I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS WITH HIGH AND VERY HIGH PROTECTION

UVA RAYS: AND AS IN THE WORDS AGING (“AGEING”) AND ALLERGY

UVA rays, which reach the surface of the earth all year round and even through clouds, make up 95% of all ultraviolet radiation. They penetrate clouds, glass and the epidermis. Unlike UVB rays, they act painlessly, however, they penetrate very deep into the skin and reach the dermis cells. The rays provoke the synthesis of free radicals, and their effect is felt afterwards:

• photoaging: a change in the direction of elastin and collagen fibers, as a result of which the skin loses its elasticity, wrinkles appear;
• hypersensitivity to the sun, more commonly called allergies (redness, itching, summer sun dermatitis);
• pigmentation disorders (pregnancy mask, age spots);
• skin cancer.

WHAT ARE THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF SUN PROTECTION?

Being in the mountains, on the beach and by the ocean involves multiple reflections of UV rays from the surface of the water and snow, so we need maximum protection.

Particular attention should be paid to fair skin, which burns easily in the sun. It is also necessary to take into account the time of day: the most careful should be between 11 am and 16 pm. It is very important to apply sunscreen every two hours, and in sufficient quantities.

IS IT EASY FOR YOUR PATIENTS TO CHOOSE SUN PROTECTION FROM SUCH A WIDE RANGE?

The choice is really huge.

Today we have simplified the designation system by dividing all products into four categories, according to the degree of protection: low, medium, high and very high. I only recommend the last two categories. It is necessary to use products that protect against a wide range of radiation: both from UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and from UVA rays, which accelerate the aging process. And finally, it is necessary to choose the appropriate texture (cream, fluid, gel, etc.) that best suits specific skin areas and meets the needs of patients.

WHAT CHARACTERISTICS OF QUALITY PHOTOPROTECTION DO YOU CONSIDER THE BASIC?

First of all, it is their efficiency.

In clothes, preference should be given to fabrics with a dense weave of dark tones. Of the sun protection products, it is better to choose those that have a high and very high degree of protection, and apply them often enough. Sunglasses must be certified by EU category 3 and 4. Other characteristics of sun protection products include good tolerability, photostability, water resistance and sweat resistance. The practicality and pleasantness of using the products is a guarantee that they are chosen correctly.

UVB RAYS: B AS IN “BURNS” OR “BRONZED SKIN”

UVB rays make up 5% of all ultraviolet that reaches the earth’s surface. They contain a large amount of energy, and some of them are blocked by clouds and glass. These rays can penetrate the epidermis. Thanks to them, people not only sunbathe, but also burn, allergies appear, and skin cancer can develop. That’s why it’s important to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.