By Augusta Adamou:
We are lucky to live in a country where the sun shines even in the winter months! The benefits are many, with a particularly significant positive effect on us. But what about the effect of the sun on our skin and how important is the use of sunscreen?
The radiation that affects our skin is ultraviolet (UV) and is divided into UVA and UVB. UVB penetrates the surface layer of the skin, causing tanning, sunburn and sunburn. UVA has been implicated in recent years and poses a serious threat, as it is the one that affects the genetic material of cells (DNA) and is responsible for photoaging and skin cancer (melanoma).
It is important to note that the effect of radiation is greater due to the ozone hole and especially during the summer months, when the rays fall vertically on the earth.
Indicatively, some harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation are:
• Sunburn
• Sunbathing
• Skin discolorations
• Stains
• Exacerbation of skin diseases
• Melanoma which is the most common cancer in women between the ages of 25-29 and the second most common cancer after breast cancer in the ages of 30-35.
• Aging, as 80% of wrinkles are due to the sun
So what should we do to protect ourselves?
First of all, it is essential to use face and body sunscreen with UVA and UVB filters. The number of our sunscreen index (SPF), symbolizes the multiple of our maximum time in the sun, without causing sunburn. For example, if we develop erythema in 10 minutes, using sunscreen with SPF 15 is allowed to stay 10 X 15 = 150 minutes. The choice of sunscreen also depends on our skin type, the so-called phototype. There are six photocopies and they are divided into the following categories:
Photocopy 0: White, very sensitive skin, blonde or red hair and light eyes. The safe time in the sun is 3-10 minutes. Recommended protection index SPF 50+.
Photocopy 1: Light and sensitive skin with blond hair and light eyes. The safe time in the sun is 10-15 minutes. Proposed protection index SPF 40.
Photocopy 3: Moderate light skin, slightly sensitive, with brown or blonde hair and various eye colors. The safe time in the sun is 20-30 minutes. Proposed protection index SPF 30.
Photocopy 4: Wheat skin, dark hair and brown eyes. The safe time in the sun is 40 minutes. Proposed protection index SPF 20.
Photocopy 5: Dark skin, dark hair and brown eyes. The safe time in the sun is 40 minutes. Proposed protection index SPF 15.
Are you using your sunscreen properly?
But there are rules we ignore when using sunscreen. For example, we need to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before our sun exposure. The quantity should be sufficient and evenly distributed. It is important not to forget areas such as the lips, nose, ears, upper lip or back of the hands. We should also be aware that air, sweat and sand reduce the action of filters, which makes it necessary to repeat the smears. During the summer months, as well as on the beach, it is recommended to repeat the application every two hours. Finally, we must pay special attention to children as sunlight acts cumulatively. For the first six months of life, children should not be exposed to the sun, while later it is recommended to use sunscreen with a high SPF index and stay in the shade.