It is known that excess sun not only damages the skin and makes it age before its time, but (worse still) can also cause cancer. And although the effects of the sun have been increased in recent years due to the thinning of the ozone layer in the atmosphere, there are always ways to minimize them. How? Well, putting common sense into play ... and using products specially designed to protect the skin.
Do you know which are the most dangerous rays?
Although the sun emits several types of rays, the really dangerous ones for the skin are ultraviolet (UV). These in turn are divided into three types: the A (UVA), which are mainly associated with premature aging of the skin; the B (UVB), which are those that cause burns and are considered a risk factor in cancer; and C (UVC), which are lethal to plant and animal life. The ozone layer of the atmosphere prevents the passage of these last rays, although their progressive thinning may cause them to receive more in the future, thus increasing the danger of skin cancer and eye diseases.
As for the other two types of ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB), it is recommended that you also protect yourself from them, especially at times when the sun heats up with more intensity. And not only through a suitable sunscreen applied to the skin, but also avoiding receiving the rays directly. There are different ways to guard against them. The most obvious is simply to take advantage of the shade of the leafy trees when you are outside and, in the absence of these, protect yourself with an umbrella. It is also convenient to wear wide-brimmed hats, as well as clothes that cover the most vulnerable areas of the body. Nor should you forget dark glasses, essential so that the sun does not affect your eyes.
Do you know what happens?
Do you have any idea how the process unfolds, once the sun comes into contact with the skin? When receiving its rays, a defense reaction of the organism takes place. The cells of the superficial layers react by producing more melanin (a substance that is normally found in the skin and that determines its color). The accumulation of melanin is precisely what gives the skin a darker tone, thus producing the beautiful tan hue so liked. This color, therefore, is nothing more than a consequence of the skin's defense mechanism against the attack of the sun, but it does not protect it enough to avoid damage. In reality, a "divine" tan on the skin is a visible sign that damage has already occurred.
Exposure to the sun also causes the skin to first turn pink and then red, and cause pain and inflammation. If it lasts for a long time, the skin can blister, as if it had been burned by boiling water or a hot iron. As a result, the living cells of the surface layer begin to die, which explains why the skin falls off in strips after a short time.
Councils to protect yourself
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the attack of the sun is to use the appropriate sunscreen. Choose the one that is best for your skin, and follow these basic tips.
Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun. This is the time it generally takes for the skin to absorb it.
Use sunscreen generously. A very thin or uneven layer does not offer the skin enough protection ... regardless of its SPF rating.
Remember that there are waterproof blockers. Wear one if you are going to be in the water or participate in activities that make you sweat. And be sure to reapply it from time to time.
Height increases the risks of sun exposure, since the atmosphere is thinner and offers less protection. Similarly, the closer to the equator a site is, the stronger the sun's rays reach it. So if you live in a high or very hot place (or if you visit), use a sunscreen with a higher SPF factor or reduce the time you spend outside.
Put on sunscreen even if the day is cloudy. The sun's rays easily pass through clouds and the skin is affected in the same way as if the day were clear and sunny.
Do not stop applying sunscreen when your skin has reached the tan you want. The darker color makes the skin less prone to burning, but it does not protect it from aging or the risk of cancer caused by the sun's rays.
Also, do not suspend the sunscreen if you are going to do an activity underwater. Most UV rays are able to penetrate water. And use it also if a snowfall has just fallen, and everything seems covered in snow. It reflects UV rays, which results in an increase in its effect.
What to do to get a tan
If you are nevertheless a fan of tanning, you can do it in moderation and without discarding the sunscreen at any time.
The entire body must be protected, emphasizing particularly vulnerable points, such as the nose, shoulders, lips, ears, etc.
You should also wear sunglasses to adequately protect your eyes.
It is best to tan gradually, taking sun baths no longer than 20 minutes. During this time, it is advisable to change your position every 5 minutes to obtain an even tan.
Once you get the desired color, shorten the sun baths to 15 or 10 minutes, without discarding the sunscreen (tanned skin is still susceptible to burning).
To prevent skin from drying out and to keep your tan as long as possible, apply a good oil-based moisturizer after sunbathing or showering. Apply preferably with damp skin, spreading well over the entire body.
What is your skin type?
Although everyone needs to protect themselves from the sun, there are people with skin that is more susceptible to being affected and who must therefore choose a more powerful sunscreen.
To determine what yours is like and which blocker is best for you, see the description of the different types. In it we explain how the skin reacts to a period of 30 to 45 minutes of exposure to the sun when the rays are not stronger.
Type 1: Very white skin. Always burns easily, and never tans. For maximum protection you need a sunscreen SPF 40; for minimal protection, SPF 20.
Type 2: White skin. It burns very easily, and acquires only a slight tan. You need an SPF 50 for maximum protection; SPF 20 for moderate protection; and SPF 15 for the minimum.
Type 3: White or light brown skin. It burns moderately, and tans gradually. You need SPF30 for maximum protection; SPF20 for moderate protection; and SPF15 for the minimum.
Type 4: Medium brown skin. It burns little and usually tans quite easily. You need SPF20 for maximum protection and SPF for minimum.
Type 5: Olive or dark brown skin. It rarely burns and tans quickly. For maximum protection, you need SPF 20; for minimal protection, SPF15.
Type 6: Black skin. It is the most resistant to the sun's rays. It does not tan and rarely burns, but (like other skins) it can be worn down and made more susceptible to cancer from the sun's rays. For maximum protection, you need SPF 20; for minimal SPF15 protection.
Types of sunscreen
Sun blockers come in a spray, cream, lotion, gel, etc., and are generally formulated to absorb or reflect the sun's rays. They are waterproof (perfect for bathers) and also anti-allergic. The latter act only on the epidermis, and are not absorbed by the deeper layers of the skin, which makes them ideal for delicate or very sensitive skin. Even more important is the degree of protection offered by the different types of sunscreen.
This grade is measured by the initials SPF (Sun Protection Factor) followed by a number. The higher that number, the greater the degree of protection of the product. For example, an SPF of 15 increases the natural protection of the skin 15 times; an SPF of 20 increases that protection 20 times. So the more sensitive your skin is and the longer it will be in the sun, the higher the number you need.
Main image source: https://www.everypixel.com/q/sun-hat? image_id=7643024951844867653
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