sun rays and tanning

[luckyman]

does the rays of the sun bounce back off a mirror of foil type material to brown or tan the skin? ive heard of people on hols do this wen sunbathing...please give loadsa info...thanks

[lemonsorbet]

Yes, it does, although take care not to burn!!

The same applies when you're in the water, and the rays of the sun are reflected of the water surface - hence you should always wear plenty of sun screen when in the sea!

ps - there is more to life than a tan! DO NOT GET BURNT!

[dundurn]

Absolutely right lemonsorbet - some of the highest rates of skin cancer are seen among commercial fishermen. They wear a lot of protective gear; gloves, boots, oilskins etc but their faces, necks, forearms and wrists pick up a lot of UV light, both directly and by reflection off the sea surface.