How to sunbathe safely?

There are three types of ultraviolet radiation. UVA rays even reach the subcutaneous tissue – they are responsible for skin aging and late solar reactions. UVB rays reach the dermis – they cause burns, are conducive to sunbathing, but also the formation of skin cancer. UVC rays are the most dangerous, but they are completely absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the Earth’s surface.

By sunbathing without adequate protection, we run the risk of melanoma – a dangerous and difficult to treat skin cancer. Melanomas most often develop from flat pigmented nevi, malignant lentil stains, and less frequently from blue nevi and unchanged skin. Of the flat pigmented lesions, the most dangerous are those strongly colored, almost black, completely flat or only slightly raised, without hair. Very rarely, cancer develops from hairy moles, unless they are birthmarks. Malignant lentil stains are most common on the face, more common in women and the elderly. They are very dark in color, grow slowly and have a broken base.

Risk factors for melanoma include persistent skin irritation and trauma, and prolonged exposure to the sun. Cancer develops more often in fair-skinned people exposed to constant sunlight, especially in childhood, in people with congenital pigmented and dysplastic moles, and in those who have many, even small moles. Women develop melanoma more frequently, but the course of the disease is much more severe in men.

People at risk, before each walk, should apply preparations containing filters with a high degree of protection against UVA and UVB radiation, preferably the so-called blockers, i.e. preparations that completely protect against the sun. People at risk should also exercise moderation in sunbathing and use sunscreen with filters, adapted to the type of skin and sun exposure. The general rule is that the lighter the complexion, the higher the filter should be. The preparation must be applied at least 20 minutes before going out into the sun, and then reappeared every 2-3 hours and after each leaving the water.

Not only skin, but also hair should be protected. The sun – in combination with sea or chlorinated water – wreaks havoc on them, making them dry and damaged. Cosmetics with a filter will help. Shampoo is not enough because the protective substance has to stay on the hair. It is better to choose a leave-in conditioner, oil or spray mist. Remember to – just like on the skin – repeat the application of the protective hair cosmetic.

While glasses from street stalls have a sticker labeled “UV filter”, it is not certain that they actually protect you. Therefore, it is better to buy sunglasses from an optician – then we will receive not only a guarantee of protection, but also help in choosing glasses made of the appropriate material and color of the lenses, which is also important.

Always sit on a blanket or a sun lounger, not on the sand – otherwise you may be threatened by skin and intimate infections.

In summer, we like to choose natural fabrics – they are breathable, non-static and pleasant to wear. However, they also have disadvantages – they crumple, become wet quickly under the influence of sweat and dry for a long time. So let’s think about special synthetic fabrics – they keep a nice shape, are airy and dry quickly.