The power of light: why sun protection is needed all year round

A beautiful even tan certainly looks aesthetically pleasing. But experts advise us not to get carried away lying on the beach and insist that it is necessary to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation both in summer and in winter.

There is debate about how much time you can spend in the sun without harm to health, and how much with benefit. Some dermatologists have a rather negative attitude towards ultraviolet radiation and insist that it is necessary to avoid skin contact with sunlight at all costs, as their exposure destroys cellular DNA.

There is another point of view: the lack of ultraviolet radiation can lead to vitamin D deficiency. This is typical for urban residents and negatively affects the ability of the skin to activate its own defense mechanisms.

As in many other aspects of life, there is a balance to be struck. Spending half an hour to an hour a day in the sun – preferably in the morning – is a great idea, according to many experts. This is enough to get all the benefits of the sun, while avoiding harm.

The rest of the time, we are strongly advised to use sunscreens, and to do this all year round, since the intensity of ultraviolet A (UVA) rays practically does not change from month to month. Rays can even pass through glass, although until relatively recently it was believed that this was not the case. They penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, damaging cells and causing their mutations, accelerate the aging process and can even lead to the development of oncology.

For the city, experts advise choosing a product with an SPF of at least 15, and preferably 20-30

Type B rays (UVB) are also not visible to the eye, but their effect is quite, it is they that lead to sunburn.

When choosing a sunscreen, you should pay attention to the label – it should have a broad spectrum mark, a PA + icon in a circle, or an inscription that the cream protects against both types of rays. The second thing to look at is the degree of protection, it is indicated by the numbers that follow the abbreviation SPF (sun protecting factor).

For the city, experts advise choosing a remedy with a degree of at least 15, and preferably 20-30. And for outdoor activities in the sun, for example, outside the city or on the beach, for long walks or gardening – all 50. It is worth updating the product on the skin regularly – every few hours.

It is clear that in the conditions of city bustle and work affairs it is not so easy and convenient. But on vacation, you need to monitor this carefully. By the way, for those who are always on the run, sunscreen sprays will certainly come in handy, for the application of which you do not need to touch the skin with your hands – you just need to sprinkle generously. These are available in some drugstore brands – for example, Uriage – and in many cosmetic lines.

The amount of funds also plays a role – many apply less than necessary. For the face, experts advise taking about half a teaspoon, and dessert or even a tablespoon for the whole body. It is also worth making sure that the product is distributed in an even layer, the effectiveness of protection depends on this.

You should not be afraid of the sun, you should only remember that it is not the ultraviolet itself that is harmful, but its excess

Those who use decorative cosmetics are advised to apply sunscreen first, and only then foundation and other products, and you need to act carefully so as not to erase the layer of protection.

But to rely only on filters, “built-in” conventional care or decorative cosmetics, alas, we are not advised. At a minimum, because such an amount of foundation or even just a moisturizer will look strange and cause not the most pleasant sensations.

You should not be afraid of the sun, you should only remember that it is not the ultraviolet itself that is harmful, but its excess. Therefore, getting sunscreen that suits you and your skin, as well as cute wide-brimmed hats, will be a very good idea.

In addition, it is worth accustoming yourself to recognize the UV index along with the weather forecast – it can be found in most relevant smartphone applications, as well as on sites that publish the forecast. And if the index is not lower than 3, then experts highly recommend defending.

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