The importance of sun protection
Every time summer approaches, it is important to remember the importance of protecting our skin from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). Sun exposure can cause a number of skin problems, from premature aging to skin cancer. Therefore, it is essential to use good sun protection to properly care for our skin.
The SPF number and its meaning
When we buy a sunscreen, it is important to understand what the SPF number means. The SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, indicates the level of photoprotection offered by a cosmetic product. This number tells us how long we can remain exposed to the sun without risk of burns. For example, if we have light skin with a natural resistance to the sun of 10 minutes, applying a sunscreen with SPF 30 means that we will be protected for 300 minutes (10 minutes x 30). It is important to note that a higher SPF does not mean complete protection, but it does offer greater protection against UVB rays.
Renewal of sun cream
It is important to renew the application of sunscreen regularly to maintain effective protection. The frequency of renewal depends on several factors, such as sweating, rubbing of clothing and baths. If we bathe, it is necessary to reapply the cream afterwards, even if it is waterproof. In general, it is recommended to renew sunscreen every 2 hours to ensure adequate protection.
Oral photoprotectors
Oral sunscreens are complementary to topical protection and can provide deeper protection. These supplements stimulate repair mechanisms in the deepest layers of the skin and optimize our defenses against free radicals induced by ultraviolet radiation. It is recommended to start taking them at least a month before the holidays and they are indicated for all skin types from 6 years old.
Myths and good practices
There are several myths related to sun protection that it is important to banish. For example, the use of sunscreen does not prevent us from getting tan, but rather it protects us from damage caused by the sun’s rays. It is also important to remember that sun protection does not cause a vitamin D deficiency, since a few minutes a day of sun exposure are enough to maintain optimal levels of this vitamin. In addition, we must protect not only our skin, but also our lips, eyes and hair. Finally, it is essential to avoid direct exposure to the sun during the central hours of the day.
