Do you know how to choose the right sunscreen for you? Discover the recommendations to protect yourself from the sun and enjoy the heat
With the arrival of good weather, afternoons on the terraces, beach getaways, trips to the pool, picnics in the park begin.
Any piece of garden or beach is good for missing the sun. Find out what precautions you should take before sun exposure and what tips you should know to enjoy the summer risk-free.
Use sunscreen, always
Did you know that dermatologists recommend using sunscreen year-round? Even on cloudy days, when the sun seems hidden, we are exposed to ultraviolet rays.
In fact, you don't even have to leave the house. If you work at a computer, you are also exposed to the UV rays that screens emit, so this tip is also for you.
Use sunscreen, especially on your face , every day. If you do sports, hiking, beach, pool or any outdoor activity, never forget the protective cream in areas exposed to the sun.
The most serious and fatal skin cancer , melanoma, is mainly caused by exposure to the sun and that is why it is so important to protect yourself from the sun at all times.
FPS, UVB, UVA... How to choose the right sunscreen?
Do you know what the SPF or FPS is that you see on sunscreen packages? It is the sun protection factor of the product you are using and indicates the ability to filter solar radiation, in particular the type of UVB radiation .
When a person with fair skin uses a factor 10 protector, it means that it will take 10 times longer to burn than if they had not applied that sun product, that is, they can be protected for 100 minutes.
The level of protection depends on the skin type.
Those with fairer skin will need a stronger sunscreen. That is, light skin needs a very high Sun Protection Factor , above 50 .
For skin that is also fair but that tans easily, the protection level calls for protectors with SPF between 30 and 50.
For dark skin, the recommended protection factor is between 15 and 30. We are talking about people who tan quickly and do not usually have sunburns.
But skin tone is no exclusion factor when it comes to sunscreen. Even the darkest skin needs sunscreen, even if it may have a lower protection factor, less than 15, for example.
Babies and young children have even more limitations : they should not be in direct sunlight at the most critical times and they need stronger sunscreens.
Protection also depends on the type of protector chosen.
Some solar products only defend against the more common UVB rays. There is another type of solar radiation – UVA rays – which are not responsible for sunburn but cause other reactions.
UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin , which is why they are associated with the development of skin cancer and cause other reactions such as premature aging and the appearance of blemishes and allergies.
There are sunscreens that combine UVB and UVA protection . Just look carefully at the product packaging to find out if you are protecting yourself in the best way.
When in doubt, consult your dermatologist . Your doctor will know how to recommend the best sunscreen, according to your age and the needs of your skin.
By the way, talk to your dermatologist about the symptoms of skin cancers. Experts recommend paying attention to signs of skin that change appearance, color or size or have any other type of alteration.
How to use sunscreen
Pay attention: sun protection depends on the amount of product you apply , which must always be generous.
Apply sunscreen to all areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun, at least 15 to 30 minutes before exposure .
If you go to the bath, reinforce the sunscreen and never dispense with this protection even if you are in the shade.
Avoid sun exposure during peak hours
It's that recommendation we hear every year, but it's important to repeat. Sun exposure should be avoided during the hottest hours, between 11am and 5pm, but especially between 12pm and 4pm .
At these times, ultraviolet rays are stronger and the risks associated with them are greater.
We're not just talking about being at the beach or at the pool during the most dangerous hours.
If you leave the beach to be on the terrace in the sun, your body is also absorbing the sun's rays.
What can you do to protect yourself during the hottest hours?
Follow the shadow rule . If your shadow on the ground is longer than your height, it's a good time to be in the sun. On the contrary, avoid sun exposure if the shadow cast is lower than your height.
Wear long sleeves . It's difficult on very hot days, but if you are, for example, doing sports outdoors, your body will be exposed to the most dangerous rays of the sun unless you wear shirts without necklines and with long sleeves. Prefer dark colors if the fabric is less opaque, because they protect more against UV rays.
Don't forget the accessories . Wearing a hat during the hottest hours is essential to be protected. If you can, wear sunglasses with UVB and UVA protection.
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