How the sun sees us

Tanned skin looks sexy and is an indicator of health. About 80% of Russians think so. Perhaps that’s why on vacation only half of us wear sunglasses and hats. And only a fifth use specialized cosmetics (1). “Our country is distinguished by a high “appetite” for the sun and low awareness of the consequences of tanning abuse,” says dermatologist Olga Ganelina, medical director of La Roche-Posay. – Just imagine: 61% of Russians are sure that if they are already tanned, they can be in the open sun without protection. But it’s not!”

As your skin turns golden, you can lower your SPF. For example, for light-skinned people – from 50+ to 30. However, it is harmful to refuse protection altogether. This leads to the appearance of pigmentation, accelerated aging and can provoke the appearance of neoplasms. Doctors talk about it endlessly, but so far there have been no significant changes in our behavior in the sun. Perhaps the video of the artist and photographer Thomas Leveritt, filmed on an ultraviolet camera, will help you reconsider your attitude to your safety.

Sunburn is a protective reaction of the body to ultraviolet radiation. And the lighter the skin, the harder it tans, the less it is adapted to sun exposure. “Our skin tone is genetically adapted to the latitude in which we live,” recalls dermatologist Larisa Kruglova. – So the group of “solar” risk includes not those who live in the southern regions, but those who go on vacation from north to south, that is, all of us. After all, when the location changes dramatically in a few hours, the skin does not have time to rebuild. Therefore, it is imperative to protect yourself on vacation with the help of cosmetics, hats, light-colored clothes with long sleeves and dark glasses.

Moreover, the glasses must be equipped with a filter,” emphasizes ophthalmologist Valida Zalieva, a specialist at the Atlas Medical Center: “The darkened lens contributes to the expansion of the pupil, and more ultraviolet radiation enters the retina. Therefore, choosing a pair that really protects your eyes from solar radiation is only worth it in an optics salon. Particular attention should be paid to the frame. It should fit well to the face, sit comfortably on the bridge of the nose, have a suitable temple length and be wide enough.” Before you dive into the sea, you should change your sunglasses to swimming glasses to protect your eyes from salt water. If they still turn red, use natural tear drops.

Read more:

• Sea, sun… sex?

1. Based on agency survey results Ipsos, held from December 3, 2014 to January 8, 2015, which was attended by 19569 people aged 15 to 65 from 23 countries.