The season of doing outdoor sports has already begun for many. Although we do not yet have extremely high temperatures, it is necessary to always use protection from the sun's rays. It does not matter if you are going to walk or if you are going to the beach, apply sunscreen, and renew the applications every two hours. Recent research claims that sunscreen may have other protective benefits when it comes to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and that it not only helps prevent skin cancer.
What other benefits does sunscreen provide?
According to this preliminary study, using sunscreen can help protect blood vessels from damage from UV rays. The researchers exposed one arm of each volunteer to unprotected UV radiation, sunscreen, or sham sweat; while they used the other arm as a control. These were exposed in an equivalent of ultraviolet rays as if they had been in the sun for an hour.
Logically, the use of sunscreen helped reduce the effects of UV radiation, which we have known for years. What was really unexpected was that the unprotected areas showed a decrease in nitric oxide (a molecule that helps dilate and widen blood vessels). Those who used sunscreen or simulated sweat did not show the same reduction.
Sweat doesn't increase your chances of burning yourself
For years it has been thought that sweat could exacerbate the effects of UV rays, but this study denies it. You're actually no more likely to get burned if you're sweating in the sun, as long as you wear sunscreen . Plus, we've learned that sunscreen may be benefiting you in more ways than simply protecting yourself against cancer.
Research found that unprotected skin shows a reduction in nitric oxide. This is important, since this substance helps the blood vessels to dilate; so it helps regulate body temperature, increase blood flow, and probably lower blood pressure. It is very interesting to know that exposure to UV rays has other effects beyond skin cancer or sunburn ; a new range of dangers opens up that we have to face.
The big problem is that people don't use enough sunscreen to protect themselves from radiation. Most people only apply between 25% and 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. We need more than we normally apply; remember that you should not be short on doses. It is recommended to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before leaving, and renew the dose every 2 hours.
