In the past, sun exposure was considered a healthy benefit of outdoor activity. However, several studies have shown the many harmful effects of sun exposure, such as skin aging and skin cancer.
What kind of damage does sun exposure cause?
The sun’s energy reaches the earth in the form of radiation, some of it as invisible ultraviolet light rays. When these rays penetrate the skin (UVA and UVB), they damage skin cells, causing visible and invisible damage that manifests itself in an increase in the number of moles, freckles, wrinkles and skin cancer.
Sunburn is a type of visible damage that appears a few hours after exposure to the sun. In many people, this type of damage also causes increased tanning or pigmentation of the skin, which becomes apparent a few days after sun exposure. Freckles, which appear in people with fair skin, are usually due to sun exposure. They are almost always a sign of sun damage and are unmistakable evidence of the need for sun protection.
Ultraviolet light rays also cause invisible damage to skin cells. Some of the cell damage is repaired, but the rest adds up over the years. After 20 to 30 years or more, the accumulated damage manifests itself as wrinkles, age spots or even skin cancer.
Should we worry about sun protection on cloudy days?
Clouds block a good portion of type B ultraviolet radiation (those responsible for sunburn), but do not block type A ultraviolet radiation (those responsible for tanning). Consequently, the risk of sunburn is lower, but the skin is nevertheless exposed to the penetrating power of UVA rays that cause tanning and wrinkles. It is therefore important to stay protected from the sun even on cloudy days.
How to choose the best sunscreen?
If sun exposure is unavoidable, the sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas (e.g. face and hands). We should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. The protection capacity of a sunscreen is measured by its SPF. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection capacity, although the relationship is not linear. This means that a 100 SPF is not exactly twice as powerful as a 50 SPF, although it does have a higher protection power. Sunscreens labeled as “broad spectrum” indicate that they have passed UVA protection tests. The sunscreen should be applied generously to all exposed areas, including the ears and lips, but avoiding the eyelids. New forms of sunscreens are appearing every year and the choice of a particular brand or type depends on individual tastes. Sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc can give a whitish sheen to the skin and are not very cosmetic, although their protection power is very high.
Are spray sunscreens safe and effective?
Spray sunscreens should be applied carefully to the skin so as not to leave areas without product. It is best to pour the product into the palm of the hand and then apply it to the skin of the body.
What about vitamin D?
Vitamin D is essential for many processes in the body. Several studies have shown that regular use of sunscreen does not affect vitamin D levels. In people who practice rigorous sun protection, the recommendation of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is that vitamin D can be adequately obtained through a normal diet.
How to treat a sunburn?
- A cool shower or bath will help reduce the heat of the skin.
- Immediate application of moisturizing lotions can reduce the dryness associated with the burn.
- A topical corticosteroid cream may reduce inflammation.
- Oral ibuprofen can soothe inflammatory discomfort (pain, burning, redness).
- In case of blistering, evaluation by a dermatologist is preferable.