Going to the beach in the summer and looking tanned is one of many people’s biggest goals on vacation. However, many do not really know the serious consequences that prolonged exposure to sunlight can have without protecting you from the sun.
You do not have to stop enjoying your summers with your friends and family taking advantage of the sun, heat, and sand, you just have to learn to take care of yourself and avoid the dangerous consequences of the sun. Next, we will give you some tips so that you can take care of your skin , keep it healthy throughout your life and learn to protect yourself from the sun.
How does solar radiation work?
In addition to light and heat, the sun emits UV radiation , which cannot be seen or felt, and is what can harm us when exposed to it. UV radiation is made up of three types of rays, UVA, UVB and UVC:
- UVAs are capable of reaching the dermis and are those that most predispose to the appearance of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin .
- UVBs barely reach the epidermis, causing superficial skin burns , also contributing to the appearance of cancer.
- UVCs are absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the earth.
We all know that to prevent skin cancer, sunscreen should be used, yet many do not really know how it works and how to use it properly. You have heard several times that you should buy the protector that has 50 or more FPS, but what does FPS mean? Is this protector really the best to protect you from the sun?
What is the sun protection factor? How do sunscreens work?
The sun protection factor (SPF) is a measurement that indicates how much radiation is necessary to produce a burn on skin protected, for example, with sunscreen. Many have a misconception of SPF, and believe that the number is related to the time of sun exposure, that is, by using an SPF 15 sunscreen, they will be able to stay in the sun for 15 hours longer than they could if they did not apply the protector. This is not correct, since the number refers to the amount of sunlight, not the time, since it is not the same to be exposed to the sun for 15 minutes at 9 am, than at 1 pm.
A 15 SPF sunscreen is capable of blocking 93% of UVB radiation, a 30 SPF one blocks approximately 97%, and a 50 SPF one blocks 98%. The level of protection is minimal , and something very important is that SPF generally refers only to protection against UVB, leaving aside UVA rays, which are very dangerous. A person who uses a protector with a very high SPF may not burn, however, when exposed to UVA rays, they are also receiving radiation that is harmful to the skin .
The danger of sunscreen with very high SPF is mainly the false sense of protection felt by users who use these protectors. They believe that they have enough protection, so they put aside all other protective measures such as wearing clothing that covers them from the sun, being in the shade, etc. The UVA radiation that the skin receives is not visible, so after sunbathing, the person will not really know if they were very exposed or not to these harmful rays.
Tips to protect yourself from the sun even if you use sunscreen
Even if you use sunscreen, there are many other ways to enjoy your summer while taking care of your skin. Here are some tips for when you’re out in the sun:
- Avoid the hours of greatest solar radiation: 10 am – 2 pm.
- There is no better barrier than physical, and clothing fulfills that function: Depending on the material from which it is made, it will be more or less resistant; however, there are t-shirts and pants on the market that protect against UV rays. Wear clothing and garments that protect you from the sun: clothing that covers your skin, sunglasses, etc.
- Apply the protector regularly and liberally . It is advisable to use protector every day before leaving home, since every day you are exposed to the sun during the summer.
- Protects all parts of your body: The face, lips, eyes and scalp are also susceptible to burning or suffering from the effects of the sun. Our advice Use a specific face shield, a lip balm with sun protection properties, sunglasses and a hat.
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVA rays that has between 30-50 SPF.
- If you go to the beach or the pool, use a waterproof sunscreen : these can be used for 40 minutes in the water, that is, after 40 minutes, you must reapply it.
- Apply the protector half an hour before sun exposure, and try not to do it with wet or sweaty skin, as it will slip and will not protect you.
- Drink lots of water : Exposure to the sun can cause dehydration throughout the body, so it is essential to consume plenty of fluids.
By following these tips, you will protect your skin from solar radiation and avoid its harmful effects. You will look tanned and you will be enjoying the beach safely.
Remember, protecting your skin is preventing problems like cancer and premature skin aging. Take care of yourself!
References
- FDA
- Mayo Clinic
- Skin Cancer
