Who needs sunscreen and when

Most sunscreens are associated with summer and the beach. Nevertheless, researchers give many arguments why this cosmetic product is important to use throughout the year – even in cloudy weather and in winter.

When the sun gets dangerous

Sunlight is vital to humans. It is under its influence that vitamin D is synthesized in the body, and insufficient exposure to the sun is one of the causes of depression and psycho-emotional disorders.

But there is another side to the problem. Many people know that in the summer heat one should not stay in direct sunlight for a long time, as it is a source of ultraviolet radiation harmful to the body. True, not everyone thinks that in cloudy weather and even in winter, the same harmful UV radiation is still present in the light. This means that human skin needs protection all year round, and not just in summer.

What happens when sunlight hits the skin

Sunlight is a stream of photons, that is, particles with a certain energy. They are low-energy, which are safe for living beings. But there are also high-energy particles in the light flux. The latter are destructive, as they are capable of destroying DNA.

In addition, the Sun emits long and short electromagnetic waves. If the former are considered harmless, then the latter (they include ultraviolet and X-ray radiation) have a devastating effect on the human body. Fortunately, the Earth has a natural protective barrier in the form of the ozone layer, which reflects the most dangerous waves for living beings. But some of them still reach the surface of the Earth. Among them, two types of ultraviolet waves are considered the most dangerous for humans:

• UVA (mild);
• UVB (hard).

Under their influence, certain reactions are triggered in the body. Visible – a tan that appears due to the activation of melanin production. But at the same time, other changes are taking place:

• UVA destroys collagen, the protein responsible for skin elasticity;
• UVB causes redness and burns;
• both types of waves provoke DNA mutations, which then cause tumors.

There is a misconception that solar radiation is dangerous only for people with very fair skin. In fact, it is easier for fair-skinned and red-haired people to burn in the sun, but the carcinogenic effect of ultraviolet radiation is equally noticeable for all people, regardless of skin color, gender or age.

There are several ways to protect yourself from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation: avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, hide it under an umbrella and wrap yourself in clothes, or you can simply apply cream with SPF filters to your body every time you have to be outside for a long time.

How does sunscreen work

Sunscreen is a cosmetic product that contains particles that can protect the skin from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Sunscreens in cream can be physical or chemical. In the first case, the composition of the product includes the smallest particles that reflect UV on the principle of microscopic mirrors, preventing harmful rays from penetrating the skin. Most often this function in cosmetics is performed by zinc oxide.

Chemical filters are substances that absorb ultraviolet light and thus keep it away from the skin. Avobenzone is usually used as such a filter. For optimal protection, you should use creams that contain both types of filters.

When and how to use sunscreen

Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen daily, with a preference for products with an SPF of 30 or higher, which can block approximately 97% of UVB rays.

Even on cloudy days, almost 80% of carcinogenic ultraviolet radiation is able to penetrate the skin. ^[1]. And in the case of being near water, snow or sand, which reflect the sun’s rays, the need for protection increases even more. But even with sunscreen, avoid direct sun exposure between 10:14 and XNUMX:XNUMX. ^[2], and also at a time when your shadow is shorter than your height.

In order for sunscreen to perform its functions properly, it is important to apply a sufficient amount of product to the skin. According to American dermatologists, most people use only 25-50% of the required amount of sunscreen. ^[3]. A one-time portion of the product for 1 adult of average build is about 30 g. It is necessary to apply the cream about 15 minutes before sun exposure, and then it is advisable to renew the protective layer every 2 hours or after each bath, regardless of the cream protection index.

Benefits of using sunscreen daily

1. Protects against erythema (redness) and prevents sunburn

Sunburn isn’t just blood-red, blistered skin. Even slight redness that does not cause discomfort and pain is already burns. And even if at first they look quite harmless, but if the situation is repeated regularly, then over time it can lead to malignant degeneration in the skin cells.

2. Prevents the appearance and further progression of varicose veins

It is extremely important for people with vascular diseases to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, but if they take sunbathing, then only with the use of a protective agent.

3. Slows down photoaging

Ultraviolet radiation slows down the process of synthesizing collagen by the body, and, on the contrary, increases the production of enzymes that destroy this protein substance. Since collagen is the main substance responsible for skin elasticity, reducing its amount is a direct path to the formation of wrinkles and premature aging. Do you want to slow down aging? Then sunscreen should be used daily.

4. Prevents freckles and age spots

Under the influence of sunlight, the production of melanin is activated. As a result, not only a beautiful tan appears, but also age spots and freckles.

5. Maintains the natural radiance of the skin

If the skin is constantly exposed to sunlight, regeneration processes slow down in it. As a result, it looks dull, loses its natural radiance. The use of sunscreen avoids this.

6. Prevents the occurrence of various diseases

Regular exposure to the sun without protective equipment leads to a decrease in immunity ^[4]. Under the influence of UV increases the risk of exacerbation of rosacea, herpes, chicken pox, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, and allergies. In addition, ultraviolet radiation is considered a factor that enhances the growth of cancer cells, which is extremely dangerous for people with cancer and at risk.

The influence of sunlight on the human body has another dangerous feature that should not be forgotten. The effects of exposure to UV waves accumulate in the body. This means that sunburns received in youth can cause problems not immediately, but many years later. ^[5].

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