is 'zinc oxide' which provides a physical block from the sun. The nose is more susceptible to burn as it is a shiny point on the face.

Send comments to yahneake.sterling@gleanerjm.com