Summer is just around the corner, the days are longer, and temperatures begin to rise, and although for many it is the best time of year, it is very clear what the long hours of sun exposure entail for the health of the skin, to avoid future problems.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), there are currently between 2 and 3 million cases of non-melanoma cancer per year and 132,000 melanoma cases worldwide. One in three cancers diagnosed in the world is skinny and, as the Skin Cancer Foundation details, in the United States alone, it is estimated that one in five people will develop some kind of skin cancer throughout their lives. The overall incidence seems to increase year after year, and one of the main factors that predispose to its development is exposure to the sun and the history of burns of each person.
As reflected in the data of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (AEDV), only 18% carry out actions to protect themselves from radiation. The sun may bring benefits to our health, such as the development of vitamin D or serotonin production, but care must be taken not to be exposed excessively and in any case without any protection.
Thus, one of the most effective methods is the application of protective sunscreen, but each skin is different and, for this reason, each must use one product or another according to its skin sensitivity.
What is the Sun Protection Factor or SPF
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) indicates the protection capacity against UV rays that the product has. According to the 1975 classification devised by Harvard University dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, there are 6 different kinds of skin based on their tone, ease of burning, and ability to tan. It’s what’s known as the phototype. Thus, the lighter phototypes I and II skins will need higher protection. However, we should all use at least an SPF 30, which guarantees a 95 per cent protection.
Contrary to popular belief, high-performance sunscreens are not designed to keep us in the sun longer, but rather to minimize the negative effects of solar radiation in the short, medium, and long term. Even with protection, overexposure to the sun is dangerous. Any sunscreen, regardless of its SPF, should be reapplied every two hours at most.
In addition, there are several factors that reduce the effectiveness of the sunscreen protection, such as sweating, contact with water and sand on the beach, or the effect of friction with clothing. Therefore, according to specialists, it is necessary to apply cream to the skin at shorter intervals of time.
Tricks to protect against the negative effects of the sun
Although it has numerous advantages, prolonged sun exposure can have very negative health effects, such as burns or premature photoaging. It is therefore essential that, in addition to protection, several precautions be taken:
Avoid sun exposure between 12 noon and 4.30 p.m.
– Use elements such as umbrellas to prevent the sun from reaching the skin directly
– Sunbathe gradually to avoid sunburn.
– Stay well hydrated.