Sun exposure: disadvantages and advantages

The sun is a great boon necessary to sustain life. However, this benefit must be used with caution, since ultraviolet rays are harmful to the skin. In order not to endanger yourself and enjoy the sun, it is especially important to use products with a high protection factor.

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.

How much sun do you need?

The sun is the source of life. In small doses, sunbathing is very beneficial.

  • Mood: The sun is a great cure for some forms of seasonal depression.
  • Synthesis of vitamin D, which is indispensable for replenishing calcium in the bones. Take advantage of these benefits. Spend 15 minutes in the sun every day.

However, in high doses, the sun can be very dangerous and cause the following problems:

  • Sunburn, also known as erythema.
  • Photodermatosis in the form of summer solar dermatitis (10% of the adult population suffers from it), and acne, as well as rare types of photodermatosis, such as lupus erythematosus and photoinduced urticaria.
  • Pigmentation disorders such as pigmented spots, melasma (“mask of pregnancy”) or vitiligo.
  • Photo-immunosuppression (herpes labialis).
  • Photosensitivity.

Undesirable effects may also be long-term

  • Premature aging of the skin, which is expressed in the appearance of age spots, yellowish skin color, deep wrinkles, loss of skin firmness and elasticity.
  • Photocarcinogenesis (skin cancer)

Ultraviolet rays: a provoking factor

The harmful effect of the sun on the skin is primarily due to ultraviolet B rays, which stimulate sunburn, but are also the main cause of sunburn. Type A rays are even more insidious because they do not cause pain, but penetrate deep into the skin. They accelerate skin aging and can cause light intolerance, known as skin allergies and pigmentation disorders (hyperpigmentation, melanoma). UVA and UVB rays also damage cells and damage DNA. This invisible damage can manifest itself in the long term as skin cancer.

Protection matters most

There are several rules for staying in the sun:

  • Look for shady places and avoid exposure to the sun during its peak activity.
  • Do not leave children in the sun.
  • Wear and have your kids wear hats, sunglasses and t-shirts.
  • Choose the level of protection you need for your skin.
  • Apply plenty of sunscreen immediately before sun exposure. Reapply the cream at short intervals and in large quantities, especially after swimming, profuse sweating or toweling.

Also important to know: Certain types of food help improve sun protection. A number of natural substances such as carotenoids, vitamin C found in fruits and vegetables, and vitamin E contribute to sun protection. But they are by no means a substitute for quality sunscreen.

For more information, contact a dermatologist.

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.

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