Excessive sun exposure poses a serious risk to skin health, and research in this area has been going on for decades. Today, experts offer clear recommendations for UV protection based on the individual characteristics of each person and external conditions. Let’s take a look at the key factors to consider:
- Skin phototype. Light-skinned people, especially blondes with blue or gray eyes, are more prone to sunburn and skin damage due to low levels of melanin, which performs a protective function. It is extremely important for them to use sunscreens with a high SPF level (50 and above), avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during its peak hours (from 10:00 to 16:00) and wear closed clothing.
- Skin condition. People with a large number of moles, age spots, or other neoplasms are at risk. They need to choose creams with enhanced protection, regularly examine their skin, and consult a dermatologist to rule out the slightest changes caused by UV exposure.
- Intensity of ultraviolet radiation. It is important to consider the level of the ultraviolet index (UVI), which reflects the degree of solar activity. Values above three units are considered dangerous, which is typical for hot summers, tropical latitudes, and mountainous terrain. In the mountains, for example, the sun’s influence is even stronger due to the reflection of rays from the snow, so protection should be enhanced even in the cold season.
- Type of activity and conditions of stay. If a person spends most of their time outdoors, they should use more frequent application of protective products and products with a waterproof formula. However, even in office environments, the skin is at risk because UVA penetrates glass. This radiation does not cause sunburn, but it contributes to photoaging and can damage the skin at the cellular level.
Thus, sun protection is not just about using a cream. It is a comprehensive approach that includes awareness of external conditions, skin condition and individual characteristics. Attention to these factors will help not only maintain skin health but also prevent serious consequences, such as photoaging or the development of cancer.
Rules for staying in the sun
Studies have confirmed the hypothesis that the use of special cosmetic products with SPF is an effective means of preventing solar radiation, namely its negative effects (after all, we know about the benefits of the sun – we also need solar ultraviolet radiation to produce vitamin D). If you don’t have sunscreen at hand, follow these dermatologists’ tips:
- Stay out of open sunlight before 10 am and after 5 pm. This is a relatively safe time to be outside.
- Wear light clothing that covers your arms and neckline. Also, do not ignore the use of hats with wide brims.
- Wear sunglasses to protect against damage to the skin around the eyes and the appearance of crow’s feet.
How to help your skin in hot weather?
Heat and ultraviolet radiation are not limited to negative effects on the skin alone. The body as a whole receives a heavy load on all systems and organs. Therefore, it is worth taking care of it and following simple rules.
- Pay attention to your body’s hydration. Give preference to non-carbonated drinking water. Drink a little more than usual. If the norm for you is 2.5 liters per day, then drink at least 3 liters in the heat. Limit the consumption of chilled drinks.
- Add foods containing antioxidants to your diet. These are vegetables, fruits, berries, a variety of seafood, green tea, olive oil, grape seed oil.
- Put thermal water in your cosmetic bag. It will help to easily reduce the temperature of the skin, protecting it from overheating and burns.
Sunscreens with SPF
Cosmetologists have long been looking for a way to protect the skin from the negative effects of sunlight. The development of science and technological progress of the XX century contributed to the invention of sunscreen with SPF. Such a product may contain azelaic and ascorbic acid, coenzyme Q, retinoids, and thiol compounds. All of them have antioxidant properties, so they protect against the oxidation reaction, which is the basis of UV damage to the skin. You should choose a cream based on your skin phototype, as well as its characteristics – dry, oily, prone to pigmentation, etc. If you have extremely fair skin, go for a product with a higher SPF.
However, even the best creams can be ineffective if certain rules are not followed. Namely:
- Apply the product to the skin 10-15 minutes before going out.
- The cream should be the final step in skin care after your usual morning skincare ritual.
- If you stay outside for a long time, reapply the product to exposed skin every two hours.
- It is also necessary to repeat the procedure if you take water procedures on the beach.
- After returning from the beach, be sure to take a shower and apply a moisturizing mask.
To summarize.
Solar radiation is both beneficial and harmful to humans. The result depends on the time you spend outside and how you take care of your skin. To protect yourself from negative consequences, always carry a cream with SPF and follow the recommendations we have prepared for you in this article. You can buy sunscreen in our online store. Look through the catalog and choose the product you need.
