With the arrival of the much-anticipated month of December, we are greeted with the most awaited season of the year: summer! A time for vacations, beaches, pools, sun, and sea. Undoubtedly, a set of wonderful moments. However, amidst all the fun, we must not forget the essential precautions we should take during this time to preserve our health. Among these precautions, one of the most crucial is the proper use of sunscreen.
It is very common, in the excitement of vacations and leisure, to forget to apply sunscreen, and often, we spend hours under the sun’s exposure without any protection. As the intensity and duration of this exposure increase, we quickly begin to feel the negative effects: extreme redness, burning, and in more severe cases, even symptoms of sunstroke, accompanied by fever and intense discomfort.
To avoid these problems, the correct use of sunscreen is essential. Contrary to what some people believe, it is not enough to apply sunscreen every 2 or 3 hours. The proper procedure involves applying sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying it again 15 minutes after the start of exposure. Reapplication is only necessary if the body comes into contact with water, which can dilute the sunscreen. Otherwise, multiple applications during a short period of exposure are not urgently needed.
In addition to protecting against sunburn and sunstroke, the blocking of ultraviolet rays by sunscreen also helps in the fight against skin cancer, the most common type of tumor today, affecting about 25% of the population.
To ensure the effectiveness of protection, it is recommended to use sunscreens with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30. However, it is important to note that dermatologists classify skin into six different types, and for each of them, they recommend the ideal factor. Extremely fair and white skin (types 1 and 2) should use sunscreen with SPF 60. Medium to moderately fair skin (types 3 and 4) can use SPF 30. And dark to very dark skin (types 5 and 6) benefits from SPF 15.
Now, it is important to understand that sun protection should be a constant practice throughout the year. Although we associate the use of sunscreen directly with summer, it should be an integral part of our daily routine, even in winter or autumn when sun exposure is reduced. Ultraviolet rays are present all year round, and we should not wait for the sun to appear to remember to protect ourselves.
Continuous and unprotected sun exposure over time is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging and the appearance of spots and wrinkles. Moreover, excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can damage cellular DNA and contribute to the development of various types of skin cancer.
The Dangers of Unprotected Sun Exposure
The ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun can cause significant damage to our skin. UVB radiation is responsible for sunburn and is most intense during the summer and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. On the other hand, UVA radiation is more constant throughout the day and penetrates deeper into the skin, contributing to premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is a growing concern in the healthcare field, affecting millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of this type of cancer is increasing, and it is estimated that one in three cancer diagnoses corresponds to skin cancer.
To prevent skin cancer and other skin damage caused by sun exposure, the use of sunscreen is the primary protective measure. Additionally, it is important to adopt other healthy habits, such as avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, wearing clothing that protects the skin, such as hats and shirts with UV protection, and seeking shade whenever possible.
The Benefits of Proper Sunscreen Use
The correct use of sunscreen brings several benefits to skin health. Here are some of the main ones:
- Protection against sunburn: Sunscreen helps prevent painful sunburn, which can cause redness, peeling, and skin discomfort.
- Prevention of skin cancer: Regular use of sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancer, especially when applied to all sun-exposed areas.
- Delayed premature aging: Excessive sun exposure is associated with premature skin aging, such as the appearance of wrinkles, spots, and loss of elasticity. Sunscreen helps delay this process.
- Protection against UVA and UVB rays: Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects the skin from damage caused by UVA and UVB rays, which can damage cells and even DNA mutations.
- Prevention of spots and hyperpigmentation: Sunscreen helps prevent the formation of dark spots on the skin, such as freckles and melasma, by preventing the accumulation of melanin in specific areas.
- Maintains skin health: By protecting the skin from sun damage, sunscreen contributes to overall skin health, preventing future dermatological problems.
How to Choose the Ideal Sunscreen
With so many options available on the market, choosing the ideal sunscreen for your skin can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
- Identify your skin type: Knowing your skin type is essential for choosing the right sunscreen. Fairer or more sensitive skin may require a higher SPF, while darker skin may benefit from a lower SPF.
- Prefer broad-spectrum sunscreens: Opt for sunscreens that offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This is especially important to prevent cellular damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
- Consider the sunscreen’s texture: Choose a sunscreen with a texture that suits you and fits your routine. There are options in cream, gel, lotion, and spray, for example.
- Check if it is water-resistant: If you plan to be in the water, such as at the beach or pool, make sure to choose a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply it after leaving the water.
- Test before buying: Before buying sunscreen, test it on a small area of your skin to check for irritation or allergies.
- Check the expiration date: Sunscreens have an expiration date, so make sure the product is still within the validity period to ensure the effectiveness of protection.
The Importance of Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the main allies in maintaining skin health and preventing sun-related damage, including sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. It is essential to incorporate the use of sunscreen into your daily routine, regardless of the season, to ensure healthy and protected skin throughout the year.
Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type and proper application are crucial to ensure the effectiveness of protection. Additionally, it is important to adopt other protective measures, such as avoiding sun exposure during peak hours and wearing clothing that protects the skin.
Always remember: sun protection is an investment in long-term health, contributing to beautiful and healthy skin
over the years. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and enjoy the best of summer with responsibility and proper sun protection!
